The New Directions for Women Foundation Names Heather Black-Coyne as New Executive Director

New Directions for Women (NDFW) proudly announces Heather Black-Coyne, LMFT, CADC II as the nonprofit’s new Executive Director. Black-Coyne most recently served as Chief Clinical Director and now brings her expertise to transforming the lives of women in relationship with addiction to the 48-year organization.

“We are grateful to have Heather leading New Directions. Her expertise, compassion, and deep commitment to women’s recovery carry forward the organization’s nearly fifty-year legacy of healing and hope. Heather exemplifies the heart of our mission—showing that through empathy, understanding, and innovation, women can rebuild their lives with strength, dignity, and renewed purpose,” said NDFW Foundation Board Chair Dan Carracino.

One of the county's sole nonprofit addiction facilities dedicated to women and children, New Directions for Women provides a safe, healing environment for women to find recovery. There is a keen focus on education while supportive figures are brought into client's lives to begin a process responsive to the specific experiences of the clients. Space is created for women to formulate stories beyond the addiction and mental health challenges and learn to define recovery for themselves.

Heather Black-Coyne has a personal journey of addiction and experience with long-term recovery. Her professional career in addiction treatment spans over 15 years and she remains dedicated to serve across multiple levels of care, populations, and the administration of treatment. With a passion for gender-responsive treatment, her work is dedicated to the development and implementation of treatment approaches that recognize and address the needs and experiences of women. Her core belief of the power of storytelling is also reflected in her approach to leadership.

"I am humbled and honored to accept the stewardship of executive director at New Directions for Women. Serving women and bringing forth their stories of life, health, and hope is at the core of who I am, who we are. There is a legacy of women who have laid the foundation for our organization. We, myself included, are committed to having a space where women can recover with grace and dignity,” says Heather Black-Coyne.

A resident of the rural Silverado community, Black-Coyne is married and the couple have five children combined and recently welcomed a new grandchild. Heather cherishes time with family, grand-puppies and enjoys crafting, gardening and reading.

For more information about New Directions for Women, visit newdirectionsforwomen.org.

About New Directions for Women

Founded in 1977, New Directions for Women (NDFW) provides gender-specific addiction treatment services that are family-centered promoting healthy parenting, preventing domestic violence, and assisting in family reunification. NDFW’s addiction treatment program was created in response to a shortage of affordable and accessible rehabilitation treatment services for women suffering from alcoholism, substance use disorder and other related issues.

NDFW began in part by Pamela Wilder with support from Junior League of Orange County. The New Directions for Women Foundation was created to ensure care for women in financial need through the Pamela Wilder Scholarship Fund.

Since its inception, NDFW has served over 7,000 women and nearly 700 children while more than 200 babies have been born to mothers completing their comprehensive on-site program.

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