Tag: program facilitator

Meet Our Program Coordinator of Community Outpatient Program: Alexander Peacock

Posted on December 10, 2021 - 7:13 pm by

Could we get some brief biographical information from you? Hometown, previous experiences in recovery, educational/vocational track etc.?

I am from the small city of Goldsboro, North Carolina. After high school I attended University of North Carolina at Wilmington where I majored in Political Science and minored in “partying.” I was the kid in high school to never touched alcohol or drugs because my primary focus was sports and books and I thought it would hinder me. When I got to college that all changed of course! You know the story. Started drinking and drugging which led me to eventually using heroin. This started a journey for me of pain and misery as I went to six treatment centers over a six year period. Always getting out of treatment and immediately using again. I wasn’t able to finally get clean until life led me to Healing Transitions of Wake county. Something finally clicked and I was able to apply what was being drilled into my thinking.

I stayed at Healing Transitions for 15 months and after completing the program I knew that my calling was helping other young men overcome their addiction. I was afforded the opportunity to get my Peer Support Certification and started working as a Rapid Responder at Healing Transitions. What that job looked like is every day Wake county EMS would send me a report that showed all the individuals in Wake county who was administered Narcan by EMS as a result of opioid overdose. Once I made contact I would gage the persons needs and get them the help they needed. Very fulfilling work which gave me a sense of purpose.

After completing treatment at Healing Transitions, I had the pleasure of developing a nonprofit called Recess Games USA in which we aim to pair those in the community with people in recovery who are seeking healthy avenues to have good clean fun while building a meaningful and purposeful life. And by putting on events for Green Hill recovery I was able I meet the great staff and really connect with their clients. In doing so, I was offered the position as Program Coordinator of Community Outpatient Program in which I took without hesitation as I really feel like this demographic is where I am meant to be.

 

What’s one thing your hometown could be known for, and why?

My hometown of Goldsboro is probably only known for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.

 

What made you want to work in this field?

Being a person in recovery, this job is food for the soul for me. I get the chance to work with young men who have some of the same struggles that I once had. And I remember back on how things were like for me and how beneficial a program like Green Hill could have helped me if I had known about it.

 

What do you believe makes Green Hill stand out in its field, and why?

Green Hill is such a progressive program and there is no other like it in the country. We are constantly thinking of new ways to engage with our clients and always on top of new methods and practices from all over the world. We want to to these young men the best possible chance at a wholesome, sustainable, and healthy life.

 

What does your ideal day look like?

A Saturday for me looks like being woken up by my son around 7am to play some sort of game with him and feed him breakfast while I have my cup of coffee. After that I take my doggie Charlie outside to go potty and so he can bark at imaginary things (I hate this). After that my girlfriend will usually tell me of some project around the house she has volunteered for which probably means I will have to go to Lowe’s once or twice. After the project my son and I will find some chicken wings and watch football taking breaks to go outside and play football ourselves. Once nightfall hits, we may find movie to watch together as a family. When Jax goes to bed, my partner will read some love drama-ish novel and I will continue watching football. Then we go to bed afterwards!

 

Can you name one role model you have, and what that person has had such an impact?

Probably the biggest role model to me would probably be Sean (Jay-Z) Carter. His rags to riches story is incredible. Coming from poverty living in housing projects to being inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame while being a maverick in the business world is beautiful. He also made one of the greatest albums of all time in 4:44.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has that advice affected your day-to-day?

“Are you really listening or are you just waiting to talk?” This quote I heard one of my favorite artist Saba use has been what has been my guide in all my interactions with people . A lot of times we can just pretend to care or listen to someone pour their hearts out and just try and give them a solution to whatever it is they’re dealing with but that may not be what they want or need. Sometimes people just need for you to listen.

 

What’s your favorite Green Hill Memory?

Favorite Green Hill memory of mine so far is a client who was struggling to stay sober since day one of getting into our Transitional Living program. He ended up leaving our program and bounced around from couch to couch of friends and called me crying one day to come pick him up and take him to detox. When he got into my car he started to cry again and say to me that he was tired of everything and done with that lifestyle. He then went back to inpatient treatment and came back to the Transitional Living program here at Green Hill and sent me a picture of his 6 months recovery key tag over the weekend. The most clean time he has had in years. That is the reason I work in this field.

 

What’s one message you wish our residents at Green Hill would always take with them?

If you give recovery a chance, whatever you thought you could accomplish, you can accomplish ten times over.

 

Quick Facts about Alex

Favorite book: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Favorite podcast: New Rory & Mal

Favorite sports team: Dallas Cowboys

Favorite meal: New York Strip (medium rare)

Favorite movie: The Revenant

Favorite album: (Right now) Kaytranada- 99.9% (all-time) Frank Ocean- Blonde

Dream vacation: China

Dream job as a child: NBA player

Hobbies: Playing basketball, listening to music, and watching my son experience new things

Pets: Charlie (labradoodle)

We’re hiring! – Program Facilitator

Posted on August 30, 2021 - 2:55 pm by

We’re hiring! Join the Green Hill team as a Program Facilitator.

About Green Hill Recovery
Green Hill Recovery is an academically oriented, substance use disorder recovery program that offers integrated sober living and intensive outpatient services. We provide structured sober living, academic and career coaching, experiential and holistic therapy as well as intensive outpatient clinical services to young adult men.

We are a values-based, mission-driven organization. Together, we strive to build a community of leaders living purposeful lives. To us, human flourishing is the name of the game. Our primary focus is helping young adult men recover from substance use and other co-occurring mental health disorders. 

We believe that to best serve others, we must focus on our own personal and professional development. We emphasize mentorship and coaching among our team. For those struggling with substance use disorder, it’s crucial to build a network of people who have successfully navigated personal recovery. Our team is based on this philosophy.

Summary:

The Program Facilitator’s foremost responsibility is the safety and welfare of all residents, and the daily facilitation of the Green Hill program. The Program Facilitator is the primary leader of the Green Hill therapeutic community and must conduct himself in a professional manner. Setting a positive example of appropriate behavior, industriousness, punctuality, and attention to detail is expected. The Program Facilitator will work with the clinical team, Program Coordinator and Executive Director to advance positive therapeutic outcomes for each individual client and the Green Hill sober-living program.

Our ideal candidate has personal experience in recovery, is interested in making helping people a lifetime pursuit and is able to think on their feet while having fun. Both full and part-time positions are available, and a variety of advancement opportunities are available to qualified candidates. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Facilitating daily transitional living programing as identified by the weekly transitional living program schedule. 
  2. Providing and managing client transport to GHR/medical appointments and group activities; limited personal transport may be accommodated when schedule permits.
  3. Following and completing the PF shift responsibility checklist for each respective shift worked. 
  4. Assists residents in developing independent living skills i.e. cooking, laundry, budgeting, personal organization, time-management etc. Facilitating and documenting daily medication observation.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.  
  • Ability to pass Green Hill Recovery’s background check. 
  • Ability to administer urinalysis.
  • Ability to lift and manipulate 40 lbs worth of weight

To apply, please email a resume to Ryan Jarrell at rjarrell@greenhill.advaita.health

Meet our Program Facilitator: Joey Porchetta

Posted on May 12, 2021 - 6:30 pm by

Could we get some biographical information from you? Where you’re from, academic history, professional history, experiences in recovery, family life etc?
I was born and raised in Westfield, New Jersey – about 30 miles west of Manhattan. My twin brother Anthony and I are the youngest – technically, I’m older than Anthony by 7 minutes… My sister Alyssa is the “middle child” and my brother Jon is the oldest. Anthony and I attended Seton Hall Preparatory School and I ended up committing to play lacrosse at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

I spent about 3 years at F&M before attending my first treatment center – after lots of ups and downs, I got sober in 2017 and started to put together a nice little life for myself. I began working in the treatment field at Hope for Families – an addiction counseling center in Greenville, SC. I moved from Hope for Families to Pavillon’s outpatient services in Greenville. While working at Pavillon, I met the love of my life, Ashley, and we were married in April 2020.

Ashley took on a promotion at work that allowed us to move anywhere we wanted in North Carolina. After looking up treatment centers in Raleigh and seeing Green Hill’s website, I knew this is where I needed to be. Ashley and I moved to Raleigh in August of 2020 with our dog Oakley to embark on our next adventure!

What precisely does a Program Facilitator do?
A program facilitator essentially lives life alongside our clients – I am a living example of someone who has literally been in their position many times, and came out the otherside. I think that uniquely qualifies me to help them throughout this process. Program facilitators are the boots on the ground. We make sure our guys are doing what needs to be done on a daily basis. From morning meds, to grocery store runs, getting the guys to the office, taking them to recovery meetings, beating them in ping pong – PF’s are in constant contact with our guys and help facilitate all the greatness Green Hill has to offer.

What made you want to work in the substance abuse field?
As someone in recovery, I find a great deal of purpose working in this field. I empathize a lot with our clients. I’m someone who has attended every level of addiction treatment as a client. I think because of my experience, I’m well suited to work in the field. I’m at a point in my life where I don’t know exactly what I want to do yet. I feel like I’m pretty good at working with young adult men who are new in recovery and for now it’s exactly where I’m supposed to be.

If you could give a new Program Facilitator one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t take things personally and choose your battles. This is such a relational job, it’s crazy to think that you can really make anyone do anything. At the end of the day, I don’t have the power to change anyone. All I can do is show up every day to work with the best attitude ever and try and positively impact the lives of those around me. Every client is different and I treat them each individually. This allows me to seperate who they are from what they do.

What keeps you coming back day after day?
The laughs, the camaraderie, the shared struggle. Working with young adult men has me laughing nonstop every single day. It’s an interesting juxtaposition – alcoholism and addiction is such a serious deal, but we find levity and fun to get through it together. I would also be remiss if I didn’t say “the process”. When someone young and beat down changes their life, it’s a miracle. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to participate in the transformation process of young adult lives. I keep coming back for the miracles that unfold on a daily basis.

What do you believe makes Green Hill stand out in its field, and why?
We operate on a different level at Green Hill. The disease of addiction is interesting because no one exactly has it figured out. This makes for all sorts of different treatment approaches. Green Hill believes in developing young men who live with profound purpose. I didn’t get sober to just live some mediocre life! Therefore, we ask all of our guys to cast some sort of vision for their life.

We come alongside them in rediscovering their passions and interests and then get them moving towards that goal. This is a concept unlike any other sober living I’ve been to or worked at. The difference at Green Hill is our level of intentionality. Come to Green Hill for one day and you’re liable to see our CFO in the backyard of our house making concrete curbs (true story) to skate on outside. Olympic great Michael Phelps has this concept of “dream, plan, reach”. I think that goes on everyday at Green Hill.

When you’re not at work, what do you do to recharge your batteries?
My mental health is directly related to my physical health. When I’m off work there’s a very high chance that you might see me running or riding my bike around Raleigh. You will also find me on the lacrosse field, coaching varsity high school lacrosse. I find great purpose in coaching lacrosse, a lot like I find great purpose as a PF at Green Hill. Recharging my batteries looks like adventuring with Ashley and Oakley, exploring every inch of the research triangle! I’m a big fan of relationships, and so I try and fill my days off with time spent with people (as best as I can with COVID) because that’s what life is about!

What makes Raleigh a superb environment for young people in recovery?
Raleigh has it all. When I think about environments for people in recovery, I think about this concept of building “recovery capital”. Part of being in recovery is the idea of building “community recovery capital”. What that means is, for recovery to develop, it’s important for a community to have adequate resources to support the growth of one’s recovery. Raleigh has all of those resources. Especially for young adult men trying to get back on track.

We have the educational sector covered with NC State being walking distance from our house and other great institutions close by. The AA and recovery support group scene in Raleigh is thriving and has a heavy “young people” presence. The job market is increasing and projected growth moving forward is looking to be above the national average. Raleigh has got it going on!!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? How has that advice affected your day-to-day?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received would probably be to lower my expectations in life. I can knowingly or unknowingly place expectations on everything and everyone in my life. I used to lack awareness of this and it would negatively impact a lot of my experiences. When I became aware of the expectations I was setting, I realized that my expectations were just opportunities for me to be let down at my own expense.

I understand it might be a tall task to “have zero expectations” of others, but I can tell you with confidence that on a day-to-day basis, I have very little expectations of others. I think that because of this, my interactions with others and relationships are much more enjoyable!

What’s the one message you’d like the parents and loved ones of our residents and clients to know?
Your loved ones are in good hands! From the top down, our Green Hill staff is bound together by a common thread: our desire to positively impact the lives of our clients. I see it everyday at work. I hope that the parents and loved ones of our clients know how much we as staff care. We care about your loved ones and want the absolute best for them. I will do everything in my power to help and be of service to them. Also, the TL house is just a good time! We have so much fun on a daily basis.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT JOEY

Favorite movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Favorite book: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Favorite album: The Head and the Heart

Favorite podcast: Crime Junkie

One thing your hometown could be known for: Its quaint downtown – also Whitney Houston is buried there…

Dream vacation: Tanzania to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

Favorite meal: Chicken Marsala

Dream job as a child: I wanted to play shortstop for the New York Yankees.

One thing everybody loves that you secretly hate, and why: Most social media platforms because I get too distracted

Guiltiest pleasure: Really whiny pop-punk music

Meet Our Program Coordinator: Jay Bylund

Posted on August 23, 2020 - 6:57 pm by

Could we get some brief biographical information from you? Hometown, previous experience, education, etc?

I was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and relocated to Weddington, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, when I was ten years old. I played lots of sports growing up but ended up finding a passion for lacrosse and played year-round through high school. When I wasn’t playing lacrosse or partying, I spent my time playing ultimate frisbee, disc golf, guitar and going to see live music. 

I developed an addiction to painkillers after several sports-related injuries and quickly became dependent on them. I was a highly functioning addict and managed to graduate high school with a 4.5 GPA. I attended North Carolina State for 5 years until I was expelled as a consequence of my behavior and struggles with substance abuse. 

My journey towards recovery started shortly after with my first stay at an inpatient rehab in Palm Springs, CA. I managed to stay clean for a short period of time after that, but spent the next 5 years going in and out of various levels of treatment, eventually moving to even more dangerous forms of substance abuse. After a very serious hospitalization caused by my addiction, my family cut all ties with me. I found my way to a long-term residential treatment program for the homeless called The Healing Transitions of Wake County. I stayed at Healing Transitions for 15 months to complete their program and then pretty much started from scratch.

Since then, I have built a joyous and purposeful life for myself full of fun and supportive people, including the family I mentioned earlier. I joined the Green Hill team during its infancy and pride myself both on helping build it into what it is today and the bold direction it’s moving into the future. In my free time, I enjoy taking trips to the beach, travelling to see my favorite band (Phish), playing darts, disc golf, and socializing with friends.

The most important parts of my recovery are service work and maintaining my physical and mental health. I visit my former treatment facility on a weekly basis to volunteer and help other men in recovery. 

What do you believe makes Green Hill stand out in its field, and why?

Green Hill stands out for one reason: we genuinely take a vested interest in each one of our clients, as opposed to treating them as just another dollar sign. Our small, tight-knit staff and the work culture that surrounds it helps us support our residents to be their best.

What keeps you coming back day after day?

Knowing that I will most likely have fun at work and that I will have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life. 

If you could give a new Program Coordinator one piece of advice, what would it be?

No matter how hard you try, you can’t make someone change. You can only give them the tools they need. The rest is up to them. 

What’s one memory you’ll always take with you from your time here in Green Hill?

I’ve always been fond of our Holiday work parties. It’s fun to have everyone in the company in one place and watch their personalities come to life. The white elephant gift exchange never disappoints.

What’s one thing your hometown could be known for, and why?

Where a lot of the Panthers reside.

What does your ideal day look like?

Assuming this day is a weekend, I’d like to wake up around 10 and go for a 3 mile run followed by some weight lifting. After that, I’d want to go eat brunch with my girlfriend at one of our favorite spots – Tazza Kitchen. Later on, we head to the pool with some friends and cook dinner. Later in the evening, we would head over to the pool hall to shoot some darts and then come home to binge-watch shows on Netflix. 

How has your family impacted the way you approach your life in recovery?

The best thing my family ever did for my recovery was push me away so that I could no longer manipulate or lie to them. I’m sure it was hard for them, but it was what needed to happen for me to take responsibility for my own life. 

What’s one message you wish our residents at Green Hill would always take with them?

I have two, but I think they’re equally important. First, don’t let your past define you. And second, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Quick Facts about Jay

Undergraduate school: North Carolina State University – in progress

Desert Island movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Favorite book: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo 

Favorite album: Live Phish Volume 17 – Portland, Oregon 7/15/98

Dream vacation: Thailand

Top karaoke song choice: Debra by Beck

Favorite spot to visit in Raleigh: Cedar Hills Disc Golf course

Favorite meal: Sushi

Dream job as a child: Rockstar

Favorite Green Hill activity: Beach Volleyball

Meet Our Program Facilitator: Caleb Barnhart

Posted on April 27, 2020 - 5:00 pm by

Could we get some brief biographical information from you? Hometown, previous experience, education, etc.?

I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC, and have battled with addiction from ages 14 to 24. Throughout that period, I had a lot of experience with institutionalized treatment programs, going to different treatment centers in Texas, Colorado, North Carolina and Georgia.

Currently, I’m a Senior at North Carolina State University majoring in Digital Media and Communication, where I try to focus on substance abuse disorders and recovery. After working as a soccer and swim coach for a few years, I joined the Green Hill team as one of its first Program Facilitators, and have been part of the team ever since.

In sobriety, I’ve found a passion both for physical fitness and photography, which I really enjoy sharing with our residents.

What first made you want to work for Green Hill?

Growing up in Raleigh, I’ve always seen a need for a recovery home in the capital. Unfortunately, when I was trying to get sober, I had to leave my hometown to receive treatment. I was volunteering in the community when I heard Green Hill was opening. As soon as I was introduced to Tripp, I knew that I would be a good fit for the program. Having spent a significant portion of my early adulthood battling addiction, I find it very rewarding to help guys in this age range. I feel uniquely qualified to help them with the issues that young men with substance abuse disorders face in early sobriety.

What keeps you coming back day after day?

The residents and my coworkers. I know what it is like to feel like just another number in a treatment system. I like to think that, since I have been in their shoes, I have a unique responsibility to make them feel seen and heard while going through our program.

As for my coworkers, I have never been a part of such a supporting and energetic community. I am very proud to be a member of this team.

If Green Hill had a talent show today, what would you be doing on the main stage?

Definitely a duet drag show with Program Coordinator Jay Bylund. Ideally accompanied by a song by Peaches.

Also, I would like to make a short film called “Halfway” that shows the human and empathetic elements of getting sober in a facility. Hopefully, highlighting the strong interpersonal relationships that are formed when recovering together. I believe that changing the social stigma at large is an important part of the process of recovery; plus, I just love being behind a camera.

Favorite spot to visit in Raleigh?

This is a tough question. Raleigh is a great city, and I have a lot of favorite spots, as a photographer. I love the bridge over the highway that connects the trails behind the NC Art Museum for sunset, but Red Hat Amphitheater is an amazing venue in the center of downtown that is hard to beat. 

What’s one memory you’ll always carry with you from your time here at Green Hill?

I will always remember our ski trip to SnowShoe mountain! I had a blast seeing some of our guys really feel alive for the first time in a while. One of the coolest parts of my job is to see a resident really laugh, smile, and get lost in an activity. As a photographer, I can’t help but juxtapose these ‘images’ in my mind next to the look of pain and defeat when residents first enter our program.

Anything else you’d like the community at large to know?

I also work on the marketing and admissions team. While my primary role is as a Program Facilitator, I also talk to most residents before they come to Green Hill. I am able to give them a better understanding of what a day in the life is like for residents. It’s helpful for our residents to feel like they already have a more down to earth connection with one of our staff members before they arrive. 

What’s one message you’d wish our residents would always carry with them?

Find out who you are, what you love, and the people that support that. The rest will fall into place.

Who has had the largest impact on your personal and/or professional development? 

My Dad, Frank Barnhart. Also the Green Hill team, Tripp Johnson, Nick Slovak, Jay Bylund, and Jake Summers.

If you could give a new Green Hill Program Facilitator one piece of advice, what would it be? 

Your main job is to be a cheerleader. Be every resident’s biggest fan.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Keep your mind where your feet are at. The more we get ahead of ourselves, the more complex life appears. Reminding myself to be present is an important part of my recovery. 

What is one thing your hometown could be known for?

Home of the Dreamville Music Festival. 

As the man behind the camera for Green Hill, who are your favorite photographers?

I love Haris Nukems work for his provocative subject matter, striking color profiles, and dramatic lighting. Something about british style has always been appealing to me.  

Peter Mckinnon is not only an amazing photographer and videographer, but also a teacher. I find his photography breathtaking and unique, but his videos have been very helpful in my own photography journey. 

Quick Facts about Caleb

Dream job as a kid?: National Geographic Photographer 

High school superlative: Loudest Laugh

Favorite podcast: Sam Harris or Joe Rogan podcast

Favorite movies: Guy Richie or Wes Anderson films

Top karaoke song choice: Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen

One book on a desert island: Red Rising by Pierce Brown

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Raleigh, NC 27612