Congratulations to Sadie Campbell, who celebrated 1 year at MHAAO on August 19th

Congrats to Jenny Manzanares for celebrating 6 years in recovery on September 2nd!

Congrats to Kaity Riordan (formerly McCraw) for her name change going through! She has chosen to take her wife's matrilineal name.

Being able to use my lived experience to support and inspire others is an amazing opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting peers where they’re at and allowing them the space to create their own path, however that might look from person to person. I believe that having the ability to relate on a deeper level is going to be beneficial in my role as a peer support specialist.

I enjoy spending as much time with my family and support group as possible. Being outdoors, hiking, camping, exploring, playing video games and cooking are all things I love to do. Most importantly, taking the time when it is needed to be alone in a quiet space with my thoughts, allowing me the chance to check-in with how I am feeling and to re-connect with my creator.

I have heard nothing but positive things about MHAAO from anyone who has had the opportunity to work with or receive services from this organization. From my very first encounter I could tell there is a different vibe here one that is welcoming, understanding and empowering and I am just excited I get to be a part of such an amazing movement. The fact that the world has recognized the need for peer support and we are now being valued in the community in such a major way speaks volumes. Overcoming addiction and mental health challenges is not something to be taken lightly. Being able to check in with my peers and be there for them during the most vulnerable times of their lives is invaluable. If my story can instill hope and inspire others to not give up and to see that a better life is possible, then I feel blessed to be able to share it.

For the first 2 years of my recovery I lived in clean and sober housing with 2 boys, ages 14 and 6. I got an opportunity to move into a house with a couple friends from my clean and sober house. After moving in my roommates relapsed. There was a lot of self doubt about if I was financially ready to live on my own and contemplation of going back to clean and sober housing. I was able to find an affordable apartment and got denied. I filed an appeal and was able to give character reference letters and was approved for my FIRST EVER, ON MY OWN, apartment! 

"Jenny is always there to listen without judgement and offers to help as much as possible. I greatly appreciate her." 

"Coming into MHAAO during a pandemic and learning everything virtually, I didn't know what to expect. Challenging as it might have been learning two programs, meeting Jenny as my supervisor has been such an amazing experience. I felt so supported. She listened to me and was always quick to navigate resources and find answers. Jenny has been so encouraging and empathetic. I look forward to more great times to come with working with such an incredible supervisor. Thank you Jenny for helping me feel part of a team and family! You are appreciated! "

" From my first day with MHAAO, Jenny has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. I didn't know what to expect, starting a new position during the pandemic. Jenny is always available for support, questions, direction, debriefing and brainstorming. I have never felt so supported in a job and in my recovery. Especially during this time we are all in, it can be very challenging. I am extremely grateful for the support and encouragement I continuously receive. Thank you Jenny for all you do, we appreciate you so much! "