Finding hope after hitting rock bottom

Ashley L.

I started using alcohol at the age of 14 as a way to cope with the grief of losing my grandmother, who was my primary caregiver. With no one to support me, I struggled to deal with the emotions, and my substance use spiraled from alcohol to opioids and cocaine. By the time I was 26, I had lost almost everything—school, jobs, relationships, and my self-respect. I realized I had reached rock bottom and couldn’t continue living that way. My journey to recovery wasn’t immediate. I was in and out of 12-step programs for over a year before I finally entered inpatient treatment and sober living in early 2022. That 30-day program, followed by an additional 30 days in sober living, gave me the stability I desperately needed. Over time, I rebuilt my life—getting a job, saving money, and even enrolling in college. Today, I’m in a healthy, loving relationship that has renewed my faith in myself and in relationships. I now realize that hitting rock bottom wasn’t the only way to change, and I’m committed to helping others recognize the signs of when their current path isn’t working and take steps toward healing before it gets too late.

Shifting your self-identity to break free from pornography addiction

Ben E.

Addiction can feel like a part of you that’s impossible to shake. For years, I turned to pornography to cope with deeper insecurities. It started as a way to escape, but it soon became a prison. I realized that to truly break free, I had to stop seeing myself as someone who “needed” the addiction. The turning point came when I reached out to my parents and my bishop, and I took the bold step to join a recovery group. With the help of a therapist, I started to rebuild my life. I learned that true freedom comes not just from breaking the habit but from changing the way you view yourself. I had to believe that I was worthy of love, success, and freedom without relying on the addiction. This shift in self-identity was the key to my recovery, and I’ve helped others do the same. By coaching people through this process, I guide them to understand that their identity isn’t defined by their addiction, and that they have the power to create a new, healthier narrative about who they are.

Shifting focus from weight and appearance to energy and self-care

Carrie M.

For most of my life, my relationship with food, movement, and my body was driven by control and perfectionism. I believed that “being healthy” meant following rigid rules—counting calories, exercising to earn rest, and chasing a body that was never quite good enough. Every mirror check or skipped workout became a referendum on my worth. I wasn’t trying to feel better; I was trying to be better—according to someone else’s idea of what health and success looked like. But over time, that constant pressure began to unravel me. I was physically exhausted, emotionally disconnected, and mentally consumed by numbers and body image. I realized that I had been using routines to mask deeper discomfort—avoiding stillness, shame, and the fear of not being enough if I let go. The turning point came when I started listening to my body instead of managing it like a project. I learned to move for joy, to eat with presence, and to rest without guilt. Now, I define health more holistically: it’s about feeling at home in myself, not fixing myself. It’s honoring my needs, not overriding them. It’s recognizing that my body is not a problem to solve but a partner to care for. If you’ve ever felt trapped in cycles of “shoulds” around your weight or routines, you’re not alone—and there’s another way forward.

Building habits with accountability, not shame

Christine D.

Starting something new always sounds great—until Day 3 hits and suddenly your bed, your snacks, or your scrolling habit wins. I’ve been there. I’ve tried to wake up at 6am like a productive queen, journal like I’m the main character, eat clean, stretch daily, drink enough water to hydrate a cactus—and guess what? I still fell off. Multiple times. (And yes, I still forget to drink water like it’s a full-time job.) What I realized is: I wasn’t lazy or unmotivated. I just needed a witness to my goals. Someone to say, “Hey, didn’t you want to do that thing?” without making me feel like a failure. Someone who could laugh with me and call me in, not out. Now, I’m that person—for myself, and for others. The hype buddy. The accountability partner with good vibes and zero shame. Because sometimes you don’t need a coach—you need someone who gets it when you say, “I just couldn’t today,” but who’ll still nudge you tomorrow. If you’re trying to start (or re-start) a habit and your willpower keeps ghosting you, I’m here. Let’s talk about what you’re building—and build it together, one non-judgy check-in at a time.

The light at the end of the tunnel.

Jamie H.

Hello, my name is Jamie Henkin and I’m a Certified Peer Support Specialist. I experienced mild depression as a young child and it seemed to increase along with added anxiety as I grew older. I noticed it having a profound effect in and on my life as I entered my 30’s. I wasn’t as knowledgeable about healthy coping skills back then as I am now. Over the last 25 years, I used therapy and prescription medications to cope with my anxiety and depression, though not consistently. Unfortunately, in stressful times, when I couldn’t manage my symptoms, I turned to drug and alcohol use, which led me to hit rock bottom three times. All of these periods, included suicidal ideations, and two of them alcohol related consequences. Several months ago, I spent 30 days in a residential treatment center which saved my life and taught me healthy coping skills. It’s my goal to pass on my knowledge to you in the hopes that you can heal as well.

Supporting moms through eating disorders and military life challenges

Kate D.

As a mom of three and a military wife of 24 years, I’ve faced many challenges—particularly the isolation of raising small children during deployments and navigating military life without a nearby support base. But my journey hasn’t just been about the struggles of military life; I’ve also battled a 35-year-long eating disorder, beginning in my teens. Through therapy, medication, and, most importantly, by opening up and sharing my story, I was able to begin the path to healing. Along the way, I’ve supported others struggling with eating disorders, and have been there for close friends who’ve shared similar battles. I understand the power of someone who truly “gets it” when it comes to the dark moments we face.

Quitting alcohol after years of on-and-off drinking

Louise H.

I started struggling with anorexia, OCD, depression, and anxiety as a teenager, which led me to outpatient and inpatient treatment before college. Drinking entered my life around 19 or 20 and, at first, it felt like it helped ease my eating issues and anxiety. I didn’t see myself as having a problem, even when I dropped out of college after two years. Through my twenties and thirties, alcohol became a crutch I would return to, especially when life got overwhelming. Being a stay-at-home mom in a place I didn’t love, feeling isolated and stuck, made things worse. By 2016, my drinking was out of control again and my mental health was spiraling. In 2019, after a move to Florida and a month of drinking alone, I looked at myself in the mirror and realized I was done. I got sober that May and have stayed sober ever since. Art, writing, and connecting with others in recovery have helped me heal. Today, I lead a large online sobriety support group and love helping others find their way to a better life too.

Balance and a healthy lifestyle

Louise H.

I have always been passionate about nutrition and health. After having struggled with an eating disorder for years in my late teens and early twenties, as well as alcohol dependency, I now have a sincere respect for my body and aim every day to treat it with care, love and compassion. I do not adhere to specific rules or force myself to follow a strict diet or exercise regimen, and instead have learned to trust my intuition, listen to my body, and treat myself accordingly. I love to create healthy, mostly vegetarian recipes, high protein plant-based baked goods, and opt to get most of my exercise outside of the confines of a gym— taking long walks, doing body weight exercises, and allowing adequate time to rest. I have found a balanced way of approaching health, and would love to share the tips and tricks I have acquired in my over four decades of life.

Redesigning your life to be more in alignment with your values

Meredith S.

I spent many years feeling lost, but through deep personal work, a range of healing modalities, and my continued education in a Master of Social Work program, I’ve gained valuable tools to support others on their journey. I bring both lived experience and professional training to help individuals better understand themselves, identify their needs, set healthy boundaries, and build lives that feel authentic and fulfilling. I've navigated a variety of physical and mental health diagnoses, the grief of letting go of relationships that no longer served me, and the ongoing process of rebuilding with intention and self-awareness. My approach is compassionate, nonjudgmental, and rooted in the belief that healing is possible—and that no one has to do it alone.

Staying active and grounded through pregnancy changes

Nancy N.

When I was pregnant, I got a lot of advice some helpful, some just plain confusing. I’ve always been passionate about fitness, especially weightlifting, so being told not to lift more than 50 pounds felt like a punch to my identity. I wasn’t reckless, but I needed support that actually fit me, not just general rules. I had to figure out what worked for my body and how to adapt smartly. At the same time, I was working a demanding job in tech and trying to plan for a future that suddenly included way more unknowns (and diapers). I ended up talking to friends, moms, even strangers at the gym who’d been through it, and that’s when things clicked: this journey doesn’t have to be solo. One woman I met was pregnant and in pain, frustrated that she couldn't move like she used to. I shared my story, recommended a pelvic floor therapist, and later she told me it changed everything. That felt amazing. I’ve also helped other new moms in my gym community find resources and reclaim their confidence postpartum.

Managing a gluten-free diet for yourself or your family

Roslyn D.

As a dietitian, I have extensive experience working with individuals and families to adapt to a gluten-free lifestyle, particularly for those managing Celiac Disease. When my adult daughter was diagnosed with Celiac, it was a challenging transition for our entire family, especially when it came to meal planning and adjusting to new eating habits. I’ve also supported my granddaughter, who has sensory food issues, in navigating her dietary restrictions. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the emotional and logistical challenges that come with living gluten-free, especially when it’s a necessity for health. I can help you navigate the complexities of maintaining a balanced diet, find safe food options, and manage the day-to-day challenges of adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle, whether for yourself, your child, or a loved one.

Moving forward after a major health or hormonal shift

Sami C.

A few years ago, I went through a significant health shift that left me feeling physically exhausted, mentally drained, and emotionally overwhelmed. Between managing my health, hormonal imbalances, and the challenges that came with it, I found myself questioning what I was capable of and how to move forward. I had to find new ways of living, eating, exercising, and even thinking about myself in a way that prioritized my body’s needs and took into account my mental and emotional well-being. This transition was especially challenging as I navigated post-surgical recovery and the emotional impacts of major physical changes. But it also became an opportunity to deeply understand my body, learn how to care for it in a more balanced way, and discover new practices to restore my energy, vitality, and sense of self. Whether it’s a major health diagnosis, a hormonal shift like menopause, or any other physical change that’s throwing you off balance, I know how frustrating it can be to feel like you’re no longer in control of your own body. I’ve walked through this journey of reclaiming my energy, health, and mindset—and I’d love to help guide you through this new chapter, empowering you to trust your body, embrace the change, and move forward with a renewed sense of strength and confidence.

Managing diabetes and weight

Sunny H.

In college, I gained the freshman 15 and never really stopped. For years it was skipping meals, grabbing on the go unhealthy options, and late night snacking. I was building my career and then had 2 small children to raise. My health was suffering in many ways including poor eating and sleeping habits. When I decided I needed to feel better and stop living on coffee, fast food, and 11pm bowls of cereal, I threw my self into learning everything and I tried it all. Low Fat, Low Carb, Intermittent Fasting, Cardio, Weight Lifting, Meal Prep, Supplements, even Lap Band Surgery. All of it was temporary and felt like a battle of wills. Then came the diagnosis ... diabetes. Then my dad's diabetes got out of control and he was on dialysis. Then he died from complications of the disease. I promised my kids I would never let them sit next to me and keep me company for 4 hours while I was hooked up to a machine cleaning my blood because my kidneys couldn't anymore. Today I only focus on one number and it isn't the scale ... it's my blood sugar.