Power of the Peer: Recovery at Work

To The Point Maryland Podcast: Season 1, Episode 8
Power of the Peer explores the impact of lived experience in outreach and community-based settings. This episode examines how peers navigate recovery while supporting others, the unique value they bring to building trust and meaningful relationships, and the importance of recognizing that recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Through candid conversation, we celebrate the many pathways to wellness and the powerful role peers play in fostering hope, connection, and community.
Host
Leo Sheridan (Senior Capacity Building Manager) is a certified Community Health Worker residing in Baltimore city. He specializes in workforce development, drug user health, HIV prevention and care, and community-based public health initiatives. With a background spanning direct service and healthcare law, Leo works to strengthen the capacity of providers and community organizations serving disproportionately impacted populations. Leo has traveled throughout Maryland training CHWs through the TEACH program, certified outreach workers for HIV testing protocols through ALIVE Maryland, and has spoken and facilitated discussions surrounding rural healthcare access and polysubstance use.
Guest
Dave Fell is currently the Outreach Manager for the BHLI P-CARE program (Behavioral Health Leadership Institute Project Connection at Re-Entry), which is a low-barrier, mobile Suboxone clinic stationed directly outside the Baltimore City Central Booking facility, on E. Eager Street. Dave is in long-term recovery from alcohol addiction, and takes a dynamic, self-styled, and harm reduction-informed approach to navigating his experience with substance use disorder. Previously, Dave worked at Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition from 2019-2023, first as a legislative policy intern and later as the Services Manager, bringing syringe-exchange and other free services directly to people who use drugs in Baltimore City. Dave is also a musician, writing and performing original music using guitar, piano, and voice.