I have experience of substance abuse and depression, as well as childhood, adolescent, and adulthood traumas. I was first introduced to drugs in the sixth grade I think I was 12.I considered smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol recreational activities. Where I grew up these activities was the norm {everybody was doing it). My parents had split and I was living with my mother only. It wasn't until1990 that realized I had a problem and couldn't just stop anytime I wanted too. By this time, I had progressed too much harder and addictive drugs. In 1993 my grandmother got killed and I began to self-medicate. I got in trouble and was sent to prison. I was released and got my life back on track, but the one part of my life I never addressed was my addiction and addictive behavior. I was in denial of actually having a problem. In 2001 my mother passed away and shortly after, I was back in prison with a 10 year sentence. I was faced with getting it together or being another statistic. Over the years, I have had difficulty with my emotions and relationships.

In 2009 I was promoted for good behavior to a work release program. In 2010, I was hired by Freedom House Recovery Center to work in a 24 hr crisis unit as the cook in the kitchen. As I served the people I also began to share my experience and I told my story to anyone who would listen. In 2011 I was released from prison. I worked on getting all the training necessary to become a Health Care Counselor and upon release I was offered a full time position working primarily on the crisis unit. I first heard about peer support in 2012 from a friend who had recently taken the training. His words to me were, Peer Support is the title for the work you already do, and you just need you certification. I attended a Wellness Recovery Action Plan workshop, and developed my first WRAP. Soon after, I was in a class to get my certification. It was now 2013 and after passing the peer support exam, I received my certification as a peer support and wellness specialist. I became a full time peer support specialist along with my duties as a Health Care Counselor.

After over two years on the front line of the crisis facility I began to facilitate groups, such as art journaling, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), Pathways to Recovery, and one on one intervention. I would love to become a facilitator, training future peer support specialists. I also want to work as a Peer Support Specialist Volunteer involved In the Crisis Intervention Team {CIT) training of law enforcement officers. One thing I have noticed since I first became a peer support and wellness specialist, is that it has not only given great value to all the trauma and struggles with substance abuse and depression that I have experienced, but it, and my marriage to my lovely wife and best friend, have been awesome sources of healing. Only a short time ago, one of my peers asked me if I was happy. Without hesitation, I responded from the depth of my heart, "Yes, I am truly happy."