NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Board Member
Autumn has been in long term recovery from substance abuse and mental health since 2019. She hit rock bottom when she realized her addiction had destroyed everything that once meant something to her. “I had a life filled with unhealthy relationships, sent my children away, threw away a career and couldn’t stop using. At that point, I stopped trying to do things my way and started taking suggestions. I went to residential treatment, 12 step meetings, therapy, and was on medications to help with my transition to a sober life”. Autumn is working to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist and has returned to further her education in the Social Work field. She moved to the Outer Banks at the end of 2019 when she was new in recovery. Autumn experienced firsthand the hardships and struggles people face in early recovery. Her lived experience with overcoming homelessness, losing custody of her children, struggles with employment, and addressing past legal wreckage have helped shape her into a vital team member. She is also a Dare County Recovery court graduate and now serves as peer support. Today, she has a beautiful life and has regained full custody of her three children. She is an advocate and resource for those in recovery and enjoys sharing her experience as a way to give back and show others struggling with addiction that it is possible. Her favorite recovery quote: “When we recover loudly we keep others from dying quietly”.
