Coach type: Person with addiction
Coaching since: 2023
Lived experience:
My mother has struggled with addiction throughout my whole life. I have seven siblings who are all White; I was the only one with a Black father. I grew up feeling unwanted and unplanned and really struggled with my identity. I started drinking alcohol around age 13, but meth and morphine are really what I struggled with starting at age 17. When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I was hit with an overwhelming determination to be different from my mother. I haven’t use drugs since then, but I still drink alcohol in moderation.
Read more of Shannon's story here.
Professional background:
I’ve worked a number of odd jobs over the years, but I’ve spent most of my career in the service industry. I’ve been a server, manager, cook, bartender – I’ve pretty much done everything you can in a restaurant. Being good at what I do has helped me improve my self-worth and helped get me through early sobriety. I’m a hard worker and I love making people feel welcome and heard – whether they’re telling me their own addiction story or ordering their usual meal and drink.
Expertise:
Family addiction, self-worth and identity challenges, harm reduction, LGBTQIA+ community, self-harm
Interests:
My partner, daughter and I love to go skating at the roller rink. We’re also big into movies, music, singing and playing guitar. In the summer, we travel and spend a lot of time outside. We especially love camping and hiking with our Boxers.