MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - At 2 o’clock this past Wednesday afternoon (8/5/2026), folks gathered in front of the Rutherford County Recovery Court at 525 N. University St. to name the facility to honor Senior Judge Don R. Ash and Founding Director Mary C. Schneider, LAPSW, two people whose work didn’t just shape the program—they built its backbone. A new monument now stands proudly marking their legacy for anyone who walks through those doors.

During the ceremony, Ash reflected on 26 Years of change. He founded what was originally known as the Drug Court Program back in 2000. At that time Ash was the circuit court judge for the 16th Judicial District. What started as a bold idea—treatment instead of incarceration, accountability paired with compassion—has grown into one of Tennessee’s most respected recovery court models. 

Judge Ash told WGNS, “I am truly honored. It is also so important we recognize the work of Mary as our first director. This community has been such a blessing to Rita and I. Special thanks to the staff of the recovery courts plus Mayor Carr and our county commission.”

Even after retiring from full‑time service, Ash continued statewide work as a Senior Judge, but his influence in Rutherford County never drifted far from home.

Schneider’s steady hand and heart was beside the judge through much of that journey as the longtime director. Her name may not appear in statewide judicial directories, but is well‑known in local hallways and among graduates of the program. Federal NPI records list her as the authorized official, and Tennessee licensing documents identify her as the director. Her work stretched from case management and counseling support to grant writing, MRT and Prime for Life instruction, and the everyday encouragement that kept participants moving forward. Ask anyone who’s been through the program, and they’ll tell you Schneider wasn’t just staff—she was a lifeline.

A ceremony rooted in community made-up Wednesday’s dedication: Ash reflected on the program’s evolution, while Schneider emphasized the community effort required to sustain specialized court dockets. Their message was simple: recovery takes a village, and Rutherford County has shown-up for 26 years.

With the monument now in place and the building officially bearing their names, the county has ensured that future generations will know exactly who helped carve out this path to hope. A special thank you to Senior Judge Don R. Ash and Founding Director Mary C. Schneider for the legacy of life-changing love they put into the Rutherford County Recovery Court program.

Rutherford County’s Recovery Court was built for one purpose: to give people struggling with addiction a real chance at turning their lives around — not just serving time. At its core, the program is designed to reduce repeat offenses by addressing the root causes of substance‑related crime. Today, Recovery Court continues under Judge Jimmy Turner, giving citizens a second chance at life.