Team Member Spotlight: Audra Stewart-Gordon
Audra joins us for another year as a Maine Recovery Core Intern. Maine Recovery Core Interns offer direct peer support with the aim to improve recovery success among individuals facing substance use disorders. Audra provides recovery coaching and recovery supports through our INSPIRE Recovery Center in Ellsworth, the Knox County Treatment Court, and Kennebec County Maine Prisoner Reentry Network (MPRN).
Audra earned her Associate of Science Degree in Human Services from Washington County Community College, and is a Behavioral Health Professional, Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist, Certified Residential Medical Aid, Direct Support Professional, Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Member.
Audra, what prompted you to join the Healthy Acadia team?
Healthy Acadia cares about the people in all of our Maine communities. They strive to make Maine a healthier, happier place to live. The wide variety of services offered through this organization can help anyone with any challenge they may be facing.
What most inspires you about Healthy Acadia's work?
It's about standing together, supporting one another, and building better communities. Through my role as a recovery coach, I am able to help individuals find their self-worth, and for me, that is very empowering.
What most inspires you on a personal level?
Helping a marginalized population that is typically overlooked because of stigma and stereotypes. Everyone matters, no matter their background, living situation, or family status.
What is your favorite thing to do, or place to be, in Maine, and why?
My favorite place to be in Maine is Mount Desert Island. The energy of the people, the beauty of the landscape, and the feeling of stillness that can be attained there are just incredible. One can go from a beautiful beach to a majestic mountaintop in the blink of an eye. I feel at peace on MDI.
Audra resides in Trenton and enjoys reading, abstract art, painting, creating things, cooking, and writing.
Listening to music makes my heart happy, as does walking on the beach and collecting sea glass. I have recently gotten back into writing pen pal letters and have come to know women in Switzerland and Cyprus! Learning about different cultures is very interesting to me.