As a child, I grew up with my little brother and mother, who battled deep trauma and ultimately relied on substances to cope with the pain of abuse and homelessness. For as long as I can remember, I took on the role of protector. I found a sense of belonging among an older crowd who were involved in substance use and dealing. Before I was even a teenager, I was largely on my own, adapting to that lifestyle and doing whatever I could to survive until I was old enough to work.

Substances were simply a way of life. At the time, I believed it was normal. Drugs and alcohol became a form of currency in the world around me. Then tragedy struck repeatedly. Within a short period of time, my mother lost her life due to an assault. Soon after, I lost the family I had built, including my daughter and her grandparents, to carbon monoxide poisoning. Not long before that, the father I had only come to know as an adult lost his battle with PTSD and alcohol use and took his own life.

When trauma and grief overwhelmed me, substances became my only source of comfort. I found myself fighting the same demons that had destroyed so much of my childhood and taken so many people I loved. For several years, I struggled alone and afraid, trying to cope while criminal charges and legal consequences entered my life. I cycled through day report programs, hospitals, and 28-day treatment programs for nearly two years.

Everything began to change when I found a recovery community through Hampshire County Pathways. At first, I was guarded, hesitant to trust anyone, and uncomfortable with conversations about God because of past experiences that had pushed me away from AA and NA meetings. Over time, however, I found healing through community, accountability, and faith.

Today, with the guidance of my Higher Power and the support of the recovery community I immersed myself in, I no longer run from pain. Instead, I have learned how to manage it in healthy ways through faith, connection, recovery education, and accountability. I made the decision to focus on becoming the best version of myself so I could give back what was so freely given to me: hope.

As a result of my support system and dedication to recovery and personal growth, I am now a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health, a mental health advocate involved in Christian counseling, and a wellness facilitator. I continue to grow both personally and professionally with the support of my community.

I am grateful for the opportunity to join the team at Accountable and to support others on their journey toward wellness and recovery. My goal is to provide encouragement, hope, and support as individuals work to build lives they are proud to lead.

I truly believe there are no limits to recovery. Success is small steps repeated over time, and there is always hope.

We do recover — together.