I am from Ohio in the Appalachian Mountains. My hometown has been largely associated with the local university, rated as a top 10 “party school” throughout most of my life. I grew up an only child with loving parents that emphasized structure and education as they both worked at the school. I struggled to fully appreciate the opportunities in my life. Many of my peers lived in the surrounding counties heavily impacted by poverty and substance abuse. Lack of personal certainty and confidence combined with declining mental health made the "partying" lifestyle appealing and easy. Not many in that environment expected much from me and I mistook that for freedom and comfort. I rebelled and fought with myself, which led to negative consequences of substance abuse for around twenty years. 

I could say I "should not be here", but that takes away from the grace given to me in entering into recovery. I "could not be here" feels more appropriate after overdoses, grief, pitiful physical and mental health and a traumatic brain injury. I have appreciation for each event in my life today. I use them as strength to remember who I really can be. After violating my parole in 2015 with my last overdose I finally sought treatment. I figured that prison would not help me change much since I wasn't very good at jail. I entered into medical detox and then the one residential treatment that would accept me. I was introduced to a world of recovery that I honestly did not even know existed! I was always around the "rehab is for quitters" crowd. I stand today with acceptance of that statement because "quitting" saved my life and my sanity, along with everyone that loves me. 

Eventually I began working for the rehab that let me in as a house monitor. They encouraged me and promoted me to become a case manager. I moved on to another residential facility, eventually assisting them to open a second sober living. My next opportunity was at a dual diagnosis or co-occurring facility. I truly enjoyed my years with them and learned a lot about myself from the director there. While working there I met my wonderful husband who is also from my hometown. He is also in recovery and we still learn about life together every day. After seven years away from home I was willing to give it my all and move back home to be close to our families. It was scary because I really had to face myself and my trauma, completely. I was hired by an OTP-Harm Reduction clinic and from January 2022 to June 2026 I learned an entirely new level of humility and gratefulness from their patients. It is amazing to see people fight for themselves and find appreciation for others in the process. I am grateful to every 12 step room and co-worker I have had the benefit of meeting over the years. They all poured into me when they certainly did not have to! I know it was in a plan for me to take these exact steps to become the blessed individual I am today!