Blond woman with black cap and sweatshirt, smiling, leaning against a green wall with an abstract green treet

Blond woman with black cap and sweatshirt, smiling, leaning against a green wall with an abstract green treet

Peer Recovery Specialist
melissa@rih.me

Where did you grow up?
Boone, Iowa

What are your favorite things to do?
Play with grandchildren, watching grandchildren play sports and motorcycle rides

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Recovery Is Happening?
I lived in addiction for over 40 years. Living in active addiction taught me skills that no longer worked for me. I met Tiffany while she was in drug court with my son prior to Recovery Is Happening opening. She became my sponsor and my mentor. I followed the steps that were laid in front of me, one day at a time. This then lead me to 10 years and 6 months of recovery.

Is there something about you that might surprise us?
I have 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and 1 on the way. All are not from step children.

What is your favorite part of being in recovery?
Through my work I have the ability to make amends with my community and my family.

Peer Recovery Specialist
tyler@rih.me

Where did you grow up?

Rochester, MN

What are your favorite things to do?

Skateboarding, music and spending time with family and friends.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Recovery Is Happening?

Chronically addicted for 15 years of my life. Ended up homeless for the last 4 years of active addiction. Went through many trials and tribulations that left me wanted more for myself. After doing inpatient treatment I sought out Peer Services at Recovery Is Happening. After obtaining long term sobriety I had found myself wanted to help others in the way others helped me along my journey. Not only have I found a greater sense of purpose in life I have found another community and family.

Is there something about you that might surprise us?

I was homeless for 4 years and living in tents in the woods and under bridges around the area.

What is your favorite part of being in recovery?

Having the capability to enjoy life in a way I never knew was possible. Having the capability to mindful and experiencing genuine laughter and appreciation of life.

Peer Recovery Specialist
507-361-2409
Darci@RIH.me

Where did you grow up?
Northern Iowa

What are your favorite things to do?
Spending time with my children and family, woodworking, music, friends and outdoor activities.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Recovery Is Happening?
I had been in active addiction for 30 years. My addiction was full of toxic relationships, bad decisions, homelessness and many ongoing consequences. I spent 16 months in IOP at Recovery Is Happening 6 months in sober living. Recovery Is Happening is where I found my recovery and my connection to the recovery community. I had the opportunity to take the Peer Academy at Recovery Is Happening and I am now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist.

Is there something about you that might surprise us?
I am a wood whittler. I am a heavy metal fanatic.

What is your favorite part of being in recovery?
The personal growth that working a recovery program has helped me achieve is a boost in my self esteem and personal growth that continues to grow each day. I am a person that now sets goals and follows through in achieving them. I am now present for my life and able to actually experience life something that I have not been able to do in my addiction. I have developed healthy relationships and been able to maintain those relationships.

Peer Recovery Specialist
507-361-2408
Marie@RIH.me

Where did you grow up?

Canada until I was 5 years old, then Lake City, MN. I am from Sagkeeng First Nation Aninishnaabe.

What are your favorite things to do?

Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing and connecting with my Native American culture.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Recovery Is Happening?

There was an employee that worked at Recovery Is Happening that encouraged me to become a peer recovery specialist. I never thought I had anything to offer! After 9 years of clean time I finally took the Peer Recovery Specialist academy at Recovery Is Happening. I have worked as a Peer Recovery Specialist for 3 years at two different organizations in Minnesota.

Is there something about you that might surprise us?

I used to work in the carnival!

What is your favorite part of being in recovery?

Absolutely everything, including the ups and downs. I love it when life isn’t perfect because I grow and evolve. I now have the ability to travel and be a part of new experiences and be present for them.

Peer Recovery Specialist
Ethel@RIH.me

Where did you grow up?
Malawi

What are your favorite things to do?
Fishing, cooking, and painting.

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Recovery Is Happening?
I was looking for support and to get connected. The treatment program I was in recommended I check Recovery Is Happening out. I have always known addiction to be a dark place in my life and I didn’t understand the happiness that living in recovery could help me obtain. I saw that at Recovery Is Happening and I wanted it for myself.

Is there something about you that might surprise us?
I have weekly dance off’s with my two wonderful daughters.

What is your favorite part of being in recovery?
I have learned to accept life as it is and I am growing to learn what God’s purpose is for my life.

Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor
507-361-9782
Cheryl@RIH.me

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Byron, Minnesota.

What are your favorite things to do?
Spending time with my children and grandchildren at family game night

Tell us about the journey that brought you to Recovery Is Happening?
For the vast majority of 16 years I lived in active addiction. During that time I caused major damage to myself, my family and the community I lived in. I was unable to be the mother my children deserved. My substance use disorder had caused me to be a person I detested. Early in my recovery I met Tiffany Hunsley, founder of Recovery Is Happening. She gave me an opportunity to volunteer and a chance to give back to my community. It is during that time I became aware of the Peer Recovery Specialist position, a job that my life experiences made me qualified for. Today I am honored to walk along side so many others as they begin their own recovery journeys. This has blessed me with the opportunity to take the nightmare experiences of my substance use disorder and use that to have a positive impact on so many others and their families.

Is there something about you that might surprise us?
Prior to my substance use disorder my entire criminal history consisted of a speeding ticket.

What is your favorite part of being in recovery?
Recovery has allowed me to challenge my own thinking and strive to always be a better person than I was the day before.