My Story

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Growing up without the support of either parent—my mother battling addiction and my father violating my trust—left deep emotional wounds. I’ve experienced firsthand the pain that addiction brings, not only to those caught in it but to the people who love them. That pain shaped who I am, and it drives my purpose. I never want anyone to feel as alone, scared, or broken as I once did. That’s why I created PAWSitive Growth—because when people heal, they stop hurting others. 

Addiction shaped my childhood in ways no child should experience. By the time I was seven, I had lived through instability, a drug-related police raid, and a violent break-in that made me fear for my life. That night, I truly believed my mother was going to be killed. I remember the panic, the helplessness, and the  overwhelming terror  of not knowing what would happen next.

But my trauma wasn’t limited to my mother’s addiction. My father violated boundaries in ways no child should ever experience. The emotional weight of living with both of my parents left deep and lasting scars—and even now, it’s hard to say which pain affected me more. By the time I was six, the stress and trauma were so intense that my hair began to fall out. 

Eventually, I was placed in two foster homes where, for the first time, I felt some sense of safety and care. After that, I was adopted by my grandparents. Stability should have followed—but it didn’t.  My grandfather often made inappropriate comments about me, leaving me feeling uncomfortable and unsafe in my own home.  I was constantly reminded that I didn’t truly belong. I was told that children should be seen and not heard. And if I misbehaved, I was made to write letters explaining why I shouldn’t be sent back to the state. As a child, I couldn’t fully grasp how wrong that was—I just knew it made me feel small, silenced, and deeply sad. 

By the time I was 17, I had been kicked out and spent a couple of months staying with a family member. After that, I was on my own.  I graduated high school early, got my butt to work, and started rebuilding myself from the ground up. It wasn’t easy—but I refused to let my past define me. I found strength in my independence, learned to trust myself, and discovered I was capable of far more than I’d ever been led to believe. 

Through resilience, determination, and a deep desire to break the cycle, I kept moving forward. And despite everything, I’ve built a life I’m proud of!

My mother eventually found sobriety, and knowing she was able to break free from addiction gives me hope for others. But hope alone isn’t enough—we need action. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to helping people heal, not just for themselves, but so they can stop hurting the people who love them.

PAWSitive Growth isn’t just a name—it’s the feeling I hope this space brings to everyone who finds it. “PAWSitive” comes from my love of dogs and the comfort they’ve given me when people couldn’t. I want to offer that same kind of support to others. “Growth” represents healing, forward movement, and the hope that comes with recovery. This is a safe, judgment-free space where you’re never expected to go through it alone. 

Music is another powerful part of healing. It reaches places words often can’t—helping us process pain, reflect on our journey, and keep moving forward. That’s why I incorporate music into recovery work—it builds connection, nurtures resilience, and supports healing in ways nothing else can. 

Our mission is to provide recovery support through harm reduction, compassion, and practical strategies to prevent relapse. I want to help people get better—not just for themselves, but so they don’t pass on the kind of pain I once lived through. If I can play even a small part in breaking that cycle, then every moment of this work is worth it. 

I’m deeply grateful for the behind-the-scenes support that keeps PAWSitive Growth going. It allows me to stay present with your comments, connect with this community, and focus fully on supporting clients in their recovery journeys.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and PAWSitive Growth. I’m truly honored to walk this path with you—and to support you in finding healing, hope, and a brighter tomorrow.

Crystal

Drug & Alcohol Recovery Coach • Peer Support Specialist • Lived Experience 

Training: International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches, Orlando, FL

Services offered through PAWSitive Growth are non-clinical and do not replace medical or licensed therapy care.