Our Staff

Paul Smith
Paul SmithProgram Director
I’m Paul Smith and am in recovery. After entering recovery, I was faced with a scary question. “What do I do now?” I felt like all my bridges had been burned and all my opportunities had been squandered.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Paul

I remember being so overwhelmed and not knowing where to begin. I did not know anyone who did not drink or get high. What would I do in my free time? On weekends? I heard about a group from a friend and decided to check it out. I started participating in this program as a peer. I attended planning meetings, workshops, and events. I made friends who had been through the same trials and tribulations as me. It helped me to build a network and move forward in this journey with confidence. It is my hope that I can bring my experience and give back to our community. I learned that, while I was lonely, I did not have to be alone. I’m honored to join this team and to help young people to build a life that they can be proud of.
Grace Sullivan
Grace SullivanProgram Supervisor, Southeast & Boston

My name is Grace Sullivan, and I am in recovery. My journey began when I was 19 years old, in a very dark place due to my addiction. I struggled to enter recovery at first, feeling “different” from everyone I met in various fellowship groups that I began to attend, due to my young age and other aspects of my life. At MyPiR, I found I wasn’t so different after all!

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Grace

I soon found that I could relate in some aspect to everyone in the recovery space. I also began to meet some people closer to my age and began to thrive in the fellowship I found with them. I am proud to be a part of MyPiR and to be able to encourage other young people in their recovery.

Joely Feder
Joely FederYoung Adult Regional Peer Recovery Specialist Western, MA

My name is Joely, and I am in recovery. When I entered recovery, I had no idea what to expect. What would change? The answer, as I soon learned, is that a lot would change. The more time I spent in recovery, the more I began learning and growing again. My life was no longer stagnant.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Joely

I was able to actively work on the things that bothered me, deal with my past, and sit with uncomfortable emotions. This peace of mind is priceless. The connection to others that supportive programming like MyPiR cultivates is largely responsible for this.

Nick McLeod
Nick McLeodYoung Adult Regional Peer Recovery Specialist Northeast, MA

I’m Nick and I am a person in recovery. I struggled with alcohol for most of my teenage years and that continued well into my twenties.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Nick

I became a full-time single parent at the age of twenty-five, in the midst of my addiction. It was then that I knew that it was time for me to make the changes in my life that were necessary towards becoming the best man and father that I could be. I look forward to assisting others on their journey to a happier and healthier life.
Jackie Tanashian
Jackie TanashianIntern

My name is Jackie, and I am a senior studying Social Work at Bridgewater State University. I am so excited to be interning for the MyPiR program.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Jackie

I love working with people, especially those that are young that I can relate to. I am thrilled to start this opportunity because it aligns with my passion for social work and helps me support individuals with various struggles that they are going through.
Izzy Unger
Izzy UngerYoung Adult Regional Peer Recovery Specialist - Metrowest

I’m Izzy Unger and I am in recovery. At 22 years old and after years of struggling with substance abuse and my mental health I decided to choose recovery.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Izzy

By building community, I have had the support to face any and every challenge that has come my way all the while making amazing memories and building a life I love.
Kaylie Babine
Kaylie BabineYoung Adult Regional Peer Recovery Specialist - Northeast

My name is Kaylie, and I am a person in recovery. When I first started my recovery journey, it felt like there was a tall mountain blocking me that I was too weak to climb.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Kaylie

I imaged a vision of what my life could look like on the other side of the mountain, and that’s what pulled me over. On my journey, I healed from things I never thought I could, and accomplished things I never thought to be possible. The journey up the mountain took a lot of strength, and a strong support network. I thank myself every day for choosing recovery. Today, I am beyond grateful to have a life I love, a life of freedom and purpose. I am looking forward to using my lived experience to give back to the community and supporting young people in finding their path towards freedom.
Victoria Desmond
Victoria DesmondYoung Adult Regional Peer Recovery Specialist - Metrowest & Boston

I’m Victoria Desmond. When I first started my recovery journey, I was convinced my life was over.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Victoria

After (almost) 4 years of living a substance-free life, I can tell you that the life I lived with alcohol and drugs was nothing compared to the beautiful and fulfilling life I have today.