Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvia Huron.
Hi Sylvia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Recovery is a deeply personal journey—one that often demands resilience, courage, and
unexpected sources of healing. For me, that source was fly fishing. What began as a simple
pastime evolved into a lifeline and my role as Executive Director and co-founder of Reeling in
Serenity, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals in active recovery from
substance abuse.
For years, I battled alcohol addiction. My turning point came when my son, Ian Huron, and a
dear family friend intervened, guiding me toward rehabilitation. With unwavering support from
family and friends, I have now been sober for nine years—a milestone that fills me with
gratitude and purpose. The road was far from easy, but along the way, I discovered the power of
community and the healing potential of nature.
After completing treatment, Ian encouraged me to return to something I had loved since
childhood: fishing. His suggestion to try fly fishing changed everything. It became more than a
hobby—it was a lifeline. Fly fishing offered focus, peace, and a sense of control while
reconnecting me with the natural world. Most importantly, it gave me a way to give back to
others walking the same path.
The vision for Reeling in Serenity began with my best friend, Rebecca (Becca) Sue Klein, whose
passion for helping those in recovery was unwavering. In January 2025, Becca lost her battle
with cancer, but her dream lives on through our work. In 2019, Becca, Ian, our dear friend
Jennifer Gilbert, and I gathered around my kitchen table and committed to turning Becca’s vision
into reality. Together, we launched Reeling in Serenity as a nonprofit organization.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to provide individuals in recovery with an opportunity to
find peace and connection through nature. We host one-day fly fishing retreats designed for
adults in active recovery. No prior fishing experience is required—we supply all gear, meals, and
create a safe space for sharing stories and building community. These retreats are more than
fishing trips; they are moments of serenity, healing, and hope. To date, we have held retreats in
Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, Vermont, and Montana. Every
member of our volunteer staff and board has been touched by addiction—whether through
personal experience or through a loved one.
Today, Reeling in Serenity stands as a testament to the power of connection, nature, and shared
purpose. What began as a vision around a kitchen table has grown into a thriving nonprofit,
thanks to an incredible team of staff and board members who share an unwavering dedication to
supporting recovery.
The relationships we have built through the fly-fishing community have been vital to our
success, and we are deeply grateful for the support that continues to sustain our mission. Each
retreat is more than a day on the water—it is an opportunity for healing, reflection, and hope.
Every cast, every conversation, and every shared story reminds us why we started: to help others
discover that, even after addiction, life can be beautiful, purposeful, and full of serenity.
At Reeling in Serenity, we believe recovery is not just about overcoming challenges—it is about
rediscovering joy, building community, and embracing the peace that nature provides. With
every retreat, we reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where individuals in recovery can
find strength, serenity, and a renewed sense of possibility.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The challenges have been starting a 501c3 from scratch. Although Becca, our founder had a wealth of knowledge regarding non-profits based on her long career with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, we did not. It has been an extreme learning curve. We have faced many challenges. Building relationships with other non-profits, learning from each other and sharing resources and ideas has been vital to our success.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have been a registered nurse for over 20 years, so taking care of others and giving back to my community have always been important to me. I’m most proud of my sobriety, as it gives me a personal perspective of helping others who are struggling from addiction. I think being able to turn a part of your life that was devasting to you and those you love into something positive is essential to moving forward.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Being proud of who I am and learning to forgive myself. My past is part of what made me who I am today, and my addiction and recovery lead me to the life I lead today. I don’t dwell on the past – I try to live each day to the fullest and I protect the time I need to re-fill my cup! Being on the water and fly fishing, especially with my son Ian, are vital to my sobriety and being at peace with myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reelinginserenity.org
- Instagram: Reeling in Serenity
- Facebook: Reeling in Serenity
