Recovery Connections Program

Peer Recovery Support in Local Hospitals

Meet the Recovery Connections Team

Dan Dixon

Coweta Connections Program Manager / Peer Coach

Hello, my name is Dan.

I am a person in Long Term Recovery. What that means for me is that it has been 10 years since I have used any mind-altering substances to change the way I feel. I am also a graduate of No Longer Bound from 2013. Since graduation, I have worked in the field of Recovery from 2016 to present.

I was able to obtain my BS from Liberty University in 2020. From there I earned my CAC1 through GACA, followed by one of my favorite certificates CPS-AD through the Georgia Council for Recovery. Later that year I earned my Forensic Peer Mentor through the GMHCN.

This hard work has paid off through the years as it has led me to have so many opportunities to meet and see peers that remind me of myself all those years ago. I continue to speak out for recovery because I see how much I needed someone like myself back when I was battling addiction and mental health. I see just how much being a friend to someone in recovery really can make an impact. I am honored to serve as the Director of the Community Connection Team here at Coweta F.O.R.C.E. and have to chance to work with this excellent organization and their amazingly talented staff.

Marisa Leary

Coweta Connections Team Lead / Peer Coach

Hello, my name is Marisa.

I serve as the Coweta Connections Team Lead. I am a person in long term recovery from any substance use, and what that means to me is I have not felt the need to use any substances since January 16, 2018.

I am committed to living recovery out loud and I believe in multiple pathways to recovery for the individual, family and communities as a whole.

I am a mother of 3 beautiful, young children. Today I cherish the moments I have with them. Because of my recovery, I am able to be a role model in their lives and the mother they deserve. I am so grateful that my lived experience of losing custody of my children and being hopeless in addiction can now be used to provide someone with hope that no matter where they are, recovery is possible.

Today I share my lived experience and message of hope in my community in order to find their own pathway to recovery. It has been a humbling but gratifying experience. I am passionate about my recovery and continue to speak out loud because I want to support and advocate for peers and reduce the stigma of addiction.

What is a Peer Recovery Coach?

A Peer Recovery Coach is someone in long term recovery who shares their experience of recovery and walks alongside you as you determine your own path of Recovery.

Peer recovery coaches can help connect you with community resources and supports, including individuals in recovery who can support.

What is the difference between a Peer Recovery Coach and a treatment provider?

A Peer Recovery Coach is a Certified Addictions Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES) and offers peer support by the sharing of their lived experience as a person in long term recovery.

Your Peer Recovery Coach is here to walk with you as you explore "what recovery? means to you" and holds the belief that you know what works best for your recovery. Peer Recovery Coaches are not here to provide assessments, diagnosis, or make treatment recommendations.

What can a Peer Recovery Coach do for me?

Your peer recovery coach is truly interested in you and your answers:

What's working well for you?
What could be better in your life?
What's keeping you hopeful?

Your Peer Recovery Coach will:

Listen and be present to answer questions you may have about recovery.
Meet with family members to discuss recovery and provide support following an overdose.
Provide overdose prevention education.
Maintain contact with you after you leave the hospital and continue to support your recovery.

Schedule a session.

A great way to get started is in a one on one session. During this time, you can discuss your goals and together we can establish a plan to support you.

678-340-5813