Meet the Mentors

My name is Jen, I’m currently living in Chapel Hill. I grew up and went to college in CT. I have been in recovery for over 10 years and I wanted to be a mentor because I have learned a lot on my continuous journey of self healing and growth and I hope to share some of that with others. In my free time I like to walk with my dog and partner, watch movies, make art, and cook. I am also a teacher at an after-school program for youth. My dream occupation would be to be a full time artist. One accomplishment I achieved since being in recovery is graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in Cultural Anthropology. My best attribute is my critical thinking and tenacity in believing there is always a better way forward than what may be handed to you.

Hi, I’m Joe and I live in Chapel Hill with my wife and kids. I became a mentor so that I could share positivity to the youth in the community. I spend my free time playing video games and hanging out with my family. 

Pablo Robles (they/them) is a community organizer and compassioning coach. They work at EL Centro Hispano as the Youth Program Coordinator empowering latinx youth and supporting their journeys to reach their highest potential. They have been part of many community projects in Mexico, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Kenya, and North Carolina– bridging visions + missions with action and collaboration. 

Pablo’s overall mission is to promote and support a healthier earth by nourishing hearts, minds, and bodies around the world.

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.

My name is Edward. I’m from Brooklyn New York. I became a mentor after seeing so many young guys come through the prison system. It made me want to make a difference in our communities.

I am originally from Maryland and lived in South Florida for seven years before moving to Asheville, NC, where I attended The University of North Carolina at Asheville, studying Neuropsychology. After graduating, I moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to attend graduate school.

I’ve chosen to help others struggling with various forms of Mental Health Disorders, including but not limited to Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and to use my personal life experiences to help benefit others going through similar struggles as my own.

In my free time I enjoy volunteering and spending time outside. I like to hike, bike, and rock climb when I can find the time to get to the mountains.

Hi, I’m Emily! I’m from Chapel Hill. I believe that there is not a “one size fits all” path to recovery and I became a mentor to help youth find solutions that work for them. I want to use my life experiences to help others who are facing challenges similar to those I have faced. The biggest accomplishment I’ve made since being in recovery was earning my college degree! My day job is in a garden center, and in my free time I enjoy running, hiking, skateboarding, reading, playing chess, and spending time with my cats.

I am Shawn Baker of Durham, NC. I have been in recovery for over 10 years and after gaining the tools needed to maintain it, it’s led me to become a mentor. When I’m not running my landscaping business or handling the day-to-day of the family barber shop, I like to ride out on my dirt bike or ATV with family and friends. I often give back to the community by teaching young men the art of landscaping or offering free lawn care/cleanup for the elderly. I like to live life to the fullest. Laughter is the key to my joy!    

My name is Kimberly Shoulars and I live in Raleigh, NC. I’ve been in recovery since 2014, and love helping others discover their strengths and ability to overcome challenges. I wanted to become an RSN mentor as a way of giving back to others. I work as a writing facilitator and executive director at Wordplay @ Work, and spend my free time reading any and everything, writing, facilitating writing workshops, and spending time with my family and friends. My best attribute is Resilience:  I bloom wherever I’m planted.