The Recovery Connection – Staff
Gabrielle Shiner, Recovery Coach
Phone: 774-843-5667
Email: gabrielle.shiner@spectrumhealthsystems.org
Hello, my name is Gabrielle Shiner, and I am the Recovery Coach at The Recovery Connection. I am proudly in recovery, with lived experience of mental health, with a sobriety date of February 25, 2024. My journey has given me a deep passion for helping others who are in recovery or looking to begin their own path. I come from a family impacted by addiction, and I am grateful to share recovery with my mother, father, and brother, who are all an important part of my support system. Their strength and support continue to inspire me every day. I am a Certified Peer Specialist which gives me the chance at the center to support members who are Dual Diagnosis. I also strongly support the peer participatory process at the center, and love to see the way the members engage in the process of it. Outside of my work, I am married and share my home with my two Siamese cats, Osiris and Apollo. I love spending time outdoors, where I feel most connected to my higher power and grounded in my recovery. Recovery has given me the ability to truly love life again and find happiness in all areas of my life. One of the most meaningful parts of my journey has been the connections I’ve made along the way. I value the friendships, shared experiences, and lessons I continue to learn from others in recovery, and I feel honored to be part of The Recovery Connection community, where we support and grow with one another every day.
Emmy Mague, Community Engagement Specialist
Phone: 774-843-5667
Email: emily.mague@spectrumhealthsystems.org
I have found the Peer Recovery Center to be a staple in my healing journey, offering a community of like-minded peers working toward becoming better versions of ourselves and kindly helping hold one another accountable. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and a minor in Sustainable Community Development from UMass Amherst, I bring compassionate and professional community leadership in engaging both members and the greater community. I embrace healing as a lifestyle, from morning and night meditations and stretching, to nature walks, gardening, spending time with peers, singing, somatic dancing, eating, and praying!
Heather McKinnon, Peer Coordinator
Phone: 774-843-5667
Email: heather.mckinnon@spectrumhealthsystems.org
As a peer coordinator with lived experience in recovery, I am dedicated to walking alongside others as they navigate their paths. I believe in the power of connection and meeting people exactly where they are. Through my own journey, peer support played an important role in helping me build meaningful friendships and a strong support network. My goal is to provide support and encouragement so that individuals feel heard. Outside of work, I've always been someone who finds purpose in helping others, whether that's people or animals. I also enjoy reading and journaling as a way to reflect, grow, and stay grounded in my own recovery. I believe recovery is not just about overcoming challenges, but about building a life that feels fulfilling and worth showing up for every day.
Leah Lynch, Peer Coordinator
Phone: 774-843-5667
Email: leah.lynch@spectrumhealthsystems.org
I am a dedicated Peer Coordinator committed to supporting individuals on their path to healing and long-term sobriety. With a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel respected, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. My recovery journey is at the heart of the work I do today. I have been sober 2+ years, and that experience has shaped not only who I am, but how I show up for others every day. I understand firsthand the challenges of addiction and the courage it takes to seek help and the ongoing commitment required to maintain recovery.
Jennifer Cress, Peer Coordinator
Phone: 774-843-5667
Email: jennifer.cress@spectrumhealthsystems.org
Hi. My name is Jennifer; if you prefer, you can call me Jenn or Jenni. As a Peer Coordinator, I am passionate about using my lived experience with substance use disorder and mental health to connect with and support others, while creating a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free environment. I believe that genuine connection, compassion, and the power of shared experience can help people recognize their strengths and feel empowered in their own recovery. I work to build promote self-advocacy and help individuals access the resources and support that can assist them on their journey. I am committed to meeting people where they are and reminding others that recovery is possible and that no one has to walk the journey alone. Outside of work, I prefer to be outdoors as much as possible, being a mom and spending time with family and friends.