Angela is a wife, mother of five, and a grandmother to seven children. She was born and raised in San Diego, CA and moved to North Carolina in 1996. She is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Associate since 2022 and a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist since 2017. Angela is a person in long term recovery who is an advocate with a dedication to reducing stigma, aiding the homeless, and supporting those in need. Angela has spoken at community recovery rallies and on Crisis Intervention Team panels. Angela was featured in an infomercial promoting the benefits of peer support. Angela is currently one of four Peer Bridgers to work in the Stanly County Jail to assist inmates with transitioning back into the community in an effort to reduce recidivism. Angela continues to educate herself to better understand how she can be the change. Angela's relentless pursuit of equality for persons with substance use and mental health diagnoses makes her a tireless help to people much like herself.