Mark

Guide Team Lead
Cleveland, OH

Mark joined firsthand in October 2022 as a firsthand Guide (Certified Peer Recovery Supporter) with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity it provided him. Previously, Mark had graduated from Cleveland State University in 2012 with a BA in Film and Digital Media.  Following graduation, he attempted to start a commercial video production business, but his struggles with Substance Use Disorder made coping with the frustrations of starting a business difficult to manage.  He ended up working primarily in the construction industry, where he felt he could blend in with his addictions more easily.   

Mark had found some stability and improved mental health during a period of continuous sobriety that lasted almost 3 years, but eventually found himself back in a downward spiral that lasted over a decade. During this time Mark had unstable employment, housing, relationships, and made many decisions he is not proud of in order to support and as a result of his substance use disorder. This culminated in a hospital stay that lasted over two months with health complications directly tied to his unhealthy lifestyle. Upon release from the hospital, Mark almost immediately went back to old behaviors for several months.  Not being closely associated with anyone in recovery, Mark struggled to see a way out.

Growing increasingly concerned about his declining physical health and running out of the resources necessary to continue actively living with his addictions, Mark finally recognized the need to address both his mental health and substance use disorder simultaneously. He sought inpatient rehab treatment and intensive outpatient care, and began following the suggestions of people who had been through similar situations before. He lived in sober housing for over a year.  

Since his recovery journey began, Mark has been committed to maintaining sobriety and improving his mental well-being by establishing care with a behavioral health provider.  He hoped he could impact the lives of others by getting increasingly involved in the blossoming recovery community in Cleveland. Joining firsthand came as a result of a referral from another employee who recognized Mark's potential for making a difference in the recovery field. 

In his role as a firsthand Guide, Mark was inspired by the daily impact he has on people's lives. His ability to relate to others struggling with mental health and substance use disorder set a strong foundation for meaningful connections. Mark sought out every opportunity available to get involved and grow in his career with firsthand and in March of 2024 was promoted to Guide Team Lead of the Brooklyn, Ohio office.  Mark has found even more inspiration in this new role, being able to witness even more change in the lives of people living with mental illness through the work of the team he supervises.  

Outside of work, Mark is a new father to twin boys Cade and Cai.  He has a passion for music, movies, and books. He also dedicates much of his free time to his recovery and helping others through his involvement in the recovery community.  When reflecting on his life, Mark is most proud of his family and his recovery journey. He has worked hard to become the person he is today and finds great fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of others. Mark takes pride in his time at firsthand, where he has the opportunity to make a difference every day.