I was a resident at NHM in 2010, after a life filled with domestic violence, poor self-esteem, unhealthy relationships, all which led me to alcohol abuse. The trauma left my life in such disarray, I lost custody of my two children to an abusive husband, and obtained two DWI’s within 8 months, one being a felony. Drug Court in the county where I resided mandate me to NHM, and I truly believe that saved my life. Long story short, I spent 13 months in Barryville and 5 months in Poughkeepsie before graduating the program. After I graduated, I regained custody of my children, and they remain a big part of my life. My husband lost custody (due to his substance abuse issues), and I obtained a permanent refrain from order of protection from him.

“I have so much to be grateful for, and I truly believe that without NHM, I would not have been able to achieve my goals.”

In regaining my life and continuing what I learned at NHM about being a “lifelong learner,” I decided to go back to college (at age 42, and obtained an Associate Degree in Human Services, a bachelor’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and my Advanced CASAC, with an ultimate goal of helping others. I worked as a counselor for years, and was promoted to Supervisor of Addiction Services, managing an Inpatient, Detox, and Outpatient Substance Abuse Clinic, a Methadone Clinic and Suboxone Program. After that, I changed positions to work as a Program Director, managing a Domestic Violence Program, Crime Victims Services and Human Trafficking Program, which I am doing today.

I have so much to be grateful for, and I truly believe that without NHM, I would not have been able to achieve my goals. As I learned while in Barryville, I am not “living and not existing” and have found my true “purpose in life.”

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