CADC I, QMHA-R

As a person in long term recovery with co-occurring SUD and MH diagnoses I know how imperative and impactful it is to have access to concurrent services in order to create lasting change. I believe that no one is beyond helping with the right supports, a safe environment and supportive team of professionals.

Getting sober and watching my father die as a direct result of his addiction and seeing my mother continue to use substances and decrease her quality of life has had a profound impact on me. My family is riddled with addiction on both sides and so many don't have an understanding of what is going on inside of themselves, physiologically or emotionally. I have also seen the impact of recovery, education, therapy and open communication in my own children. My oldest child became addicted as a teen and has been sober for 4 years now, my two younger children, ages 24 and 17 do not use substances of their own accord. The relationships I have with them today are something I never knew was possible. This is what drives me to do this work. I have lived both sides and know there is hope for anyone

I am a queer single mom of 3 humans and two pups. I am a native Californian and moved to Eugene in 1991. As an adult child of addicted parents who never recovered I experienced many of the things that come along with that lifestyle from an early age. I attended culinary school and worked as a chef and caterer off and on for 20+ years before transitioning to the substance use treatment field in 2019. At 15 I began to use substances to cope/escape and by 16 I had a daily habit that controlled my life for the next 21 years. I repeated many of the same generational patterns as my parents and extended family and harmed myself and others as a result. When I got sober in 2015 I began to learn about the neuroscience of addiction and the impact my adverse childhood experiences. I became aware how this had manifested in my life over and over. I want to work with affected youth in hopes of providing space for them to learn and make changes as soon as they are ready. My lived experience has taught me that while I thought I was just partying or doing what typical young people do I was actually forming habits that became my defaults for a long time. If I can support one young person in accessing care that gives them this insight before they have suffered years of self-induced misery and consequences I will feel successful.

I love to create! My current favorite mediums are watercolor, cakes, embroidery and crochet. I also enjoy restoring and up cycling furniture. I am most joyful when I am with my children, my family of choice or out on nature. I am an active member of the recovery community. I take monthly meetings into local hospitals and institutions. I work with other women who are seeking recovery and this is one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

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Professional Background

I spent 3 years working at a residential facility for women and children. I held the role of admissions coordinator and counselor assistant during this time. I also worked in an outpatient setting for the past 3.5 years at two agencies, as an intake coordinator, assessment counselor and SUD counselor.