Kayla's Story: Recovery is a Journey - Not a Destination

Recovery is more than simply putting substances down. To me, recovery means support, growth, and the ongoing work of staying sober, one day at a time. 

My name is Kayla, I am 29 years old and I am from Texas, still living in the same town I was raised in. I am honored to step into my role as a Recovery Coach, because helping others has always been more than just a career to me. It is my passion and my dream.

Walking alongside others

As an LCDC, I have had the opportunity to walk alongside people as they navigate some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. But my understanding of recovery doesn’t come only from professional experience. I am also a person in recovery. I come from a life of heavy addiction, visiting loved ones that were in and out of prison, and eventually coming into my own addiction as a teenager- that continued into my adult life. 

My own journey has taught me that recovery does not happen in isolation. There are days when we need encouragement, days when we need accountability, and days when we simply need someone to remind us that we are capable of making it through another day. The day I realized I had a problem with alcohol is the day I also realized just how strong my support system is. I remember being intoxicated on my porch and my children being in the house. I called my uncle in Boston and told him through drunken tears, "I think I have a problem." My dad showed up on my doorstep less than 20 minutes later. 

Faith and support

For me, faith has been a tremendous part of that journey. My relationship with God, along with the support of the people around me, has been one of the greatest sources of strength in my recovery. I have learned that asking for help is not a weakness, it is an important part of becoming stronger.

That is one of the things I hope to bring to the people I serve.

What I hope to bring

I want every person I work with to feel welcomed, respected, heard, and supported. Recovery looks different for every person, and I believe everyone deserves the opportunity to walk their own journey without shame or judgment.

Being a Recovery Coach isn’t about having all the answers or telling someone how to live their life. It is about walking beside them, offering encouragement, helping them recognize their strengths, and reminding them that their past does not have to determine their future.

I believe there is hope beyond addiction. I believe people can change. I believe recovery is possible. And most importantly, I believe that no one should have to walk that journey alone.

My hope is that when someone sits down with me, they don’t just see an LCDC or a Recovery Coach. I hope they see someone who understands the importance of support, believes in their ability to grow, and genuinely cares about where their journey takes them.

Recovery is a journey—not a destination. And sometimes, having someone willing to walk beside you can make all the difference.