My name is Sam Garcia. For years, I have been deeply committed to helping members of our community who face significant challenges. Through my work with treatment programs for individuals grappling with substance use disorders, I’ve discovered my true passion: supporting people at every stage of their journey.
As a Chemical Dependency Counselor and Peer Support Specialist III, my real motivation comes from my lived experiences. I’m proud to be in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and to have navigated the complexities of justice involvement and homelessness. These experiences have profoundly shaped my understanding of the interconnected challenges many face with substance use and mental health issues.
Having spent much of my life seeking escape, I now focus on facilitating meaningful change—not just for those in need, but also for the dedicated professionals who support them. I appreciate those with lived experience for their unique insights and ability to connect with others who may feel unreachable. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that lived experience alone doesn’t equip someone with the skills necessary for effective communication or self-care in high-stress environments. Comprehensive training and supportive leadership are essential to cultivate not only effective employees but inspiring leaders.
As leaders, we have the opportunity to provide exemplary services while empowering our teams to be their best selves. It's vital to recognize that each person in the workplace is a complex human being, not just a worker. We spend a significant amount of time at work, making it unrealistic to expect individuals to leave personal challenges behind. Our interactions become more meaningful when we see our colleagues as whole people with diverse needs.
~you cannot pour from an empty cup~
At Peer of Heart Consulting, my mission is to empower your organization to flourish through education, guidance, and dedicated support.