Meet the Mentors

April has been in recovery since 2021. She wanted to become a mentor to show young people the different coping skills she’s learned in life. April is a full-time peer support specialist. She spends her free time exercising and planning goals. She believes her best quality is her perseverance. “I will not relent until my mission is complete”.

My name is Joshua Boyd. I am 34 years old and I am a proud single dad to a beautiful six year old named Maddox. I have been in Recovery from Substance Use, Alcoholism, and Justice Involvement since July 28th, 2022. My faith and my community give me strength. I am a certified Peer Support Specialist, and my desire to help others drives my work as a mentor. John 8:36

Hi, I’m Linda, originally from Brooklyn NY, now residing in Chapel Hill, NC. My past and how I live now is a powerful example that people can change. I became a mentor to be a part of the solution.

Hi, my name is Saisha, and I live in Chapel Hill. I’ve done mental health-related work for a while now, but I’ve also been in recovery for over 2 years, and I hope to use that experience to help uplift young people through their own challenges! I’m especially passionate about mental health equity, and want to make sure that youth are able to access resources that are inclusive of who they are.

In my free time, you’ll usually find me going out on walks, listening to music/watching live music, and messing around with different instruments (especially the guitar)!

Hi, my name is Jaylyn. I am a psychology student at UNC-Chapel Hill who enjoys working with marginalized or at-risk children and adolescents to become the best versions of themselves through skill-building and community engagement. Community support is so crucial when addressing the impacts of mental health struggles, and I became a mentor to do my part in uplifting the voices in my community and making people feel seen and heard. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies and Let’s Plays, listening to music, and going on deep dives on Pinterest.

In my free time, you’ll usually find me going out on walks, listening to music/watching live music, and messing around with different instruments (especially the guitar)!

My name is Darren Sanders, and I’m a medical student with a strong passion for psychiatry, youth advocacy, and mental health equity. Growing up in a single-parent household, I witnessed the impact of untreated mental illness within my family. Having had my own experiences with the justice system, I developed a deep awareness of the stigma and barriers that many communities face when trying to access care.

I’m especially committed to supporting justice-involved youth and hope to use my experiences to empower the next generation through compassionate, trauma-informed care.

Hello! My name is Gabrielle, but I also go by Gab. I currently reside in Chapel Hill and am a student at UNCG where I study recreational therapy. I have been in recovery since 2019 and am passionate about supporting others in their self-defined path to wellness. I believe in anti-carceral care and the power of mutuality in healing.

Gab loves playing guitar, singing, and being in nature with her dog.

Hi! My name is Kylie Williams and I’ve been in recovery since 2022! I am very passionate about being able to help young people through challenges that might feel difficult to get through. I want to give back what has been freely given to me by walking side by side on their journeys to overcome challenges and accomplish personal goals! I love music, art, nature, and hanging out with friends!