Megan's Story 

After falling into the depths of substance use disorder in 2013 Megan found herself in and out of the criminal justice system and residential treatment programs in Wake County. After experiencing a number of overdoses, she was introduced to a Certified Peer Support Specialist, Ashley, through the Rapid Responder Program at Healing Transitions. Although she didn't make connecting with her easy, eventually Ashely won her over. With the guidance, support and encouragement from her CPSS eventually Megan found her way into sustained recovery in January of 2019. 

A year into her recovery journey she felt compelled to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist, and maybe have the chance to impact someones life the way Ashley impacted hers. Megan successfully completed the Recovery-Focused Peer Support Training in the very first session this training was offered. Soon after she began working as a Rapid Responder, serving individuals in the community who were exactly where she was not too long ago. After some time she worked as a Peer Support Specialist and Care Coordinator with Recovery Communities of North Carolina. Being able to work for the organization that made her Peer Support Journey possible was an incredible experience, and an honor. 

Megan is currently the Senior Care Coordinator for the Women's Reentry Project at Arise Collective. At Arise Collective the mission is to equip women with the tools and support they need to HEAL, GROW and THRIVE, both in prison and in the communities to which they return. This work is hard work, and it is heart work. Megan finds the chance to provide compassionate care to women in their reentry journey a true calling. To uplift, to empower, and to help people see that recovery and transformation are possible. It’s deeply meaningful to know that this work contributes to real change—not just in individual lives, but in communities as a whole