From a very young age, I can remember feeling very different, not able to connect with family or friends or at school. I saw myself as being in total isolation. I was often bullied in school and by my peers. Growing up gay in central New Jersey had a huge impact on my desire to numb myself with drugs and alcohol.
I struggled with substance use disorder and mental health challenges for nearly 20 years before hitting my rock bottom and seeking in-patient treatment. I resisted treatment for several years thinking that if I gave up drugs and alcohol my life would get smaller. Little did I know quite the opposite would happen.
After a 30-day stay in residential treatment I returned to NYC motivated for change. I engaged in Individual Therapy, Psychiatry, a 12 step program, wellness activities and created a sober support network. After doing these things for some time, life started getting big. I started to love and trust myself for the first time.
After a successful career in fashion retail, I began to question my purpose in life. That is when I made the decision to change careers and working with individuals with SUD. I realized that I wanted to help others overcome shame and stigma that I felt as I grappled with my own addiction. Additionally, my own experience had shown me the value in peer support in addiction recovery. Therefore, I obtained my Certified Recovery Coaching Certification, began coaching, and built a team to help bring these valuable services to others that struggle.
I feel peer support is the missing link in many individuals’ recovery journey. Having a peer to guide, mentor and advocate on behalf of clients provides them with the best possible outcomes. I personally have worked with a coach that helped guide me both professionally and personally. I looked forward to meeting with my coach to share my challenges, successes and develop actionable plans for growth and development.
Structure and accountability daily are important for my continued recovery. I regularly reach out to my sober support network, eat healthy, work out, bike, hike, journal and maintain healthy boundaries with friends, family and work. Maintaining my recovery means that I do my best to treat others the way that I would like to be treated, don’t take things personally, do the next right action and let go of resentments.
I’m very excited to join You are Accountable as the Head of Business Development and Partnerships to help bring these valuable services to as many people as possible. Our mission is for everyone that has struggled with addiction to enjoy the sustained recovery that everyone on the Accountable Team has been blessed with.
hello@youareaccountable.com
(646) 450-7641