Meet Denise and Jackie Freed

We’re a mother-daughter duo on a mission to make a real difference in the world of mental wellness and personal growth. We each have our own unique stories to share, and we can’t wait to connect with you and be part of your journey.

  • Founder

    Denise Freed’s life in sobriety is a powerful story of transformation and resilience. After battling teenage addiction, dropping out of high school, and struggling to support herself, Denise chose sobriety at age 20, beginning a profound personal journey.

    Through the support of 12-step meetings and guidance from her sponsor Claire S., Denise found strength in community, self-reflection, and spiritual growth over the past 38 years. She learned the power of connection, amends, and forgiveness through the practice of the Twelve Steps.

    Realizing that many people lacked access to resources for mental and spiritual health, especially during the COVID pandemic, Denise began writing to share her experiences. She hoped to offer a path to healing for those struggling with anxiety, depression, or seeking spiritual growth outside of organized religion.

    In collaboration with her daughter Jackie, they adapted the traditional 12-steps into more relatable language and co-created the Emergency Protocol Podcast and the 12 Steps for Everyone Program. Together, they provide supportive spaces for open conversations about sobriety, mental health, and life's challenges.

    Denise’s journey serves as a reminder that recovery is not a destination but an ongoing process of hope, faith, and courage.

  • Founder

    Jackie Freed is a passionate advocate for mental health, and firm believer in the value of practicing unconditional positive regard towards self and others. Growing up in a sober “village” of friends and family, Jackie developed a deep appreciation for the complexities of mental health and sobriety from an early age. However, it wasn’t until college that she received her first professional mental health support, and received diagnoses of generalized anxiety, depression, and ADHD (questionable, according to Denise). 

    Jackie’s commitment to wellbeing and self-discovery drives her work on the Emergency Protocol Podcast and 12 Steps for Everyone program, where she and Denise co-create safe spaces for discussions about mental health, recovery, and personal growth. By sharing openly and honestly, she hopes to encourage people to actively seek support and connection, embrace self-advocacy, and unlearn the shame of struggling with mental health disorders.

    With a B.A. in Psychology and a keen interest in holistic wellness, Jackie integrates these perspectives into her daily life and 12 Step practices. She believes in the powers of community, psych meds, the “Universal Mother,” and puppy kisses, and in the value of witnessing and being witnessed. Her mission is to empower individuals to gently and curiously examine their mental health, and to embrace their everyday miracles.

    Jackie’s journey is one of compassion, and sometimes white-knuckling it, inspiring others to embrace themselves with courage and resilience (even if she is still constantly dehydrated).