Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tina Miller. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Tina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

As a survivor of childhood trauma, rape, domestic violence, addictions and mental health issues, I struggled terribly in high school to focus on academics. Overwhelmed by learning disabilities and ADHD, forced to sit in a chair for 6 hours a day and try to listen to a teacher surrounded by constant distractions was torturous for me. Not to mention, emotionally, I was an absolute mess!
After working over 26 years in Social Work, Education, and Juvenile Justice, I created Victory High Schools in Tampa Bay for teens just like me. Survivors. Thrivers. Individuals that deserve a second, third, and fourth chance to soar. Creative types with an entrepreneurship skillset and passion towards looking to utilize innovativeness to solve the worlds troubles.
Victory High Schools are non-profit private schools for teens struggling to recover from substance use disorders and mental illness. Many of our students have survived multiple overdoses and suicide attempts before attending Victory High Schools. While attending VHS, our students receive Mental Health Services, Recovery Support, and an Education in a safe healing centered environment.
I am the Founder and Executive Director of the non-profit organization: Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay, Inc. and Principal of the 3 schools.

Tina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a woman in long term recovery from addictions and what that means is I have not had a mind- or mood-altering substance since January 31, 1998. My sobriety is the foundation of my passion for Victory High Schools. For those of us in recovery, mentoring others keeps us sober. All of my staff at Victory High Schools are in recovery from something which builds trust with our students and gives them hope.
I am most proud of how incredibly passionate and dedicated my staff are with our students and families. They truly care. They want our students to succeed. It is amazing to witness the relationships forming every day. Relationships that will last a lifetime.
Victory High Schools are a beacon of hope for teens that are hopeless and feel like they do not belong. We have had students attend our schools and say, “Victory High School makes me want to live!” Other students have said, “Victory High Schools have given me the opportunity to graduate and restored my relationship with my family!”

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

The first Victory High School opened in April 2021, I prayed and said, “If you give me one student God, I will open this school.” And I got two students! Both young people were survivors of multiple suicide attempts, overdoses, and foster care system.
As our school grew to five students, I was the Founder and Executive Director, Teacher, Counselor, and everyone else since I was the only employee. Since I started this non-profit organization with zero dollars, it was a struggle as a single mother going through a divorce and trying to keep a roof over my son and my head. While sitting with my five students at school, one assumed I got paid a lot of money, he said, “Ms. Tina, you must be getting that bank!”
I replied back, “I actually have not received a paycheck in 6 weeks!” Dumbfounded, my students looked at me terrified for my well-being and asked, “Why the hell are you here!”
I proceeded to tell them that if Victory High School was not here for them, they probably would not be alive, let alone earn their diploma. From that day forward, my students have respected me. I was not doing this for the money. Heck, I was not even getting paid most of the first year of starting this non-profit.
Over the last 4 years, it has been a struggle financially. We are so grateful for those supporters that have made tax deductible donations, corporate companies that have donated, funders that have approved our a third of the fifty-nine grant applications I have submitted, and those of you that have supported our annual fundraisers. It truly has been a learning process and unending ask to save our students lives. I have faith that God will provide where He guides.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Professional work experience, volunteering in the community, and always learning from leadership has helped me building my reputation. More people believed in me before I believed in myself. I remember going to lunch with a work colleague in 2017 and she suggested I become a CEO. I let a sigh and annoyingly asked, “Excuse me?”
I never saw myself as a trailblazer, leader, or CEO material!
What I do encompass are leadership skills, fearlessness, and the ability to pivot when needed! All essential keys to developing a phenomenal leader.
I am grateful today for those who spoke to the winner in me before I started winning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.frsoftb.com
• Instagram: FRSOFTB
• Facebook: Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay
• Youtube: Florida Recovery Schools of Tampa Bay

Image Credits

Kelly Clarkson Show