About PAWSitive Growth

Hi, I’m Crystal!

Welcome to PAWSitive Growth!

This journey is incredibly personal to me. Growing up without the support of either parent—my mother battling addiction and my father crossing personal boundaries—left me with deep wounds. I know firsthand the pain that addiction causes, not just for those struggling but for the people who love them. That pain shaped me, and I never want anyone to feel what I did. That’s why I started PAWSitive Growth—because when people heal, they stop hurting others.

Addiction shaped my childhood in ways no child should experience. By the time I was seven, I had lived through instability, a drug-related police raid, and a violent break-in that made me fear for my life. That night, I truly believed my mother was going to be killed. I remember the panic, the helplessness, and the sheer terror of not knowing what would happen next.

But my trauma didn’t just come from my mother’s addiction. My father also crossed personal boundaries that no child should ever have to experience. The emotional toll of living with both of my parents left deep scars, and even now, I can’t say for sure which experience impacted me more. By the time I was six, the stress and trauma were so overwhelming that my hair started falling out.

I ultimately went to two foster homes before being adopted by my grandparents. Stability should have followed, but it didn’t. My grandfather often made inappropriate comments about me, leaving me feeling uncomfortable and unsafe in my own home. I was constantly reminded that I didn’t truly belong. I was always told that kids should be seen and not heard. If I misbehaved, my grandfather would make me write letters explaining why he shouldn’t send me back to the state. As a kid, I didn’t understand how messed up that was—I just knew it made me feel small, unheard, and deeply sad.

By 17, I was kicked out and had to figure out life on my own. I graduated high school early, got my butt to work, and started rebuilding myself from the ground up. It wasn’t easy, but I refused to let my past define me. I found strength in my independence, learned to trust myself, and discovered that I was capable of far more than I had been led to believe. Through resilience, determination, and a deep desire to break the cycle, I made it through. And despite everything, I’ve been living my best life now.

My mother eventually found sobriety, and knowing she was able to break free from addiction gives me hope for others. But hope alone isn’t enough—we need action. That’s why I’ve dedicated my work to helping people heal, not just for themselves, but so they can stop hurting the people who love them.

PAWSitive Growth is more than a name; it represents everything I want this space to be—safe, supportive, and free of judgment. Animals, especially dogs, have given me unconditional love in ways people couldn’t, and I strive to offer that same compassion to those I work with.

Music is another powerful part of healing. It reaches emotions words often can’t, helping people process, reflect, and move forward. That’s why I incorporate music into recovery—it strengthens connection and resilience in ways nothing else can.

Our mission is to provide free recovery support through harm reduction, compassion, and strategies to prevent relapse. I want to help people get better—not just for their own sake, but so they don’t cause the kind of pain I lived through. If I can be even a small part of breaking that cycle, then this work is worth everything.

I’m grateful for the behind-the-scenes support that keeps PAWSitive Growth running, allowing me to engage with your comments and focus on supporting clients on their recovery journeys.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and PAWSitive Growth. I’m honored to walk this path with you and support you in finding healing, hope, and a brighter tomorrow.

- Crystal
Professional Recovery Coach | Peer Support Specialist | Personal Experience Pronouns: she/her/hers Training: International Association of Professional Recovery Coaches, Orlando, FL

Our Values, Mission & Vision

Values

At PAWSitive Growth, our recovery approach is guided by these values:

  • Compassion: Support without judgment.
  • Empowerment: Helping clients take charge.
  • Integrity: Being honest and professional.
  • Resilience: Celebrating client strength.
  • Empathy: Creating a safe space to heal.

Mission

At PAWSitive Growth, our mission is to provide free recovery support through harm reduction, compassion, and strategies to prevent relapse. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals can access the tools and guidance needed for lasting recovery. Our approach focuses on meeting people where they are, offering personalized support to empower lasting change. 

Vision

Our vision is a world where everyone has access to free, compassionate recovery support to heal and grow.

Our Nonprofit Status

PAWSitive Growth is a nonprofit organization. We have applied for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. Once approved, donations will be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. This status helps us expand our reach and continue offering free recovery services to those who need them most.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

Your support allows us to provide:
  • Free addiction recovery coaching for individuals at any stage of their journey.
  • Educational resources that promote awareness and understanding of addiction and recovery.
  • Personalized strategies to help individuals manage triggers, prevent relapse, and build healthier lives.
Every contribution directly impacts lives, helping us create a community rooted in growth, healing, and hope.