Our People
Our Recovery Empowerment Specialists bring something no certification can teach — the lived knowledge of what recovery truly demands, and the compassion that comes from walking the same road.
What Makes Our Team Different
Our Recovery Empowerment Specialists are not simply staff members — they are living proof that recovery is possible. Every RES has their own journey: a history of struggle, a turning point, and a committed path to helping others find the same.
This shared experience creates a level of trust, understanding, and authentic human connection that transforms how support feels to the people we serve. Clients don't just get guidance — they get someone who genuinely understands.
Every RES completes Washington State–certified peer support training and is supervised by clinical staff to ensure safe, trauma-informed, and effective support delivery.
Recovery Empowerment Specialists
Eight dedicated specialists, each bringing their own lived experience and professional training to the work of peer recovery support.
Abigail brings warmth, resilience, and the wisdom of her own recovery journey to every client interaction. She specializes in supporting women navigating early recovery and helps clients build the confidence to take each next step.
Alvin's steady presence and genuine empathy make him an anchor for clients in moments of doubt. Drawing on his own recovery experience, he specializes in accountability coaching and helping clients build consistent daily structure.
Carlos is passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their sense of purpose and possibility. He specializes in community integration, helping clients build meaningful social connections that sustain long-term recovery.
Kelvin brings a calm, grounding energy that clients consistently describe as reassuring. He focuses on emotional regulation support, crisis de-escalation, and helping individuals develop the coping tools that carry them through difficult days.
Kesney's personal recovery journey informs every conversation she has with clients. She is a trusted voice in the housing community, known for her ability to meet people exactly where they are without judgment or condition.
Madyson is dedicated to helping clients navigate the practical challenges of early recovery — from housing transitions to employment goals. Her organized, encouraging approach helps clients build real momentum toward independence.
Mwila is a compassionate advocate who brings cross-cultural sensitivity and deep emotional intelligence to peer support. He is particularly skilled at helping clients from diverse backgrounds feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported.
Richard's lived experience and straightforward compassion make him a trusted guide for clients who need someone consistent and real. He specializes in male peer support and in helping clients navigate systemic barriers with persistence and grace.
The RES Program
A Recovery Empowerment Specialist (RES) is a trained peer support professional who uses their own lived recovery experience to guide, support, and mentor others currently in treatment or early recovery.
Unlike clinical providers, RES professionals offer something uniquely powerful: shared experience. They have faced the same fears, made the same mistakes, and found the same pathway forward — which makes their guidance credible, their compassion authentic, and their presence transformative.
Every RES at Hope and Chance completes Washington State–certified peer support training and participates in ongoing supervision and professional development.
Join Our Team as an RESJoin the Team
Are you in recovery and passionate about helping others find the same path? We're always looking for compassionate individuals to join our RES team. Your experience matters. Your story is needed.