Cristin

Guide Team Lead
Cincinnati, OH

Cristin's journey into peer support began in an unexpected place: during her incarceration. Inside, she met a friend who saw her potential. After they were both released, the friend encouraged her to pursue peer support classes and get certified.

Among Cristin’s accomplishments in her peer support work is the Baby Steps program, which provides compassionate support to pregnant and parenting women. Cristin also played a pivotal role in establishing The Pier (Personal Involvement Empowering Recovery), a recovery community center that has become a cornerstone for those in need.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cristin shifted her programs to a remote format in order to continue providing essential support. The emotional toll of constant adaptation led to burnout, prompting a hiatus from her career. Two years later, she returned to peer support as a firsthand Guide.

Cristin's life experiences made her a natural fit for the role of peer supporter. Substance use within her family significantly impacted her adolescence and early adulthood. A move to rural Ohio as a teenager brought new challenges; the culture shock of moving from a city to the country made her sad and angry. She didn't yet know how to channel and work through her feelings, which led to depression, substance abuse and incarceration. Cristin ultimately earned her high school diploma from jail, thanks to a teacher who never stopped believing in her.

Her struggles with addiction intensified following a car accident that resulted in opioid dependence. Cristin spiraled further into substance use, eventually leading to heroin addiction. Heroin became a means to cope with pain, both physical and emotional, pulling her into a cycle that felt impossible to escape.

During this dark period, Cristin experienced the lowest points of her life, including homelessness and a profound disconnection from her loved ones. With help from her family, she found a turning point. Entering a methadone treatment program in Chicago marked the beginning of her recovery journey. This program provided her with the stability and support she needed to start healing.

The birth of Cristin's daughter while she was in treatment was a pivotal moment, instilling a renewed sense of hope and determination. This event catalyzed her commitment to recovery, immersing herself in a 12-step program and rebuilding her life. She began reconnecting with her family, forging new bonds, and finding meaningful employment.

Today, Cristin is a devoted wife and mother with a supportive family. Her work in peer support is not just a career but a cornerstone of her ongoing recovery. Her experiences have instilled in her a deep sense of compassion, resilience, and empathy—qualities she brings to her role at firsthand.

Since starting at firsthand, Cristin has been promoted to Guide Team Lead- supervisor of the firsthand Guides in her community office. Cristin is proud of her ability to lead and support her team, providing guidance and creating a positive impact within her community. Her journey has equipped her with the tools to understand and address the complex challenges faced by those in recovery.

Beyond her professional achievements, Cristin finds joy in simple pleasures. Caring for her numerous plants, enjoying nature, and spending time by the water are activities that bring her peace and fulfillment. These moments, along with her dedication to her recovery and helping others, fuel her positive outlook on life.