Hi, my name is Talynn! I've been a certified Peer Support Specialist since November 2023. A bit about my past and growing up... My parents divorced when I was a year old. My father struggled with substance use disorder with alcohol and mental illness and passed away when I was 12 years old. When I got into High School I didn't quite fit. I started hanging around a new group of people and started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. I became dependent on opioids, pharmaceuticals and pain medications. I experienced opioid withdrawals 3 times before I turned 18. I got in trouble with the law and charged as a minor and had to participate in "Teen Court" and other outpatient treatment centers.
After my brother Trace passed away from an overdose in April 2021 I started attending Emily’s Hope vigils. My motivation now is to be able to be available to help others. I have since met some amazing people who have positively impacted me and have inspired me to learn more and get involved with helping others that are struggling with substance use disorder, help prevent overdoses, educate and end the stigma.