Almost forty years ago, I entered a treatment centre as someone who needed help. I recently retired from a position at that same centre, having returned years later to work with people facing some of the same challenges I once faced.

Along the way, I worked in group homes, youth resources and treatment settings. I became a foster parent. I trained in counselling skills and as a recovery coach.

But what I bring to this work isn’t mainly a credential.

It’s the experience of recovery as something that has to be lived in the middle of an ordinary life.