Despite her loss, Melissa has hope for other families
Melissa's stepson, Nicholas, died from an opioid overdose in May 2018. Since then, she’s made it her mission to help others by recounting her painful experiences and increasing awareness of addiction resources.
![Photo of Chantel, peer addiction coach in Watertown, SD](/sites/default/files/2024-08/Chantel-peer-addiction-coach-Watertown_1.jpg)
Ask a coach: Finding hope
Q: How can I get hope back?
A: First, I’m so proud of you for asking this question and trying to find answers. I know it’s not easy. I’ve been that person who was completely hopeless. It felt like there wasn’t any light and I was alone.
In those times, I felt a little lighter when someone else told me about their journeys through the darkness. I hope that’s what I can do for others.
We can't wait to meet you
We bring a variety of life experiences to our important work. We hope reading about our backgrounds will demystify coaching, introduce our areas of expertise and demonstrate recovery is possible. If you prefer a coach within a certain community that you don’t see represented here, we hope you’ll still consider reaching out. And if you’re comfortable sharing that feedback, we’d greatly appreciate it. We’d love to know what qualities are most important to you and will keep them top-of-mind while hiring new coaches.
![Photo of Sorcha, addiction peer coach in Colorado Springs, CO](/sites/default/files/2023-11/addiction-coach-colorado-springs-sorcha.jpg)
Sorcha (she/her)
Coach, Colorado Springs
Sorcha grew up with a genetic condition and was told she wouldn’t live past the age of 18. She started using drugs to numb her pain after the loss of her grandmother. Today, she relies on movement and self-care to stay present and live holistically.
Sorcha![Photo of Chantel, peer coach in Watertown, SD](/sites/default/files/2024-08/Chantel-peer-addiction-coach-South-Dakota.jpg)
Chantel (she/her)
Coach, Watertown
Chantel learned to use drugs to cope with her trauma at a young age. She’s honored to meet people in the darkness – a place very familiar to her – and show them there is hope.
Chantel![Photo of peer coach Terri](/sites/default/files/2018-07/Terri%20square%20new.jpg)
Terri (she/her)
Coach, Port Orange
Terri is Face It TOGETHER’s longest-serving coach. She has a special interest in helping members with childhood trauma and criminal justice involvement, as well as those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Terri![Photo of peer coach Joe](/sites/default/files/2019-07/addiction-coach-joe.jpg)
Joe (he/him)
Coach, Sioux Falls
Joe has extensive personal and coaching experience with addiction and mental health conditions, including bipolar, depression and anxiety.
Joe![Photo of Shannon, addiction peer coach in Sioux Falls, SD](/sites/default/files/2023-02/Shannon-addiction-peer-coach-wellness.jpg)
Shannon (she/her)
Coach, Sioux Falls
Shannon grew up around addiction and struggled with her own meth and morphine addiction. She still drinks alcohol in moderation. She loves making people feel welcome and heard, no matter what they're going through.
Shannon![Photo of peer coach Janelle](/sites/default/files/2022-06/Janelle-addiction-coach-sioux-falls_1.jpg)
Janelle (she/her)
Coach, Sioux Falls
For years, Janelle tried dealing with the addiction in her life on her own. One of her favorite phrases since finding wellness is “don’t waste the pain,” which is why she wanted to help other family members in need.
Janelle![Photo of Joey, addiction coach in Colorado Springs, CO](/sites/default/files/2023-11/addiction-coach-colorado-springs-joey.jpg)
Joey (he/him)
Coach, Colorado Springs
Joey grew up around alcohol addiction and started his own alcohol and other drug use as a teenager. What started as a way to build confidence became a cycle of emotional lows, isolation and suicidality. After committing to wellness, all areas of his life have blossomed.
Joey![Photo of peer coach Janelle](/sites/default/files/2022-06/Janelle-addiction-coach-sioux-falls_1.jpg)
Janelle (she/her)
Coach, Sioux Falls
For years, Janelle tried dealing with the addiction in her life on her own. One of her favorite phrases since finding wellness is “don’t waste the pain,” which is why she wanted to help other family members in need.
Janelle![Photo of Erik, Florissant peer coach](/sites/default/files/2024-02/erik-peer-coach-colorado_0.jpg)
Erik (he/him)
Coach, Florissant
Erik struggled with his cycle of addiction for nearly 20 years. After working from home during the pandemic, he realized he needed help.
Erik