Coach type: Person with addiction
Coaching since: 2023
Lived experience:
I come from a household with abuse and where my emotions were neglected. I felt no love or acceptance. My escape was to drink with friends, eventually drinking and drug use were my only coping mechanisms to forget the childhood trauma. I was a broken person. It felt like the drugs kept the pieces of me together, but I didn’t realize they weren’t making me whole.
I’ve gotten two DUIs and experienced a relapse. It’s about picking yourself up again. This time around in recovery, I’ve learned to find my values and purpose in life.
Read more of Carlos' story here.
Professional background:
I’ve had a range of different jobs. I’ve worked at the Avera McKennan cafeteria, a local garden center, as a teaching assistant for children with disabilities and as a Spanish teaching assistant for preschoolers. I also currently volunteer for SoDak Compost, a local composting nonprofit.
Expertise:
Childhood trauma, self-love, LGBTQIA+ community, immigration, community connection, Spanish
Interests:
I spend my free time reading, roller skating, hiking, composting and getting involved in environmentalism.