Testimonials & Staff

Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP) Testimonials

"This house is so much more than a house for me to lay my head at night. It has become my home, not just for me but for others as well. This is a safe and sober environment for college students to maneuver through the tough road of being in recovery while receiving a college education. It has given me an opportunity to achieve the degree I want to pursue, at an unbelievable university. I am truly blessed. Fairfield has given me the opportunity to restore integrity and credibility back into my life. For it to be over two and half years since my last drink, it is nothing short of a miracle - for what Fairfield has done for me, is nothing short of a miracle. "

"Collegiate Recovery Program has allowed me to live the life I've always dreamed of at college, yet clean and sober. It is a safe house when necessary with guys working toward the same goal. CRP has made the tough task of going to college sober, that much easier. I don't think I'd be where I am today without CRP."

"Fairfield University's Collegiate Recovery Program helped me get back into school after being suspended twice. It gave me a sober environment to live in and provided a clean college experience. I can't be thankful enough – this program will revolutionize the future of collegiate recovery."

"As a newly recovering alcoholic I was worried about returning to life on campus, and how I would adjust to a sober life amongst my typical college-student peers. The CRP has relieved my anxieties by providing a close-knit support network which focuses on a sober lifestyle, and brings forth a great group of students who are more than willing to offer help and get involved in activities. The CRP has made a sober college life manageable!"

"I was waiting to be expelled or thrown in jail. I only knew how to live a life with drugs and alcohol. Fairfield University's Collegiate Recovery Program and the members of the CRP community showed me how to live a life I could be proud of and that could be positive. The CRP has helped me become a person, a student, a brother, a son, and an uncle for the first time in my life. I couldn't do it alone, I needed all the help CRP gave me."

"Before learning about Fairfield University’s Collegiate Recovery Program, I couldn't imagine staying sober at college. With the constant peer pressure staying sober seemed to daunting of a task. CRP has given me a home and an opportunity. It's helped make college a fun, sober, and enriching experience."

Collegiate Recovery Staff

Lisa Arnold, MFT, LADC Clinical Director

Lisa Arnold graduated from the University of Connecticut earning her BA in psychology in 1994 and attended graduate school at Fairfield University, earning her MA in 1997. In 2002, she became a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the State of Connecticut and currently has over 25 years experience working with addiction and recovery in a variety of treatment settings including detox, rehabilitation, extended care, drug court, private practice, and higher education. Lisa chairs the CRP Advisory Board and is a member of the AOD Advisory board committee on campus. Lisa has worked at Fairfield University since 2002. In addition to her clinical director role, she is a psychotherapist in Counseling & Psychological Services and works closely with the Dean of Students’ Office with students who are documented for substance use on campus to help them find healthy alternatives and improve their college experience.

Joshua Orndorff Recovery House Manager

Joshua Orndorff is a graduate student in the Master of Data Science program at Fairfield University. He has worked as the House Manager for the Recovery House since the Fall of 2023.

Joshua is enthusiastic about helping others on their path to a sober graduation. Some of his hobbies include camping, hiking, volleyball and skiing. Joshua is responsible for taking members to meetings, hosting house meals, planning recreational activities and testing members. He is excited to mature into his role as the house manager and to serve others.

Joshua Orndorff Recovery House Manager