My name is Kim and I am a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist with a passion for mental health and recovery. My journey hasn’t been easy, and because of my own lived experience, I’ve found deep meaning in walking alongside others as they take their first steps toward healing. I love what I do—especially driving for Wings to Recovery, where I get to meet incredible people from all walks of life, each in a unique stage of their recovery. Every conversation reminds me why peer support is so vital today: no one should ever feel like they’re alone. In addition to my peer support certification, I’m trained in Mental Health First Aid and currently studying to become a Certified Recovery Coach. I believe in the power of connection, understanding, and second chances—because we do recover. Outside of work, I’m a proud mom of three and have been in a loving relationship with my partner, Chip, for the past three years. Everything I do is rooted in compassion, hope, and the belief that recovery is possible for everyone.

Hi, I'm Caitlin Downward, a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with a heart for connection and a deep respect for the process of recovery. My work is rooted in lived experience-I've walked the path myself, and it's an honor to walk alongside others now.

Outside of work, I'm someone who thrives in deep conversation, night-time energy, and moments of laughter that make you forget the hard stuff for a while. I love design, symbolism, and creative expression-everything from customizing recovery worksheets to imagining what my dream front door would look like (hint: rustic walnut with mermaid hardware and ancient runes). I'm also a proud mom, a cat lover, and a firm believer that even the messiest chapters can be full of grace.

Right now, I'm working toward becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor and continuing to grow both personally and professionally. Recovery isn't just something I believe in-it's something I live.

My name is Zach Carlisle. I grew up in a loving, faith-filled home in Flower Mound, Texas. I was a quiet kid who just wanted to fit in. Eventually, I started spending time with older peers who introduced me to drugs. By 15, I was drinking and smoking weed. By 18, I was abusing Adderall, Ritalin, and soon after, cocaine and meth.

Addiction quickly took over my life. I lost over 130 pounds, became deeply involved in crime, and found myself facing multiple misdemeanors and felony charges. After spending time in jail, I hit rock bottom. I realized I couldn’t keep living that way—I needed help, and I needed God.

After completing residential treatment, I moved to Austin for sober living and began rebuilding my life through faith and recovery. It wasn’t easy, but with a sponsor, a support system, and a willingness to change, I found real freedom.

I’ve been sober since September 24th, 2017, and I now live in Madison, Mississippi. I’m a certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist and a Nationally Certified Sober Coach. I’m passionate about helping others find freedom from addiction, and I use my personal experience to walk alongside those still struggling—showing them that they’re not alone and that recovery is possible.

With honesty, willingness, and an open mind, a new life is within reach. I don’t run from my past—I use it to bring hope to others and remind myself every day how far I’ve come.

My name is Danielle, and I am a single mother of three teenage boys. I began struggling with substance use at a young age, and in 2021 my addiction led to the loss of custody of my children. Within 24 hours of their removal, I also lost my home, vehicle, and nearly everything I held dear. My substance use escalated, and I experienced a life-threatening overdose that became a turning point—one that made it clear my recovery was a matter of life or death.

I entered inpatient treatment and committed fully to recovery, where I lived for nine months. Through that process, I rebuilt my life and was reunified with my children. Recovery not only restored my family—it gave me purpose.

For the past year, I have worked as a peer mentor, supporting DHS-involved mothers as they navigate the child welfare system and their own recovery journeys. Now, as a Wings to Recovery driver, I am honored to continue using my lived experience to provide hope, practical support, and understanding to others on their path to healing.

Hi, I’m Raquel. My life has been shaped by survival, recovery, and a deep belief in family and second chances. I’ve lived through instability, loss, and systems that were meant to protect but often didn’t. Those experiences didn’t break me, they forged my purpose. I know what it feels like to fall, to rebuild, and to choose healing anyway.

I’ve spent over 24 years as a caregiver, walking alongside people during their most vulnerable moments. Recovery is not just something I support, it’s something I understand at a soul level. I believe healing happens through consistency, compassion, honesty, and not being left to do it alone. I show up steady, grounded, and real.

My greatest motivation is my family. My children and my grandson are my heart and my compass. Becoming a grandmother deepened my commitment to breaking cycles and creating safety, stability, and love that lasts. Everything I do is rooted in building a future they can stand strong in.

I stay grounded through music, movement, nature, and laughter. I love being one with nature, avid tree hugger, cooking and baking for the people I love, and finding moments of peace near the water. I believe strength and softness can exist together, and that recovery can include joy, connection, and hope.

I’m here to walk beside others, not ahead of them and not above them. With real talk, patience, and belief in what’s possible, I help remind people that starting over is not failure, it’s courage.

Hello, I am Bobbi from Johnston, Iowa. I am a CMA/CNA who has dedicated my life to helping people. I was 16 when I started my first job in helping others in need. I dove right in to navigating how to properly assist people with ID (intellectual disabilities), mental illness, and those battling addiction. It really opened my eyes and I loved it!

When I was in my late teens/early 20's, I began abusing drugs. I worked all the time and wanted to be able to spend time with my friends who were already abusing drugs, so I started to have "extra time". I started seeing my friends, who already had babies, staying up all night, doing drugs and going home to their babies and holding them. My friends also began getting in serious trouble. I also almost OD'd because I didn't have limitations. I walked away from it all. The drugs and my friends to get clean. I have bad dreams of going into a room and there's a bag of cocaine on the table, so I leave that room and the room I go into has a bag of cocaine on the table, and this becomes my dream. Everywhere I escape I have cocaine. When I wake up and I have stayed sober, I feel good!

Luckily, I got away from it all and got back in touch with my now husband. I knew him in high school and we lost touch for 10 years. The best man I know and no, he's not perfect! We have been together for several years. Our babies are two Shiba Inu dogs, Aries and Soraka, that keep us on our toes and will destroy the house the second you are gone! My plan is to just grow old with all three of them, while I continue to help people. That is bliss!

Alexis is in long-term recovery after struggling in active addiction for over 10 years. She is passionate about supporting others on their recovery journeys and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Health. Alexis has received training in crisis intervention, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care. She enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family. A dog lover at heart, she brings warmth and authenticity to everything she does.

Hi, I'm Carmen.
I’m from a small town in East Tennessee, where I learned the value of close-knit community and showing up for others. I’ve been a caregiver for over 15 years, and supporting people through life’s ups and downs is something I truly care about. My own path hasn’t always been easy, but every step — whether behind the wheel of a truck, working as an Uber driver, or just figuring things out — has taught me about strength, compassion, and the power of starting over.

Music, laughter, and being outdoors help keep me grounded. I love hiking, cooking, baking, being on the water when it’s warm, and spending time with dogs — they just get it, you know? I believe that recovery is a journey we don’t have to walk alone. I’m here to ride alongside you, share some good tunes, real talk, and a few laughs along the way. 😁

My name is Bailey Cate, and I am a recovering addict living in Knoxville, Tennessee. My journey through addiction, homelessness, and institutions led me to the gift of desperation and into 12-step recovery, where I found hope, healing, and a new way of life. Today I stay active in the recovery community as both a sponsored woman and a sponsor, sharing the spiritual principles of the program that were so freely given to me.

I take pride in being a woman who can be trusted — someone who shows up, works hard, and treats every person with dignity and compassion. My lived experience allows me to connect deeply with those facing the stigma of substance use, and it fuels my commitment to ethical, responsible work in every area of my life.

Working with Wings to Recovery allows me to be the reaching hand that was once there for me when I needed it most. I am grateful for the opportunity to walk beside others on their journey and to be part of a team rooted in hope, dignity, and second chances.