A Second Chance Realized: Toni’s Journey to Recovery and Leadership

Meet Toni (pictured), Certified Peer Specialist and Residential Treatment Specialist (RTS) Lead at the King County Residential Treatment Program (KCRTP) in Seattle. KCRTP provides residential treatment for all-gender adults living with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

Toni’s path to Pioneer Human Services was shaped by lived experience. She navigated years of addiction and involvement in the criminal legal system before deciding to transform her pain into purpose. Today, she uses that experience to help others find their footing in recovery.

“I share with anyone who will listen — never give up on yourself,” Toni says. “The first step in making a positive change in your life direction is to forgive yourself. We’ve all made mistakes that have affected others. But if you stay in self-loathing, you’ll keep using substances to numb the pain. Forgive yourself — you are worth it.”

After years of cycling in and out of jail, Toni was given the opportunity to participate in Drug Court — a turning point in her life. “I call it ‘the gift of desperation,’” she explains. “When you’ve hit rock bottom, the choice is yours to climb back up.”

Although she became one of the first women to graduate from Drug Court, the road was not linear. Toni was carrying unresolved trauma from domestic violence and the deaths of close family members. She relapsed and entered detox. After completing detox, she chose residential treatment — a decision that also addressed her immediate housing crisis, as she was experiencing homelessness at the time.

Toni had previously been told that housing would be available after she completed her treatment, only to learn it was not offered to “single women.” Determined to keep moving forward, she continued searching for support.

Toni secured transitional housing for women through Catholic Community Services (CCS). For two years, she had a safe place to live — stability that allowed her to focus on recovery, attend meetings, rebuild accountability, and pursue employment. During that time, she began studying for her peer support certification to become a peer recovery coach.

While in transitional housing, Toni met Tara Milam, SUDPT, health coordinator at KCRTP. Tara encouraged her to apply for an open residential treatment specialist (RTS) position that Pioneer had at the KCRTP. They both knew that employment is a cornerstone in recovery.

The job opening was a great opportunity, and Kelly Phelps, Lead Supportive Housing Specialist on Pioneer’s Foundational Community Supports came over and helped to prepare Toni for the RTS position interview. They practiced doing mock interviews for the position. Toni was hired, beginning her professional journey in behavioral health and giving her the opportunity to utilize her peer support certification.

As Toni’s transitional housing term came to an end with CCS, Kelly Phelps stepped in to help Toni secure permanent housing in a 55+ community where she could also have a dog. Kelly arranged HARPS funding to cover move-in expenses, removing yet another barrier during a critical transition.

Kelly commented, “It’s so important for someone in recovery to have stable housing while they’re navigating work and a sober life.” Kelly continued, “After all the hard work Toni had done, permanent housing was the next vital step – rather than one last thing to worry about.” 

In June 2025, Toni was promoted to a Certified Peer Specialist at the KCRTP. Two months later, she was promoted to the RTS Lead. In her role, she performs all the training to other residential treatment specialists. She also facilitates group sessions, supports clients in building community, encourages creative expression through art, helps them strengthen communication with themselves and loved ones, and assists with practical needs such as clothing and hygiene items. Toni always steps in as an RTS when needed, embodying flexibility and teamwork.

Toni said, “I love my position at KCRTP.” She added, “It’s incredibly rewarding to guide others down a new path. One of the most powerful moments is reading the letters clients write to themselves, saying goodbye to their addiction. It’s so inspiring every time.”

Toni also values the culture of her team. “Leadership listens to me. I feel heard and seen — and that matters.”

“It has been incredible to watch Toni grow and see the success she has achieved in her recovery journey. Toni is an inspiration to both our clients and to me personally. She brings hope to others by living with intention and showing through her actions what recovery can look like. She truly walks the walk, not just talks the talk,” shared Tara Milam.

Today, Toni’s two daughters are proud of the mother she has become. “They don’t have to worry about me anymore,” she reflects. “For a long time, I tried to buy back their love because there was so much loss and trauma. Now our connection is deeper. They know they can count on me. I can truly be their mom.”  

Toni’s story is a testament to what is possible when accountability, treatment, support services and stable housing all come together — and when someone chooses, even after setbacks, to keep climbing.