Rochelle Taylor

Why did you want to become a Peer Recovery Coach?

Many years ago, when I began my journey, incarceration seemed like the only solution.
However, today, I focus on being part of the answer by helping others discover
alternatives to jail. For me, it was about finding purpose in my pain. I spent years in a
dark place, trapped in cycles of incarceration and active substance use. This time
around, everything changed; I found acceptance and surrounded myself with people
who believed in me and my dreams. I learned to embrace love until I could love myself,
and now I can share that love with others.

What does Recovery look like to you?

Recovery to me is freedom. I believe it looks different to everyone. Recovery is not one
definition or one pathway, it is embracing individuals and meeting them where they are
no matter what that looks like.

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What is your favorite part about being a Peer Recovery Coach?

Witnessing the spark return to someone's eyes is incredibly fulfilling. The most
rewarding aspect of my role is observing progress and helping individuals rise after
setbacks. I cherish the fact that, regardless of their challenges, our peers always return
when they feel ready. This reflects the impactful work happening here. We
wholeheartedly support those we serve until they can rediscover self-love. Being a voice
in their journey is a privilege.

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What do you like to do for fun?

I like going places with my family, cuddling with my dogs, and being able to enjoy the
simplicity of life.

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What does it mean to you to work at LITE?

Working at LITE has been life-changing for me. I received genuine acceptance and
loving accountability. Being able to work alongside Tammy and be able to help her bring
forth her vision for LITE has been an honor. I cannot envision myself anywhere else. I
truly believe God placed me exactly where I belong.

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How do you use your story to help those with whom you work with?

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In my thoughts, it builds trust, shows that recovery is possible. I can sit across from my peers with a
different level of understanding and empathy. Can walk alongside them without
judgment and celebrate even the smallest of victories with them.

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I want you to imagine that you are the great-great-grandmother/grandfather that you dream of being, and you’ve created everything you wanted to create in your life. You’ve accomplished all the dreams, all the big goals that you’ve set. You’ve made them happen. You’ve got the family of your dreams. You’ve done it all. But you have to take everything with you. You have to take everything with you so that no one has access to your information anymore…all your social media content, journals, etc, it’s all gone. But you get to write down the three things you know to be true about your life, the lessons you would leave behind. All people would have to remember you by are these lessons.

 

What would you say are your three truths? From the top of your head… What lessons would you want people to take away from your life?

1. Give yourself grace.
2. Embrace Change
3. Be the real you