Meet Kayla!

PEER SUPPORT COACH

Meet Kayla!

       I was born and raised in Columbia, SC where I attended high school and college at the University of SC. I graduated college in 2016 with a BA in Psychology. I have been a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist since 2019 and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor since 2021. I am very passionate about helping others find the pathway of recovery that works for them.

      My personal journey of recovery started in December of 2014 when I was at the lowest point of my life and finally decided to reach out for help. I attended a medical detox and residential treatment. While in rehab, I met a counselor who met me where I was at and didn’t judge me or look at me differently because of my addiction and the things I did to maintain it. In my work with peers, I strive to make them feel the way she made me feel. I have gained so much in my recovery and being able to show people that there can be a life on the other side of addiction is what it’s all about. 

WHAT IS RECOVERY TO ME?

To me, recovery is being able to live life rather than just survive. It’s a life that isn’t controlled by the next high. Recovery can look different for different people; this field has taught me that there are many different pathways to finding freedom from substance use disorder. For me, recovery has given me the freedom to learn about who I am and be my authentic self.

WHY IS RECOVERY IMPORTANT?

Recovery, for me, is life and death. Keeping my recovery on the forefront and constantly working on myself allows me to be able to help others who are seeking recovery. I have gained so much in recovery. Today, I have a home, a family, amazing friends, and a life worth living. Having the ability to help others is something that really motivates me. Staying on top of my recovery is how I maintain those things. 

Share by: