I became a Peer Parent and Mentor because I’ve lived the fear, heartache, and uncertainty of navigating a child’s mental health and substance use challenges. When my son was 16, my husband and I made the incredibly difficult decision to send him to residential treatment and sober living. It was one of the hardest choices of my life, but also one of the most impactful, one that ultimately helped him find sobriety. At the time, I felt lost and overwhelmed, but through the support of other parents who had been there, I slowly found my footing.
Later, when my daughter struggled with social anxiety and depression, I realized just how much my experience with my son had prepared me to show up differently, with more patience, understanding, and trust. I no longer felt the same urgency to “fix” things. Instead, I learned to walk alongside my children, offering them support without trying to control their outcomes.
That shift in me didn’t happen overnight. It took time, guidance, and most importantly connection with parents who understood. Their kindness and wisdom helped me find the strength and acceptance I needed. That experience is what drives me to do the same for others.
Alongside my work with OPLM, I facilitate a local support meeting at a recovery center, run weekly parent meetings for my son’s former treatment centers, and manage a media page dedicated to supporting families. I also volunteer as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for children in difficult circumstances.
I know how isolating this path can feel, but I also know the power of being surrounded by people who get it. You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here to listen, to walk with you, and to remind you that no matter where you are in this process, there is hope.
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” –Brené Brown
Hosted by York A., Jennifer D.
As a parent of a child who is struggling, it is helpful to reflect on compassion. And how about when we parents are struggling? Self-compassion is the ability to treat ourselves with kindness, understanding, and care, especially when we are suffering, struggling, or making mistakes. Self-compassion can help us cope with stress, improve our well-being, […]
Hosted by Elaine C., Jennifer D.
The Invitation to Change group is a 15-week series designed to give parents and caregivers practical tools they can use every day. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, this group helps you learn new ways to support your child while also caring for yourself.Each session focuses on strategies to strengthen communication, shift old patterns, and create […]
Hosted by Holly O., Jennifer D.
Come enjoy our Nurturing Minds, OPLM’s weekly book club. This is an uplifting, safe, and empathetic space where we discuss thought-provoking books and diverse themes with an open dialogue, mutual respect, and an eagerness to learn from each other’s experiences. Strapped for reading time? We will share a condensed version of the weekly reading as […]
Hosted by Jennifer D., Sheila L.
Join us as caregivers and guardians in a supportive community where we share experiences and thoughts surrounding the complexities of mental health concerns. Whether your child is just beginning therapy, has visited the ER, or you’re simply concerned about their well-being, this group offers a safe and confidential space for you to openly share and […]
Hosted by York A., Jennifer D.
As a parent of a child who is struggling, it is helpful to reflect on compassion. And how about when we parents are struggling? Self-compassion is the ability to treat ourselves with kindness, understanding, and care, especially when we are suffering, struggling, or making mistakes. Self-compassion can help us cope with stress, improve our well-being, […]
Hosted by Elaine C., Jennifer D.
The Invitation to Change group is a 15-week series designed to give parents and caregivers practical tools they can use every day. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, this group helps you learn new ways to support your child while also caring for yourself.Each session focuses on strategies to strengthen communication, shift old patterns, and create […]
Hosted by Holly O., Jennifer D.
Come enjoy our Nurturing Minds, OPLM’s weekly book club. This is an uplifting, safe, and empathetic space where we discuss thought-provoking books and diverse themes with an open dialogue, mutual respect, and an eagerness to learn from each other’s experiences. Strapped for reading time? We will share a condensed version of the weekly reading as […]
Hosted by Jennifer D., Sheila L.
Join us as caregivers and guardians in a supportive community where we share experiences and thoughts surrounding the complexities of mental health concerns. Whether your child is just beginning therapy, has visited the ER, or you’re simply concerned about their well-being, this group offers a safe and confidential space for you to openly share and […]
Hosted by York A., Jennifer D.
As a parent of a child who is struggling, it is helpful to reflect on compassion. And how about when we parents are struggling? Self-compassion is the ability to treat ourselves with kindness, understanding, and care, especially when we are suffering, struggling, or making mistakes. Self-compassion can help us cope with stress, improve our well-being, […]
Hosted by Elaine C., Jennifer D.
The Invitation to Change group is a 15-week series designed to give parents and caregivers practical tools they can use every day. Rooted in compassion and collaboration, this group helps you learn new ways to support your child while also caring for yourself.Each session focuses on strategies to strengthen communication, shift old patterns, and create […]
Hosted by Holly O., Jennifer D.
Come enjoy our Nurturing Minds, OPLM’s weekly book club. This is an uplifting, safe, and empathetic space where we discuss thought-provoking books and diverse themes with an open dialogue, mutual respect, and an eagerness to learn from each other’s experiences. Strapped for reading time? We will share a condensed version of the weekly reading as […]
Hosted by Jennifer D., Sheila L.
Join us as caregivers and guardians in a supportive community where we share experiences and thoughts surrounding the complexities of mental health concerns. Whether your child is just beginning therapy, has visited the ER, or you’re simply concerned about their well-being, this group offers a safe and confidential space for you to openly share and […]
Need Help Now: Let us point you in the direction of other resources. If this is an emergency, please call 911.
If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, call 988.