Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Traynor.
Hi Angel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
An Annapolis resident since 1977 and having suffered from multiple drug addictions, domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration, and incomprehensible demoralization for over 30 years of active addiction, I became someone that I no longer recognized; doing things I never thought I was capable of; in places I never imagined I would be. In September 2007 I was at the end of a long tiring road of self-destruction, and I came to a turning point in my life. I made the choice to become sober.
Today, almost 19 years later, I have dedicated my life to helping others.
In March of 2012 I opened our first recovery home for women. “Serenity Sistas” is a 501(c)(3) organization designed to help an underserved population in Annapolis MD. Currently Serenity Sista’s has six homes, two single women’s homes, a home for mothers with children, a men’s home and our newest additions are the first two of its kind in Maryland; recovery homes for fathers and children. Serenity Sista’s mission is to help the newly recovered person to grow and become productive members of society once again.
Having graduated from Anne Arundel Community College in May of 2012 with Degrees in Addictions Counselor and Human Services with a Social Law Option, I found my passion to teach others. While avidly pursuing a formal education I became a Recovery Coach Professional (RCP)and a Prevention Specialist in the State of Maryland. A certified RCP Facilitator, I am always eager and passionate to teach others how to become a Recovery Coach.
I have become an advocate in the community for recovery efforts. I currently sit as the coordinator of “Recovery Anne Arundel ROSC” and worked with County Executive Schuh during his “Not My Child” initiative. Helping to bridge the gap through education and awareness between the community and those impacted by substance misuse and their families, I work on special events to bring this mission to life. In 2015 I was tasked by Anne Arundel County to be the coordinator of a youth substance misuse prevention coalition in the City of Annapolis. A.S.A.P (Annapolis Substance Abuse Prevention) where we focus on prevention efforts concerning underage drinking and opioid misuse by Annapolis youth and young adults. I believe that through positive leadership and mentoring, individuals can become the person they envision themselves to be.
In 2020 Serenity Sistas was awarded a grant to open and operate a Recovery Community Center in the City of Annapolis which is currently being finished after a complete remodel of our building. Currently I sit on the countywide OIT (Opioid Intervention Team) as Chair of Human Services and Education and as Co-Chair of the Annapolis Police Foundation Board.
Both positions I hold in the highest regard.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It is my goal to help the community to understand the disease of addiction and erase the stigma that those in active addiction AND those in recovery face. It is not easy to “Recover Out Loud” due to the stigma in the community. I help people understand that my past does not define me – it is my actions today that should follow me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We hold a challenging position in the recovery-oriented system of care, providing individuals with the best possible housing and recovery support services, offering mentoring and guidance at every turn. Our staff is comprised maily by persons in long term recovery wnablining us to bring the empathy of one who has been in the grip of addiction yet also bring the reality of the disease of addiction with us. Having developed the means to help an individual to change behavior while possessing interpersonal skills and outgoing personalities, we are able to effectively communicate with participants and community members from all demographics. We are proficient in maneuvering and finding resources for helping to ensure individuals receive and utilize services available to them, while advocating for their right to achieve long term recovery from substance misuse and mental health barriers within our surrounding systems of care. Advocating and working with decision makers is essential to overcoming the addiction issue in our community. Bringing all parties to the table and inviting them to be a team player in the recovery process is imperative for community healing. This is our goal within our system of care.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I am pretty transparent in all aspects of my life – so an open book if you will. I can’t think of any surprises.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.serenitysistas.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SerenitySistas
