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”.

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.

As a teen I was very troubled. I was involved in criminal activity and drug use. My home environment was loving but I was allowed to do things as a minor that affected me heavily in life and was very confusing. This led me down the path of drug abuse and incarceration. I spent many years in this turmoil and state of confusion. Through experiencing enough pain, I began to work on myself and change my life. I have been involved with recovery for several years now and have accumulated several years of long-term recovery. I also have addressed my mental health which opened many doors for me to understand the path I chose early on and why I continue on the path I’m currently on. My passion is to help young teens/young adults to divert from the path I chose and support them on their life journey. Through this I am able to connect with my lost childhood and hopefully give my experience strength and hope to kids so they can enjoy theirs. I don’t want any child to suffer through the experience I had and If I can prevent that, I will do anything to make that possible. There are kids that are on the right path and I’m grateful to be able to share with them what happens if they step off that path. Our future is with these kids and its our responsibility to direct them. 

My name is Sam Estes and I live in Durham, NC. I’ve been in recovery since 2020 and became a mentor because I love helping people overcome challenges similar to those I faced. I’m also a student at Durham Tech and spend my free time exercising, learning, and hanging out with friends and family.

Pablo Robles (they/them) is a BIPOC queer community organizer in Durham, an embodiment coach, somatic therapist and a spiritual guide committed to anti-racist work and decolonizing efforts for an equitable society. They have been working as a mentor with RSN for 3 years, and were previously on the board. As the Lead Mentor they will be supporting new mentors on best practices when it comes to working with RSN’s participants and supporting the staff to offer mentors continued resources and tools to improve the service they provide. In addition, Pablo will be expanding on community engagement and outreach to organizations, groups, and schools for informal mentoring and Life Skills groups.  

Pablo Robles (el/elles/ella) es un organizador de la comunidad queer BIPOC en Durham, un life coach, un terapeuta somático y un guía espiritual comprometido con el trabajo antirracista y los esfuerzos descolonizadores para una sociedad equitativa. Ha trabajado como mentor en RSN durante 3 años y anteriormente estuvo en la junta directiva. Como mentor principal, apoyarán a los nuevos mentores sobre las mejores prácticas a la hora de trabajar con los participantes de RSN y apoyarán al personal para ofrecer a los mentores recursos y herramientas continuas para mejorar el servicio que brindan. Además, Pablo ampliará la participación comunitaria y la extensión a organizaciones, grupos y escuelas para tutorías informales y grupos de habilidades para la vida.

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 Sofia Sten. My recovery journey started in 2021, I am passionate about helping young teens/adults grow in recovery and face challenges that are similar to what I have been through. I love working out, playing sports and hanging out with friends.

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!