OUR BOARD
Stephanie FITZGERALD | President
Stephanie is a woman in long term recovery; she is a US Army Veteran who served overseas in Operation Iraq Freedom. She completed the Criminal Justice training program and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Business Management Degree from Northwest Florida State College and is currently pursuing a BA in Psychology Addiction Recovery at Liberty University. She grew up in a home of dysfunction, drugs and alcohol were normal, she followed the life she learned and spent many years lost in her circumstances. At the age of 30 everything changed when she came to know and began to trust in Jesus. Stephanie has dedicated her life to helping others find the freedom that she has found in Jesus Christ! She is currently the recovery minister at Crosspoint Church in Niceville, the founder of Freedom Life Compass, Inc., she serves as a state rep for Celebrate Recovery Inside jails and prisons, POC for Broken Chains JC, Vice Chair of the COC for NW Florida Homelessness & Housing Alliance and is involved in several other organizations. Stephanie is living on purpose for a purpose and gives all glory to God for the life she now gets to lead learn more at Stephaniejeanredeemed.com |
JACOB GILBERTSON | vICE PRESIDENT
Jacob Gilbertson is a dedicated Business Development Manager with Banyan Treatment Centers and a passionate advocate for individuals and families impacted by substance abuse and mental health challenges. With over a decade of experience in behavioral health, admissions, and community outreach, Jacob has built a career centered on compassion, connection, and hope.Drawing from his own long-term recovery, Jacob uses his personal journey to guide and support others seeking a path to healing. He has extensive experience in program development, admissions coordination, and relationship building across healthcare networks, treatment providers, and community organizations. His leadership roles at Banyan Treatment Centers and Recovery Bay Center have allowed him to expand access to quality care, strengthen referral relationships, and empower others to take the first step toward recovery. Throughout his career, Jacob has been recognized for his integrity, communication skills, and commitment to service. He has organized community events, led outreach initiatives, and spoken at recovery gatherings to promote awareness, education, and resources for those in need. Jacob lives in Crestview, Florida, and remains active in the recovery and faith-based communities across the Southeast. His mission is simple: to help others find the same opportunity for a new beginning that changed his own life. |
Brittany curry- secretary
Brittany Curry is a Financial Education Specialist with Eglin Federal Credit Union who is passionate about empowering individuals and strengthening communities through financial education, hope, and faith. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has eight years of experience serving vulnerable populations and working within the recovery community. Brittany is deeply committed to helping individuals and families build strong financial foundations while fostering lasting transformation through education, authentic relationships, and hope in the Lord. Her passion for recovery and community outreach has allowed her to collaborate with organizations and individuals dedicated to creating opportunities for growth, stability, and long-term success. Whether leading financial literacy workshops, partnering with community organizations, or supporting those working toward a brighter future, Brittany's mission is to create lasting change, restore hope, and help others discover financial freedom and renewed purpose. |
Toni Stokes - Lived exeprience Liaison
Toni is dedicated to helping others. She is a woman in long term recovery who benefited from sober living in her early years after incarceration and has a heart to provide the same support to other women. Tony has faithfully served as a Business Development Manager for over two decades with GS Gelato traveling nationally. She has progress in her career gaining momentum as a strong leader and sales professional. She is a servant and lover of people. We are so blessed to have Toni as part of the team; she is a guiding light for our residential facilities and our food truck operations. Her expertise in both of these areas is invaluable. |
Kimberly Cole | Attorney
Kim is an Emerald Coast native with deep roots in Okaloosa and Walton Counties. She is married to Craig and they have 2 children: daughter Sydney and son Benton. She attended Florida State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science Education. She is a proud supporter of FSU! Go NOLES! After college Kim attended Mississippi College School of Law in Jackson, Mississippi where she earned her Juris Doctorate. Recently Kim partnered with a fellow MCSOL graduate to form the law firm of Cole & Davis, PA in Niceville. She attends Crosspoint church at their Niceville campus. With a heart for service and a passion for this community, Kim is excited to see God moving and changing lives. |
Susan Dewitt | Treasurer
Susan is retired, she worked in accounts payable for 23 years. She is a mother of 2 boys and a grandmother of 6., She has a degree from Northwest Florida State College. She is active in her Women’s Bible Study and serves as a host at her church. She was raised in a God-centered home where service to others was practiced; especially those in need, and she is working with FLC to continue the tradition of selfless service she learned in her youth. |
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bringing both lived experience and nonprofit leadership to the organization's mission. As Stephanie Fitzgerald's brother, Rex's recovery journey is the reason Freedom Life Compass was founded. When he was ready to seek help after nearly 20 years of opioid addiction, there were few coordinated resources available to guide him, inspiring Stephanie to create an organization that ensures no one has to navigate recovery alone. After overcoming years of addiction, multiple life-threatening health complications, and tremendous adversity, Rex has now been in sustained recovery for more than nine years. Prior to joining the staff of Freedom Life Compass in June 2026, he served for five years as Executive Director of Project Hope Recovery Center—the Christ-centered recovery home where his own journey to recovery began. Rex is an ordained minister, Celebrate Recovery leader, mentor, and member of Broken Chains JC. He is passionate about sharing the hope of Jesus Christ and helping others discover lasting freedom through faith, recovery, and community. Rex and his wife are proud parents to their son, Adam, and are committed to serving others through ministry and recovery.
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FLC OVERVIEW & INTRODUCTION Check out this great Welcome to our Page! Want to know more about Freedom Life Compass? Take a look at this video from our founder, Stephanie, about our humble beginnings and where we're going with our mission. We appreciate your support and your ongoing prayers and love! We're glad that you're here with us!! video |