Staff Spotlight: Callie Aaron
At Family Service Rochester (FSR), Callie Aaron serves in the Family Advocacy, Recovery, and Restoration (FARR) program. Originally from Plymouth, Minnesota, Callie’s path into social work reflects a blend of personal values, formative experiences, and a willingness to step outside her comfort zone in pursuit of meaningful impact.
A graduate of Wayzata High School, Callie went on to attend Winona State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work in 2022. While she didn’t begin college with a clear plan to enter social work, her desire to help people and connect across differences led her there. A pivotal high school class focused on open dialogue and shared experiences helped shape her perspective reinforcing the importance of creating safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and respected.
Callie’s introduction to Rochester came through her internship at Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge, where she worked primarily with individuals experiencing substance use disorders. “I wanted to push myself into something unfamiliar,” she shared. The experience deepened her understanding of recovery as a process rooted in community, connection, and support, principles that now anchor her work in FARR.
At FSR, Callie works closely with mothers navigating recovery and parenting, helping them build stability, relationships, and support systems. The FARR program offers a year of voluntary services, including case management, group facilitation, and advocacy. Callie walks alongside clients through complex systems, connecting them to resources, attending court or child protection meetings, and providing consistent, nonjudgmental support.
A defining feature of FARR is its emphasis on community. Through twice-weekly groups, women share their lived experiences, explore challenges related to recovery and parenting, and build trust with one another. Callie helps facilitate these conversations, creating space for vulnerability and growth. The program also offers practical supports like meals and childcare during sessions, reducing barriers to participation. “It’s really about building connections and repairing relationships,” she explains, noting that peer support is often what makes the greatest difference.
Beyond structured programming, Callie also helps organize “sober social” activities. These are opportunities for participants to connect outside of traditional group settings. Whether it’s bowling, river tubing, or small creative projects, these experiences foster confidence, connection, and joy in recovery.
Since joining FSR in 2022, Callie has seen the FARR program expand across multiple counties, reflecting both its impact and growing need. She currently carries a full caseload in Rochester and continues to support outreach efforts to bring the program to more communities.
What keeps Callie grounded is not just the work itself, but the culture of support within FSR. She describes the organization as welcoming, collaborative, and deeply committed to both staff and clients. “My team has my back,” she says, recalling moments when colleagues stepped in during personal challenges. That sense of shared purpose and care extends across the agency, reinforcing her commitment to the work.
Looking ahead, Callie expects to continue growing both within the field of substance use recovery and beyond. For now, she’s focused on where she is: building relationships, supporting families, and helping create pathways to stability and hope.
