Team | Recovery Transition Program

K
He/Him

Peer Mentor

I am 58, male, very open-minded and left leaning, cisgender hetero, and have dealt with and am in recovery for addiction.

“No matter how bad things get, you can always make them worse.” It’s a great saying… one I’ve proved right on way too many occasions. I like it because it’s funny. And laughter is healing. I also like it because it’s true. Most importantly, it reminds me that I have agency over my life. If I can make things worse, then maybe I can make them better—by being honest with myself, by taking care of myself, by reaching out to others, connecting, sharing, asking for help when I need it and listening with an open heart and mind; by showing up and standing up, by facing my fears and doing the work it takes to nurture the person inside who’s slowly but surely becoming the guy I want to be. The RTP has helped me with all these things and when you are ready, I’m pretty sure it can help you, too.

My goals and dreams are small and simple: I want to do what I can to help improve the lives of the people around me and I know the best way to do that is by continuing to make healthy choices for myself.

Robert
He/Him

Peer Mentor

My name is Robert. I am a 65 year old guy who has been through the Griffith Edwards addiction unit for alcohol abuse. I learned about RTP while completing phase 2 and decided it would be a nice way to show my appreciation by signing up for the training and becoming a peer mentor. It was also a way to stay involved in the program which I believed would be helpful for my ongoing recovery. Win-win I figured.

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It has been a rewarding experience where I have had the opportunity to meet with and develop relationships with mentees who have completed programs at the Alan and Griffith Edwards. They have told me about themselves and how their recovery is going. I have listened to what they have to say and offered some of my experiences as a person in recovery. We help each other.

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I considered the RTP training somewhat of a refresher for me as I had trained in the past and volunteered at a telephone call listening service for many years. Both programs stress active listening by offering a nonjudgemental ear which is essential in building trust with the mentee. We aren’t there to fix their problems but rather to listen to them and and help them identify what matters to them.

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When I have finished my time with the RTP I hope to travel to Europe for the first time. I will also continue with AA Secular which is a non- theist 12 step program. Secular minded people in recovery are now able to attend meetings which have removed the emphasis on faith and rather embrace a more humanistic approach which suits my point of view.

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I hope all current and future mentors are able to benefit from the experiences of offering your time to people in need.

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B
She/Her

Peer Mentor

I am a 50+ passionate art-and-music loving, food-obsessed female. The only labels that interest me are those on designer clothing. Be you!

Having spent decades with multiple anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts and later fibromyalgia and post neuralgic pain, I can relate to anyone who feels alone, frightened or like giving up. The RTP Peer Mentorship Program changed my life and I know from personal experience that it can change yours too.

I provide a safe, nurturing and non-judgemental space where you become your own hero and cheerleader!

Andrew Drake
He/Him

Peer Mentor

As thunder sounds and lightning falls there is a certain fear attributed to this overwhelming situation.

Psychosis is much like a storm – it strikes unannounced and catches you off-guard – shaking you to your core. As all storms form they also dissipate meaning the moment of clarity that is felt (the one where you can see the sun start to shine through clouds that were once intimidating) is always around the corner. Sometimes you need to look for it but it is always there.

My name is Andrew and I have fought with psychosis and mental illness since the age of 19. There is always a sense of discomfort with mental health issues and trying to remove the stigma associated to them is extremely important. Society is slow to evolve but shifting its direction is possible.

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After years of healing I am now in a spot where I feel like I am back to a mental state similar to the one before I fell ill. These years have helped me recognize many things; what works & what doesn’t. What helps. What feels good. The road to recovery isn’t simple but it is attainable.

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I have always wanted to help and in joining the RTP I can now do so.

Jerry
He/Him

Peer Mentor

Hi, I’m Jerry. I’m easy going, I get along with everyone and I don’t hold grudges. I’m an Italian Montreal entrepreneur and Concordia certified life coach that has learnt to think on my feet and talk my way through anything— although at one point I suffered from social anxiety.

The mentoring program is special to me because I’m passionate about helping other people. The best advice I can give is to be friends with everyone, tell people what you want and be honest.

Take life a bit slower—it’s not about owning the world; it’s about enjoying the view.

Rhi
They/Them

Peer Mentor

My name is rhi! I’m 28 years old, a women’s studies student at McGill, with plans to pursue a masters in social work. I have a gemini sun, libra rising, and leo moon. I am queer and generally consider myself non-binary. I love cats, and coffee, and music (I miss live shows so much!!!!), and lifting weights, yoga, and running.

I entered Griffith Edwards at 24. I had always struggled with mental health issues, but I didn’t understand why I never seemed to be getting better. Then the “incident” happened. Like many, I hit a point, the infamous rock bottom, where I was forced to confront my actions, choices, and behaviours (soon realizing I had hit that point long ago, I just moved the goalpost).

The GEC was integral to my gaining sobriety, however, the RTP, being mentored myself, was the cherry on top. Having that support as I was completing, and eventually leaving the program, was everything.

I’ve been part of the RTP as a mentor since 2019, and am in the process of creating my own discussion group for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ community.

I became a mentor because offering support to those who also struggle with mental illness and addiction was (is) part of my ongoing recovery process; uplifting others uplifts me! The RTP has reinforced for me my goals and desires. It’s deeply empowering. Additionally, we’re building a community! We’re doing the work.

Jane
She/Her

Peer Mentor

I am a book editor, a mom of two adult sons, a widow and a photographer. Helping another individual at their stage of recovery from addiction, at the same time addressing where I am in my own recovery, is a process I feel very passionate about. Sobriety teaches one to grow, to change and to face challenges that were interrupted while drinking or using. It is a reason to feel joy again. RTP has taught me how to live a more uncomplicated life and find pleasure in simple things. I wish to share this experience and be there for others as they find their own truth.

Youssef A.
He/Him

Peer Mentor

Youssef has been a mentor at the RTP for the past year. He describes himself as a warm and open minded person.

He was able to recover from a difficult time as an ex addict. He found great comfort in meditation and self development and has a lot to offer to people with addiction issues.

Grace
She/Her

Peer Mentor

People should know that my resiliency inspires me to improve myself, using those tools to assist and connect with others. I can relate to a wide array of people, as I am multi-faceted (i.e. love of language, culture, sport, history, etc.) Compassion and empathy are my greatest tools to support others.

Being a mentor allows me to use my lived experience to accompany another walk their path to recovery. I am also motivated to pay forward the assistance and compassion that I received from many professional and personal contacts; the ultimate mentors.

Victories and failures, even in my darkest moments fuel my resolve to lessen mental illness’ impact. I am eager to share RTP’s positivity with mentees.

My ultimate goal is to explore and share life’s fullness which is not majorly impacted by mental health. Instead of “getting my life back”, I want to enjoy the life that I’ve built through adversity and joy.

Michael
He/Him

Peer Mentor

Born 1965

Employed with Merck Lab service tech ( 1992- present)

Currently, I’m on permanent disability due to multiple operations.

I have Muscular Dystrophy &

I’ve been dealing with Chronic pain for 26yrs – present,

I’m a Cancer survivor ( 2005)

I’m a recovering alcoholic, my Sobriety date is September 16, 2008.

I spent 2yrs in a wheelchair and 5 combined 5yrs in traction. I was told I’d probably never walk again.

Today I’m walking, exercising and excelling at things I can do!!

Never give up 💯

I’ve been Volunteering throughout the MUHC hospitals since 2009.

Doing Service in AA, also an AA service representative at the Old brewery mission, do talks about my alcoholism & addiction whenever asked.

I’m on the Client care committee at Fosters Pavilion.

I’ve completed the RTP certification. – Mentor ( March 2020)

I’m on the Steering committee and part of creating the CPPMP ( Chronic pain peer Mentorship program) – Mentor ( 2020)

All that life’s thrown at me has given me a choice, and I choose a new journey. One I’ve fallen in love with and that’s … Volunteering ❤️

Helping others and seeing them smile is what makes me happy! 😃

I’m so proud & honored to be a part of the RTP, CPPMP, AA and all my other volunteering obligations throughout the MUHC

I found myself through my hardships and am now sharing the shine ✨

Today’s pain gives me tomorrow’s strength.

I’m also known as and Love my new title … the “Keep Smiling Guy”

François
He/Him

Peer Mentor

Hi, I’m Francois. I’m a dual citizen from Texas and a published author. I’m sarcastic and think its important to laugh at the world.

I first came into contact with mentoring by being mentored as a patient in the day hospital. Now, I’m a peer mentor at RTP and involved in the Zine. I have depression, anxiety and migraines and I’ve accepted my illnesses. I’m an empathetic listener but I won’t sugar coat.

I love reading and cooking— so if you ever don’t want to talk about illness we could discuss readings or recipes.

Jillian
She/Her

Peer Mentor

Jillian is one of our RTP babies. She is a Peer Mentor with the 6th cohort. Jillian had trouble finding a community where she could be open about her mental health struggles with social anxiety and BPD, but also where her experiences could bring support and have a positive impact on others. Jillian found the RTP, which provided her the support system she and others needed. Being a mentor is challenging because it’s difficult yet important to acknowledge her own recovery and the positive changes in her life and she is committed to supporting another person trying to do the same.

Colleen
She/Her

Peer Mentor

Colleen began her journey with Griffith Edwards in July 2020. She is a grateful recovering addict who suffers with mental health and family issues and past trauma. She has learned so much on this journey, especially about emotional regulation, with the help of Dr. Kathryn Gill and all the amazing staff and clients. Colleen has learned a lot from the RTP, especially how to listen and have patience with herself and others. She also learned to work on the computer which is a new skill she did not think she could develop. Before RTP, Colleen was insecure, doubtful and scared. Now, she is confident, relaxed and happy. Colleen became a mentor to continue her recovery and give back by helping others. Her goals are sharing her experience, strengths and hopes with others and helping them change their lives for the better. Colleen specially thanks Griffith Edwards.

Stephanie
She/Her

Peer Mentor

Stephanie is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has been treated at the Griffith Edwards Centre for addiction. She joined RTP with the intention of being there for the peers that she would meet and because RTP provides a safe place to go for talking and support. Her journey has taught her so many ways to practice self-care and self-empowerment. These are the elements she wants to discuss with her mentees. Stephanie is also a small business fanatic, an entrepreneur, and an artist. She believes in seeing life from different perspectives and finding beauty and hope in day-to-day endeavors. Stephanie believes that the challenges she has encountered over the years have been plentiful and wants to leave you with this quote by Winston Churchill: “Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”

Marc
He/Him

Peer Mentor

While recovering from alcohol and drug addictions with the help of the Griffith Edwards Centre’s wonderful specialists, Marc participated in the SMART Recovery Program and benefited from the RTP Peer Mentoring Program as a mentee. Reaching out to these resources was instrumental in solidifying the path to recovery that Griffith Edwards allowed him to create for himself. Marc found RTP mentorship useful in the short-term to gain confidence in his ability to maintain sobriety and he continues to find SMART Recovery to be helpful in reaching the ultimate goal of long-term sobriety. When Marc began to feel more solidly entrenched in maintaining sobriety, he trained to become an RTP mentor and is also currently training to become a SMART Meeting Facilitator. Marc finds that there is something in helping other people quit their addictions that is consistent with who he is while also helping him live a balanced life. Marc would like to tell you: “May you all find your own paths to recovery and may your hearts be filled with compassion.”

R
She/Her

Peer Mentor

R is a fresh Peer Mentor from the November 2021 6th cohort! Woot woot!!! She was motivated to participate in the mentor training program because of the compassionate care and guidance she received from friends who did not need to, but who were brave enough to share with her their mental health stories and who offered her hope and support. R believes in paying forward in life whenever we are able to. R was not well for a while before she sought treatment for what turned out to be a major depression with episodes of psychosis. R’s illness does not define her; instead, she is reminded every day to take care of her health. For R, peer mentoring is about sharing our path and the tools that helped us heal while walking alongside someone else on their journey. Part of R’s self-care includes her love of reading and cooking; she finds sharing a meal with family and friends makes it even more rewarding for her. Walking, Yoga, Pilates, Zumba and strength training are her daily go-to exercises. R cannot wait to start traveling again. She misses it and the beach so much!

Unto
He/Him

Peer Mentor

In January 2020, Unto knocked on the door of the Griffith Edwards Centre seeking help to overcome a hopelessly endless, destructive and life-threatening alcohol addiction. Now, two years later, he can truly say that what he received from the GEC, and furthermore its Recovery Transition Program, exceeded all hopes of happiness and fulfillment that he could ever have imagined. Unto heard about the RTP Peer Mentor training when he was still in the beginning stages of his Phase 2 at the GEC. Ronna Schwartz (one of the creators of the RTP) suggested that he consider becoming a Peer Mentor. And he thought, what?! He had not even completed one full year of sobriety from his 16 years of alcoholism, and at the time his main concern was simply how he would be able to cope after Phase 2 ended. So how could he possibly be of any help to somebody else? But the seed was planted and, sure enough, after first eagerly participating in the program as a mentee, Unto applied to become a mentor himself. What he received from the training was much more than he had bargained for, as he found the content, delivery and organization of the program to be peerless among the many different courses he had followed in his lifetime. It will stay with him forever and serve beyond the application for which it was intended.

Through role-playing, they practiced compassionate listening, together with gently asking questions that, in themselves, often became open-ended answers. This is the way Unto thinks he should always be interacting with people every day of the week! And if he can help care for just one person, like he himself was assisted in his recovery, by deliberately applying these seemingly obvious techniques, then he feels that he will have managed to share back a little something of what he has received from everyone at the GEC and now the RTP. Nonetheless, his goal for going into the RTP was to become part of a larger community of like-minded people with similar concerns and interests. What Unto came away with is “what feels like an ever-expanding family of friends with very big hearts who have become more than just volunteer work colleagues to me.” Last but not least, Unto recommends to you two books: “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts” by Dr. Gabor Maté and “Ask and it is Given” by Esther and Jerry Hicks.

K

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Robert

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B

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Andrew Drake

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Jerry

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Rhi

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Jane

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Youssef A

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Grace

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Michael

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François

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Jillian

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Colleen

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Stephanie

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Marc

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R

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Unto

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Peer Mentor

RobertHe/Him

BShe/Her

Andrew DrakeHe/Him

JerryHe/Him

Peer Mentor

RhiThey/Them

JaneShe/Her

Youssef A.He/Him

Peer Mentor

Grace She/Her

Peer Mentor

Michael He/Him

Peer Mentor

François He/Him

Peer Mentor

JillianShe/Her

Peer Mentor

ColleenShe/Her

Peer Mentor

StephanieShe/Her

Peer Mentor

MarcHe/Him

Peer Mentor

RShe/Her

Peer Mentor

UntoHe/Him

Peer Mentor

K

Robert

B

Andrew Drake

Jerry

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Rhi

Jane

Youssef A

Grace

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Michael

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François

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Jillian

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Colleen

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Stephanie

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Marc

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R

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Unto

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Robert
He/Him

B
She/Her

Andrew Drake
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Jerry
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Rhi
They/Them

Jane
She/Her

Youssef A.
He/Him

Grace
She/Her

Michael
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François
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Jillian
She/Her

Colleen
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Stephanie
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Marc
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R
She/Her

Unto
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