FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2025
Kentucky-Based Center for Trait-Based Transformation Leads First-in-the-Nation Pilot of Strength Spark, an AI Companion for Recovery and Prevention
A Kentucky-founded behavioral health organization is anchoring a multi-state study using human-centered AI to support recovery and youth prevention.
CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY — A Kentucky organization is leading the nation in launching Strength Spark, an AI-powered companion designed to support individuals participating in Trait-Based Recovery and Trait-Based Prevention programs. The Center for Trait-Based Transformation (CTBT), founded in Kentucky and now expanding nationwide, has initiated the first multi-state pilot of its kind, bringing Strength Spark into treatment centers, a pretrial diversion program, a recovery high school, a public school district, and a community-based leadership project across the country.
Built on the Trait-Based Model recently published in Nature Portfolio’s Scientific Reports, Strength Spark helps adults and youth strengthen identity, resilience, emotional regulation, and leadership skills outside traditional program settings. The national pilot will generate one of the first multi-state datasets examining the impact of AI-supported, strengths-centered reflection across prevention and recovery environments.
Kentucky Sites at the Forefront of Innovation
Three Kentucky treatment providers are among the earliest pilot partners:
• All Together Recovery (Danville, KY) – Men’s residential treatment
• Revive Life House (Nicholasville, KY) – Men’s residential addiction treatment
• Serenity House (Inez, KY) – Residential recovery for pregnant and parenting mothers
These Kentucky leaders join a national lineup that includes the 2nd Judicial District Pretrial Diversion Program (Albuquerque, NM), Bridges APG Recovery High School (Seattle, WA), McKinley Academy within the Manitowoc Public School District (Wisconsin), and a Central Kentucky community-based program serving 100 adults in recovery and 50 youth in leadership development, all using Strength Spark as a digital companion.
A Human-Centered Approach to Behavioral Health and SEL
Strength Spark is non-diagnostic, private, and designed to complement—not replace—treatment, counseling, or classroom instruction. It offers brief, identity-centered reflections that help individuals stay grounded, aware, and connected to their growth throughout the day.
“The behavioral health field needs tools that honor the humanity of the people we serve,” said Dr. Jason Roop, Founder and CEO of the Center for Trait-Based Transformation. “Strength Spark is not replacing anyone’s treatment. It’s a companion that reinforces identity, resilience, and strengths. By launching this pilot across Kentucky treatment centers, justice programs, schools, and community sites, we’re able to study how ethical, human-centered AI can support emotional well-being and belonging at scale. This is a chance to rethink what support can look like in everyday life.”
Partner Perspectives
“Students benefit from tools that support emotional awareness, identity, and belonging,” said Stephanie Boncher, Principal of McKinley Academy in the Manitowoc Public School District. “Strength Spark is private, simple, and student-centered, and we’re excited to be among the first sites in the country piloting it as part of this national initiative.”
A Research-Supported Framework
The Trait-Based Model has already demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety and depression and meaningful gains in resilience, creativity, and emotional intelligence, as documented in CTBT’s Scientific Reports publication. The 2025–2026 Strength Spark pilot will expand research to examine how AI-assisted reflection enhances engagement, identity formation, and recovery/prevention outcomes across diverse settings.
Looking Ahead
CTBT will release early pilot findings in mid-2026 and anticipates continued growth among treatment centers, Kentucky school districts, justice programs, and community organizations seeking identity-centered tools to strengthen recovery, prevention, and emotional well-being.
Media Contact
Center for Trait-Based Transformation
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