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 SullivanAssistant Program Director, 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.

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.
Christina Dillon
Christina DillonYoung Adult Regional Peer Recovery Specialist, Western MA

My name is Christina Dillon (she/her). I am a person in recovery, and my own struggles have fueled my passion for supporting others on their journeys.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Christina

I believe that deeply in the power of shared experience there is so much we can learn from one another when we show up with honesty and compassion. Every day, I’m inspired by the strength of the young adults I work with and the reminder that recovery is not about perfection, but about growth, resilience, and choosing yourself again and again.
Brittany Deruosi
Brittany DeruosiYoung Adult Regional Peer Recovery Specialist, Central & Metrowest

My name is Brittany Deruosi and I am a person in long term Recovery. I started working in the field as a Recovery Specialist with the Gavin Foundation.

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Brittany

Throughout the years I gained experiences working as a Recovery Specialist in many settings and currently a full time Recovery Coach for Mass General Hospital for 6 years working with adolescents and young adults. My passion for Recovery Coaching allows me to offer many skills, knowledge, and lived experiences to help those that are just seeking extra support in their process of recovery. Recovery is a journey for the individual themselves. It is unique and different for everyone. As a coach I am there to help you until you find purpose and connection.
Ryleigh Joyce
Ryleigh JoyceIntern

My name is Ryleigh, and I am currently studying Psychology at Endicott College. I am excited to be interning with MyPiR this summer! I am passionate about mental health and addiction, and…

Call 617-657-1031 to reach Ryleigh

I am grateful for the opportunity to build experience! Supporting people through struggles is something I care deeply about. I’m excited to learn new things and also use what I’m learning to make a difference!