Peer recovery communities combine their personal experiences with substance use and recovery to support individuals undergoing treatment for addiction. Working from lived experiences and relational supports is an equity-focused practice that addresses implicit and structural biases in clinical and social systems, while leveraging opportunities for sustainable recovery among historically marginalized communities. Despite the clear benefits of peer support models, few have broadened their substance use treatment programs to include peer-to-peer recovery efforts for Hispanic and Latine communities, often due to stigma and a lack of awareness about their crucial role in care and support. This is also particularly concerning given the significant disparities in access to substance use treatment, with nearly 90% of Hispanic individuals with a substance use disorder not receiving any form of treatment.
The panel, composed of Hispanic and Latine individuals from the peer recovery community, aims to inform the public and practitioners about the effectiveness of peer recovery support services. It will address common misconceptions and stigma surrounding addiction and recovery and showcase stories that highlight the transformative power of long-term peer support. Panelists will also discuss capacity-building strategies that emphasize culturally relevant, person-centered care for Hispanic and Latine communities. They will share recommendations on policies and practices that can enhance the involvement of peers in treatment settings, ensuring that care is not only effective but also resonates with the cultural and linguistic needs of these communities.
By highlighting the importance of incorporating Hispanic cultural experiences, practices, and contexts into recovery, this panel discussion advocates for more equitable approaches to treatment. Panel members aim to foster greater understanding of diverse recovery pathways and promote acceptance and inclusivity within the community.
PANELISTS:
Haner Hernández
Ph.D., CPS, CADCII, LADC
Haner is a Puerto Rican, bilingual expert with over 36 years in health and human services, specializing in culturally informed prevention and recovery programs. He has extensive experience in addiction counseling, clinical supervision, and health equity. Haner, who has been in long-term recovery for over 36 years, consults with health departments and teaches at prominent institutions like Brown University and the National Latino and Hispanic Center of Excellence.
Carolina Ayala
Founder and Executive Director of The Happier Life Project, is a Certified Recovery Coach with personal experience in overcoming setbacks in recovery. Bilingual and deeply empathetic, she advocates for systemic improvements in recovery support. Based in Riverside County, Carolina is dedicated to inspiring others through her work and is also a devoted mother.
Glory McDaniel
MA, LAC, LPC, MFTC, NCC, EMDR Trained
In May 2018, she earned a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from Denver Seminary. As a bilingual therapist, she focus on co-occurring substance use disorders and PTSD, leading support groups in both English and Spanish. She also run Mending the Soul groups for women survivors of abuse. In 2020, she founded Crisálida, Inc., a nonprofit offering bilingual case management and counseling for victims of domestic violence and underserved communities.
Angelo Lagares
Angelo Lagares is the Founding Director of LARA, a Latino advocacy organization that addresses health disparities and enhances culturally responsive recovery services. He developed a culturally focused recovery curriculum presented at institutions like Harvard University. In 2019, he led the Facebook-funded Mobilize Recovery program to improve recovery policies and community engagement. Lagares continues to impact the global recovery movement through his program, Recovery Without Borders, working with the Latino community in South America.
