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Shelly Young works at the intersections of family systems, emotional and physical wellness, mental health, substance use, harm reduction, and recovery. She is a Writer, Documentary Filmmaker, Family Systems Consultant, and Subject Matter Expert with more than a decade of experience designing programs, guiding families, and advising organizations on evidence-based approaches to recovery.She is the Co-Director & Co-Producer of Together: Family Recovery, a powerful new documentary that redefines what recovery can look like through the lens of family. By weaving three family stories with expert commentary, the film highlights both the challenges and the pathways of healing, positioning Shelly as a thought leader and advocate for transforming outdated approaches to family recovery.Shelly holds a BA in Creative Writing and English and multiple professional certifications, including ARISE Family Systems, Anatomy of Transformation, Invitation to Change, and RYT 500. She blends research, lived experience, and proven practices to help families heal together and to equip organizations—from healthcare providers to law enforcement—with strategies that improve outcomes for individuals and their support networks.Current LeadershipExecutive Director, The Chris Atwood Foundation (Northern VA)Board Member, Unity Recovery (Philadelphia, PA)Vice President, Illume Family RecoverySTAR (Striving To Achieve Recovery) Family Program Facilitator, Fairfax County Adult Detention CenterShe is also the creator of the Family Recovery Conference, the first national virtual gathering dedicated to families navigating substance use. Her expertise has been sought by leading institutions—including Google—who have turned to her for guidance on how to better serve families impacted by mental health and addiction.When she isn’t working with families or organizations, Shelly can be found dancing at concerts, practicing the art of relaxation somewhere warm and sandy, or stirring it up over long table dinners with family and friends.