Renee Jones is a dedicated mental health professional, speaker, and survivor advocate. Beginning her recovery on February 14, 2000, Renee overcame addiction and sex trafficking, discovering self-love and resilience. Originally from Ohio, she has spread her message of hope and growth to Alabama and Florida, where she now resides.
Renee holds a bachelor’s degree in human services with a concentration in child and family services and a master’s degree in mental health counseling. She is a certified mental health professional in Florida and an active member of several prominent organizations, including the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network, the National Alcoholism and Addiction Institute, the United States Institute Against Human Trafficking, and the Global Association of Human Trafficking Scholars.
Her leadership roles include service on the Community Health Activation Team and Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board in Cleveland, Ohio, chairing the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, and being a member of the Mental Health Board in Hernando County, Florida.
Renee founded the Reconnection to Life Inc. Women’s Center in Birmingham, Alabama, partnering with local organizations to support women re-entering society after incarceration. She also established I Speak Hope and serves as CEO, providing counseling services through her company, In Community Counseling LLC.
Her contributions to mental health and advocacy have earned her recognition, including the Mental Health Association of Central Alabama Award and the Birmingham Resolution Award. Renee has developed crisis intervention training for law enforcement and spoken on mental health, addiction, domestic violence, and human trafficking at various conferences, such as Counseling and Treating People of Colour, Krimes Against Kids, and the International Human Trafficking & Social Justice Conference.
Renee has shared her experiences through her radio show, "Sisters Talk," and her 2011 book, "Mama Ain’t Teach Me That," providing inspiration and hope to many on their own journeys to recovery and healing.