Angela

Senior firsthand Guide
Knoxville, TN

Angela is celebrating 13 years in recovery in 2022. Two years after she got sober, Angela began working in the Alcohol and Drug recovery field. She also lives with depression and anxiety, which she struggled with over the years before finding helpful treatment and medication for. 

In Angela’s experience, she felt stigmatized in healthcare settings because of her previous addiction. Her doctors often didn’t know how to help or what to say, and she felt that they did not always advocate for her best interests. She found that it was easier to navigate recovery herself, and was able to find the treatment center that she credits with kickstarting her on the path to recovery. Angela is proud of getting her life back together, getting sober, and returning as a productive member of society in her recovery. 

Angela was encouraged to apply for a firsthand Guide position by a former colleague and current firsthand employee. In her interviews, Angela got more and more excited about the role and firsthand’s team approach, where everyone’s opinions are valued. Though it was a big leap of faith to take a risk and leave a job she had grown very comfortable in, she has been so glad she took on the new role and has no regrets. 

Angela is inspired daily by the individuals she serves- speaking with them, being with them and hearing their remarks about how much firsthand is helping them and how grateful they are for the services they are receiving. Just knowing that she’s making a positive difference in their lives, however slight, motivates her to do her best work every day.