May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and what better time to shed light on a subject that affects so many yet is often left in the shadows—the emotional and mental impact of pregnancy and motherhood. From perinatal to postpartum, these experiences can be filled with love and joy—but also anxiety, depression, and deep emotional struggle. It's time to talk about it. Women are not alone.Join Cole Caffrey for a powerful, heartfelt conversation with two remarkable guests who are bringing healing and hope to women across New Hampshire through their work at AsterRoot Wellness:
Ashley Raymond, LCMHC
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over a decade of experience. She has worked in emergency departments and crisis response, giving her a strong foundation in acute mental health care. Ashley specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and perinatal mood disorders. As a mother of two and someone who has personally experienced postpartum anxiety, she brings compassion, authenticity, and lived experience to her therapeutic work.
Carin Romero, LICSW
Carin is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with more than ten years in the field. She specializes in perinatal mood disorders, PTSD, reproductive trauma, anxiety, and grief. As a mother of two and a veteran of her own battles with postpartum anxiety and depression, Carin offers deep empathy and connection to the women she serves. She has also supported individuals in crisis settings and is a proud member of the Air National Guard, with a special commitment to military families.
AsterRoot Wellness PLLC
Founded to support the mental health of women and pregnant individuals, AsterRoot Wellness offers telehealth counseling across New Hampshire—meeting clients where they are: at home, in a safe space, with no stigma or shame. Whether you're navigating specific challenges or just need someone to talk to, they are here to help.
www.asterrootwellness.com
Instagram: @asterrootwellness
Recorded LIVE on Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project’s Facebook Page
This is a show you don’t want to miss. Let’s break the silence and give voice to the women who need to hear: you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.
Join Cole Caffrey with Special Guests Billy & Joel as they shine a light on Alcohol Awareness Month and share their powerful stories of hope, healing, and long-term recovery.
The Impact of Alcohol Use on Individuals and FamiliesDiscuss the physical, emotional, and social effects of alcohol misuse, including how it affects mental health, relationships, and daily life.
Tune is as we we discuss: The Power and Process of Recovery Breaking the Stigma & OfferingDon’t miss this impactful conversation—97 years of sobriety shared between Cole P. Caffrey these two incredible men!
Join us as MVPASAP takes action during Alcohol Awareness Month to raise education and awareness about alcohol use and misuse.
According to the CDC, approximately 178,000 individuals die each year from excessive alcohol use, highlighting the importance of our collective efforts.
In our upcoming LIVE show, "On the Empty Chair," we are honored to host two incredible guests, Matty O'Malley and Corey Beaver, who will educate us on the signs and symptoms of alcoholism while sharing their own inspiring testimonies of recovery.
Matty O'Malley is a seasoned professional in the substance abuse and mental health field, boasting seven years of experience. Since achieving sobriety on April 4, 2017, he has dedicated himself to positively impacting others' lives.
Matthew's journey from behavioral health technician to roles in business development and operations has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry.
Matthew has played a pivotal role in launching five successful facilities and is now the founder of Empower Health Group. Personal experiences, including overcoming addiction and the loss of his mother to addiction and mental health issues, have deeply influenced his passion for helping others.For Matthew, Empower Health Group is more than just a business; it's a mission. He approaches his work with a commitment to assisting as many individuals as possible on their journey to recovery and improved mental wellness. Matthew's dedication, expertise, and empathy make him a valuable asset in substance abuse and mental health treatment.
Corey grew up on the North Shore in Massachusetts. He grew up in a loving family but was exposed to drugs and alcohol at a young age. Corey's party habits in high school eventually turned to daily use in college. The overdoses, arrests, and failed treatment attempts went on for ten years before finally getting sober at 28 years old.
After getting sober, Corey focused his recovery work on those who are often left behind in the chaos of addiction - The families. Today, Corey is an interventionist and a strong advocate of Family Focused Recovery. Most importantly, Corey is physically, mentally, and emotionally available to his family, friends, loved ones, and a proud father to his son, Fortunado.
If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol-related issues, there are prevention, treatment, and recovery support services available. Let's come together to spread awareness and promote a healthier relationship with alcohol.
Don't miss this enlightening discussion at a NEW
For more information reach out to:Cole Welch-Caffreycwelch.tsb@gmail.com
*** BIG NEWS ***MVPASAP is Beyond thrilled to start this year's "Empty Chair" series with the RED & BLUE First Responders endure and tackle challenges that are thrown at them. Through these experiences, they may find themselves facing wounds that scar the body & the mind, and question if their own experiences and stressors are severe enough to seek health.Join Cole Welch-Caffrey and her "2" Amazing Guests and hear these First Responders testimonies that addiction comes in many forms and so does RECOVERY! Jim G. is a Police Officer and Army Veteran who over came food and alcohol addiction.At his lowest point he weighed over 300 pounds and was drinking & eating himself to death. Jim will share his story that led to personal growth in both Sobriety and weight-loss. James G. is a Fire Fighter, who struggled with food and alcohol. His relationship with alcohol brought him 2 DUI's and an unhealthy eating habits brought him to a morbid weight of 370 pounds.Hear how his 10 year journey of reflection, faith and forgiveness has kept him sober and gave him permission to care and love himself. Combined these men lost: 265 pounds & have 13 year of Sobriety.This is show you don't want to miss!!!!
Phil Lahey's next guest for this episode of The Empty Chair is Nikki G. "Like many others, she began using at a young age. It took a while, but she found a 12-step program and started her journey to recovery. I always admired that although she had bumps in the road, she always learned from them and she would come back even more determined. She is an excellent example for those who relapse and want to give up. Nikki's story is that she never gave up. I have watched and been a part of her incredible journey and I’m so proud that she has decided to share it with all of you. Please tune in and help us celebrate another miracle of recovery. This episode is being dedicated to the memory of Kim Holland."
May is Mental Health Awareness MonthJoin Cole Welch-Caffrey and 2 Amazing Guests from Blue Lotus Wellness Center this week to learn of the importance of taking care of your own "mental health".
Kimberly Sieper, MS, MBA, LCMHC, MLADC works with individuals experiencing many diverse mental health problems. She will discuss several modalities that assist individuals to achieve optimum mental health.
Vincent Ardizzone, mental health counselor, dance/movement therapist, & yoga/meditation teacher will share his experience, strength, and HOPE of overcoming obstacles and creating a life of wellness and balance.
This is a show you do NOT want to miss...
This episode of The Empty Chair is being dedicated in memory of Joy Gallagher. Joy by being a Sponsor was responsible for saving the lives of many young ladies. Unfortunately, the only one she didn’t save was her own. We honor her by bringing in three young ladies who share a sponsorship family of their own. The group includes Steevie Groves as the sponsor and two of her sponsees Brooke Dewhirst and Lauren D’Amico. They will share their story of recovery and the part that having a sponsor plays in that recovery. Please join in and you will see that, yes, women do recover
Phil Lahey's guest on this week's Empty Chair is Louise Griffin. Louise Griffin is a proud “Lowellian” and the President of Zack’s Team Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma and shame associated with substance use disorder through education, information, and compassionate support. Zack’s Team's primary focus is to enable families who lack financial means to send their loved ones to recovery living following in-patient treatment.
Zack’s Team was launched in the fall of 2014, in memory of Louise’s youngest son, Zachary Gys. Zachary died on July 19, 2013, from an accidental opiate overdose at the age of 21, after struggling with substance use disorder for several years. Louise is a strong advocate for education, support, recovery, and treatment. Louise founded and continues to facilitate, the Merrimack Valley’s Zack’s Team Foundation’s Coping Today support group to assist families struggling with the loss of a loved one due to substance use disorder.
Louise also worked with Jim Wahlberg on the production of the movie, “If Only.” If Only is a short film intended for teens, parents, and adults to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs to keep them out of the hands of kids. Her next project with Jim is the documentary entitled, “Out of the Ashes” which explores the impact of losing a child to substance use and turning grief into purpose. She participated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s “Stop Addiction in Its Tracks” campaign, sharing Zack’s story and the effects it had on her family.
Louise was appointed to the City of Lowell’s Opiate Task Force and was the keynote speaker at the first Opiate Youth Summit held at the Tsongas Arena. Louise has been a featured speaker at many community events in the Merrimack Valley. She is currently employed by the University of New Hampshire as the Associate Vice President and Chief Research Administration Office.
Excessive alcohol use accounted for more than 140,000 deaths per year.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This month is designated to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. Join Cole P. Welch Caffrey with two amazing guests, Elias & Stella as they share their experience and strength while offering HOPE to those who continue to struggle.
Elias ground alcohol at a young age and quickly began on a downhill slope. Arrests, detoxes, and frayed family relations followed him until he got sober in 2012. Today he is active in the recovery community and holds a job in corporate finance. He enjoys the gym, disk golf, home repair projects, cooking, and reading.
Stella was a troubled teen who struggled since she was little. Had a son at age 16. She found a solution to her mental chaos in drugs and alcohol. Got married at the age of 23 after having a second child. Drug-fueled marriage followed by divorce, then another drug and alcohol-fueled relationship. Shattered relationships, lost jobs, and hurt children & parents were left in the wreckage. Landed in detox at age 35, for the first time in her life, scared and hopeless. Followed by residential treatment and sober living where she was introduced to the 12 steps and began a life-saving journey to recovery and hope. Today she lives with her two children, works as a clinician at a treatment center, plays on a few sober softball teams, and spends much of her time being of service to her community.
This episode is dedicated to: "Justin Stout" Justin was a well-known member of AA in Portland, ME. His jovial personality touched everyone he met. He made everyone feel loved and his smile was infectious. A father of two, he enjoyed being with his kids, working out, and helping others. He was deeply involved in his church where he could be found every Sunday. An electrician by trade, he worked hard and took pride in a job well done. Justin is deeply missed by many.
Phil Lahey's guest on The Empty Chair is Helen Sheehan.
She is the founder and CEO of Emman’s Heart foundation. She organized this effort after the tragic loss of her son to a fentanyl overdose in April 2019 join us as Helen reminisces about Emman and talks of her efforts to combat substance misuse with the hope of preventing other families from suffering a tragic loss.
Helen has become a warrior in and around Haverhill for her courageous battle against this deadly disease. I am truly honored that she has agreed to share her story on the Empty Chair.
Cole Welch-Caffrey hosts this edition of "The Empty Chair" podcast on both MVPASAP Facebook and the Empty Chair Podcast on YouTube.
Joining Cole in this episode are 2 Amazing Guests:
Dani Sinclair & Steve Heald.
Dani a local police officer for over 20 years and currently assigned to the detective unit for last 4 years at Newburyport PD specializing in sexual assaults. Recently received Master’s Degree in CJ from UMass Lowell.
Founder of Essex County Outreach in 2019 when awarded a grant through the BJA. The premise is for all 34 law enforcement agencies in Essex County, as well as the sheriff’s department, to work together with our respective community and social service partners to provide assistance to individuals and families in need of support for substance use disorders and behavioral health matters. When not busy at work, enjoy quality family time with her husband, two kids, and two crazier dogs.
Steve has been working as a recovery coach for over seven years, with PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative), Methuen Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, and most recently Mass General Brigham Hospital at Salem. He graduated from Norwich University with a BA in Criminal Justice in 1990.
He started his career in Juvenile Corrections working with Boston’s most violent offenders. He later worked with JRI as a Residential Director at Centerpoint (Intensive Residential Treatment Program). Following his tenure at JRI he became a Warrant Apprehension Officer with the Department of Youth Services Gang Unit. He was assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force with Boston Police and later worked with the Lynn Gang Unit. Steve retired in 2006 due to a serious on-duty injury.
Steve entered into treatment in 2004 for alcoholism and recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety. He comes to Essex County Outreach with a wealth of experience and a passion to help folks struggling with addiction and alcoholism.
Steve will share his road to recovery and how to overcome obstacles, and Dani will discuss how she initiated the Essex County Outreach and the positive impact it has in our community
Join Phil Lahey for this edition of The Empty Chair as he talks with Keith Keller, author of "Infinite Recovery: A Guide to Freedom from Addiction"
Keith is an author, registered nurse, recovery expert, and activist. He has been in recovery from alcohol and polysubstance use disorder for 32 years. He has worked in clinical substance use disorder treatment and community mental health, among other nursing disciplines. Keith leads an online recovery support community of 3000 people from around the world.
His Infinite Recovery Handbook, now in its second edition, is a nuts-and-bolts how-to guide for anyone on the tipping point of confronting addiction, entering and establishing recovery, or who wishes to improve their recovery to a substantial transformation. By approaching recovery as a specific set of skills that can be learned, it is possible to become an upgraded version of oneself who is free of the ball and chain of addiction. The Infinite Recovery model is based in neuroscience, epigenetics, and the quantum model of consciousness.
Join Cole Welch-Caffrey, Thursday, February 2, 2023, on The Empty Chair LIVE podcast on both MVPASAP Facebook & The Empty Chair podcast on YouTube as she discusses Gang Prevention and Awareness with former Latin King, Jesus Ruiz.
Jesus' story is one of VICTORY and one you do not want to miss. Hear how he turned his mess into a "Message" that has helped many individuals leave the streets and turn their lives around.
Jesus was once a gang leader and now he is a leader in our community. He started a non-profit organization "Leaving the Streets Ministry" which offers Hope, Compassion, and Second Chances. Driven by faith in God and community, Leaving the Streets Ministries' core belief is that substance abuse use disorders, homelessness, poverty, gang involvement, and previous incarceration should not dictate the future of any young person who is struggling to find his or her place in society.
Pegasus House is a very special house for young ladies (ages 18-25) suffering from addiction. In this edition, Phil Lahey talks with three young ladies who are residents of that facility.
They will tell us about their recovery, their relapses, and their hopes for the future. Please tune in to our live podcasts. Thursday at 6 o'clock let's give some support to these courageous young ladies who hope to help others by sharing their stories. We at The Empty Chair find it, so encouraging when young ones like this work on their recovery.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The U.S. Department of State estimates that 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States each year. Trafficked victims are often beaten and brutalized, raped and sexually abused. Victims also frequently are deprived of adequate food, shelter and sleep. 70 percent are female and 50 percent are children. The majority of these victims are forced into the commercial sex trade.
Join Phil Lahey, on The Empty Chair LIVE podcast as he acknowledges "Human Trafficking Prevention Awareness Month" by offering resources and remarkable stories of HOPE with "2" courageous guest speakers.
Jasmine & Annmarie will share their testimonies of overcoming addiction and the dark paths it led them to.
Jasmine is the founder of Jasmine Grace Outreach which helps individuals break away from drug addiction, sexual exploitation, and a hopeless way of life. Jasmine has been trafficked, recovered, and redeemed and will share her story and offer a unique and powerful perspective about what it takes to recover from the damage done by "the life".
Annemarie came from a place of hopelessness, homelessness, and defeat. She will share how she used the power of gratitude, humility, and strength to overcome a 20-year addiction to substances that steamed from trauma, loss, and grief.
This is a show you do not want to miss!!!!! Tune in LIVE on MVPASAP Facebook or The Empty Chair Podcast on YouTube:
Thursday, January 5, 2023 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
National Human Trafficking Hotline - 1-888-373-7888 or
TEXT BeFree (233733) www.polarisproject.org
National Sexual Assault 24/hour HOTLINE - 1-800-656-HOPE (4637)
Massachusettes Sexual Assault 24/hour HOTLINE - 1-877-785-2020
Christmas continues this week with the gift of having "Denise Sullivan" as a Special Guest on The Empty Chair. Join Cole Welch-Caffrey in welcoming Denise for a night of recovery, healing, & HOPE!!! Together these women have "81" years of Recovery!!
Denise will have "47" years clean & sober on February 12th and has helped countless numbers of men in women along her journey. After 25 years of owning her own Hair Salon and Bridal Shop, she went back to school at "59" years old and began working in the field of addiction. Having come from a family riddled with addiction and her own life experience, she has a deep passion for helping those impacted by addiction.
She has worked worldwide, including Tahiti, and is currently in Kauai, Hawaii as a Resident Services Coordinator for Kalepa Village & Pa'anau Village.
This is a show you don't want to miss!!!
Join Phil Lahey and "2" amazing guests this week on "The Empty Chair for the Addict that didn't know recovery was possible"
Aaron Goodro from First Baptist Church and Doug Griffin, a father that lost his daughter to an overdose, will be discussing Mercy Street, a group for those not only that lost a loved one, but open to everyone effected by addiction and mental health.
Lisette is a woman in long-term recovery who continues to use her experiences for recovery advocacy. She is currently working with CORE Peer Recovery and Resource Center as the Program Coordinator/Assistant Director. Her passion for advocacy started growing up in a predominately Puerto Rican neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY.
With the grace of a loving recovery community, she continues her journey of hope. She is leading others at work, in her personal recovery, and in ministry; encouraging people to be the most authentic version of themselves by meeting people where they are at.
She will share her Experience, Strength, and HOPE as well as some "safety resources for the trifecta holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.
This show is dedicated in loving memory to:
Mark F. Zraket 12/2/1966 - 4/30/2021
Our next guest is Harold Magoon. He is the Director of the Lawrence Methuen community coalition LMCC was started in 1995 with one part-time position. It has grown to seven full-time employees +3 part-time employees. Please tune in to discover all of the resources and programs they have to offer. MVPASAP is pleased to have them as our partners in our fight against substance misuse.
This episode is dedicated to one of our past guests, Merrie Cunnif, who has passed away.
Join Cole P. Welch Caffrey with (2) AMAZING guests on this week's episode of "The Empty Chair, for The Addict That Didn't Know Recovery was Possible". Marco A. & Shannon L. will share their experience, strength, and offer HOPE to those struggling in active addiction.
Marco A. will share how his addiction took him down the path of self-destruction, misery, and despair and how he found the road to happy destiny. Marco has been in recovery since January 1, 2009, and strives to live his life filled with gratitude every day under any circumstances or conditions.
Marco is a HUGE advocate and a great resource to help those struggling in addiction, offering healthy paths to those in recovery. Every day he has three goals, stay clean, help others with substance use issues, and make his family (especially his parents) proud of the person he became.
Shannon L. is a Charlestown Native and a person in long-term recovery for 18 years. Shannon will share how she escaped addiction and became a "useful member of society".
Shannon was instrumental in the development of CHART - Charlestown Addiction Recovery Court in 2012 out of the Charlestown Division of the Boston Municipal Court. CHART is a specialized court that helps individuals on probation living with chronic substance use disorder.
Shannon is strongly committed to working with those impacted by substance use disorders to provide the necessary tools to achieve sustainable, long-term, recovery that allows the opportunity to live a purpose.
This is a show you do not want to miss!!
