About Phoenix Recovery Support Services

Celestine Gildersleeve serves as Vice President and CEO of Phoenix Recovery Support Services. With 20 years experience in substance abuse services, and an additional 6 years in customer service, product promotion, event planning and recruitment, Celeste brings considerable expertise; and many valuable contacts to her volunteer work and community service.Celestine has served as Regional Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Conference and Committee Chairperson and member for AHHAP (National Association of Halfway House & Alcoholism Programs), IAEC (Illinois Association of Extended Care), Women’s Housing Committee State of Illinois, among others.Celeste holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Social Services from Trinity University.

Vauna Hernandez, NCRS, CPRS, PHR, brings over 20 years of experience in Operations, Human Resources, and Transitional Housing. In 2000, Vauna made the bold decision to leave corporate recruiting and pursue her passion for working in transitional housing. She embarked on her career at one of the largest state-licensed recovery homes in the Chicagoland area, starting as an Intake Coordinator and later serving as the Program Manager for Pride housing, the IDOC programs, and a women's facility on the Northwest side.

Throughout her journey, Vauna has worked with various well-respected not-for-profit organizations, catering to underserved communities. She has served the Orthodox Jewish Community in Rogers Park and Northbrook, as well as the Latino Community in Pilsen. Now, she has come full circle as the Executive Director of Phoenix Recovery Support Services, a 100-bed state-licensed Recovery Home located in Chicago's west side, an area deeply impacted by the opioid epidemic.

Vauna's ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of organizations that provide opportunities to underserved communities and the individuals within them. She firmly believes in the power of offering opportunities and witnessing lives transform. Recognizing that we are not meant to navigate life alone, Vauna emphasizes the importance of mutual support and the impact that even a small amount of help can have in overcoming barriers and achieving success.

In addition to her role as Executive Director, Vauna actively leads the Fentanyl Workgroup in partnership with the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force - Prevention Partnership, Inc. She also contributes her expertise as a member of the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) Relationship and Advocacy Committees. Furthermore, Vauna serves on the Bethel New Life Board of Directors, holding a position within the Executive Committee, and acts as Vice President of the Road Foundations Board of Directors.