Meet Heather Lister of Illuminate Community Recovery Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Lister.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story begins in childhood. I was born with the ability to hear, but due to a virus, I lost 90 percent of my hearing. As a child, I endured teasing and felt isolated from my peers because I struggled to understand them, and my speech was difficult for them to comprehend as well. The relentless bullying led me to seek solace in daydreaming, books, and solitude. I learned to navigate life by reading lips and avoiding social settings. Books and sports became my escape.

Upon entering college, I turned to heavy drinking, which led to frequent blackouts. At 19, during my freshman/sophomore years at CU Boulder, I made the life-altering decision to undergo Cochlear Implant surgery, reducing my hearing loss to about 10-15 percent. However, the post-surgery period was challenging. I was unprepared for the onslaught of new sounds, particularly high-pitched ones, which overwhelmed me. It took nearly a year for my sensitivity to stabilize, allowing me to hear a range of sounds instead of just shrill noises.

Despite the improvement in my hearing, I continued to struggle emotionally. I relied heavily on alcohol to cope, spiraling into a cycle of despair and suicidal thoughts. By age 23, I faced the consequences of my drinking with a DUI, prompting my parents to intervene and send me to treatment. Although initially resistant, I am grateful for their intervention, as it set me on the path to recovery.

After completing inpatient and extended care treatment in California, I faced the challenges of sobriety, ongoing hearing adjustments, and deep depression. Despite uncertainties about my future, I persevered, driven by a desire for happiness. It was a slow process marked by daily struggles and a persistent sense of loneliness, but I clung to the belief that perseverance would lead to fulfillment.

Around the two-year mark of my sobriety, I was offered a position at the treatment center where I had sought help years earlier. Working with clients, I gained valuable insights and began to build a network of resources. In 2014, I became involved in tele-coaching efforts aimed at supporting alumni, recognizing the need for tailored support beyond traditional 12-step programs.

The introduction of the Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification in 2017 further inspired my journey to assist individuals and families in finding their unique paths to recovery. In 2018, after eight years at the treatment center, I transitioned to teaching coaching techniques focused on empowering clients to become their problem solvers. Finally, in 2021, I founded Illuminate Community Recovery Services, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of addiction.

Today, with 16 years of sobriety under my belt, I remain committed to supporting others in their journey toward a better life. Through peer support coaching, Illuminate aims to mend broken relationships and foster healing, emphasizing love and kindness over anger and resentment. My own experience taught me the power of resilience, and I am determined to help others weather life’s storms with strength and grace.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been fraught with numerous challenges. From losing my hearing as a child, battling depression, and enduring isolation during my early years, to surviving addiction that nearly claimed my life in my early twenties. The past few years have presented their own set of difficulties as I’ve navigated the realm of running a nonprofit—something I never imagined I could do. Despite the steep learning curve and inevitable mistakes along the way, I’ve grown tremendously.

I’ve never exerted such relentless effort towards a cause I’m deeply passionate about, and overcoming the obstacles to serve the clients I do today is inherently rewarding. Coaching is not just a profession for me; it’s a calling, and I’m dedicated to constant improvement, both in terms of quality and technique. I’m privileged to collaborate with organizations that share my level of commitment, forming a supportive network where we elevate each other to excel in our field.

In my early days of coaching, pursuing this path was met with skepticism, but now it has evolved into a respected career choice. I’m filled with anticipation to witness the achievements of the next generation of coaches as they tackle the scourge that has devastated countless lives, families, and relationships. Addiction is a pervasive and insidious disease, leaving its sufferers feeling lost and alone. I aspire to disrupt the cycle of destruction and instead instill hope, much like the hope that once sustained me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Illuminate Community Recovery Services?
Two years ago, I launched Illuminate Community Recovery Services with a simple plan: to work independently as a coach. However, as my journey unfolded, I realized that my mission needed to extend beyond individual coaching. Along the way, I encountered numerous mentors who profoundly influenced the direction of my path.

The word “Illuminate” encapsulates the essence of my vision—to shine a light into the darkness, mirroring the guidance I received from mentors and professionals who illuminated my journey. I aspire to demonstrate that when the path is illuminated, new avenues often reveal themselves unexpectedly. A pivotal moment occurred at a wedding a couple of years ago when a dinner conversation with a friend delved into the deep realities of recovery.

Across the table sat a mother who had lost her husband to addiction and was grappling with her son’s current struggles. Witnessing her journey of self-love and unconditional love for her son while maintaining her well-being deeply resonated with me. It was then that Illuminate expanded its focus to include supporting families and caregivers who have been affected by addiction.

Drawing from my expertise in addiction and her insights into family dynamics, Illuminate prioritizes the healing of both the individual and their family unit. Recognizing that connection is the antidote to addiction, we endeavor to mend fractured relationships within families. We aim to enhance the quality of life for every client we serve.

While we cannot guarantee perfection or sustained sobriety, we are committed to facilitating progress. An old colleague once imparted wisdom that remains relevant today: “It’s okay to trip and fall, as long as we fall forward.” This mantra underscores our belief in the importance of continual growth and forward momentum in the journey toward recovery and healing.

Illuminate provides professional peer support services, ensuring that all our coaches undergo comprehensive training to master the techniques of effective support, education, and guidance for their clients. Our coaches hold certifications from the Colorado Providers Association as Colorado Peer and Family Specialists (CPFS) or possess National Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (NPRSS).

Continuous education is integral to our approach, as it equips our coaches with diverse resources, techniques, and skills to assist clients on their pathways to recovery. While our personal experiences qualify us for these roles, ongoing training and education guarantee that we execute our responsibilities effectively.

At Illuminate, we offer individual peer support for individuals struggling with addiction, as well as free community support groups tailored for families. Additionally, we conduct life skills and support groups for those grappling with addiction. For those feeling lost and isolated in the darkness of addiction, we provide individualized support, offering a guiding hand and a comforting presence in their time of need.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
One surprising aspect that many people who know me or my work may not be aware of is my passion for extreme sports. Despite the calm and composed demeanor I exhibit in professional settings, I have a deep-seated love for adrenaline-pumping activities like skydiving and bungee jumping. Engaging in these thrilling pursuits provides me with a unique sense of freedom and excitement that complements my more structured and disciplined professional life.

In addition to my adventurous side, I lead a fulfilling life on a farm with my husband of 12 years, who is also in long-term recovery, and our three children. While our kids may only have a vague understanding of what their parents do for a living, they’re surrounded by the delightful chaos of farm life. Our menagerie includes two donkeys, four pigs, chickens, four goats, two guinea pigs, and two dogs.

Beyond my adrenaline-fueled hobbies and farm life, I’ve recently discovered a creative passion for Amigurumi, crafting adorable stuffed animals from yarn. It’s a delightful and relaxing pastime that adds a touch of whimsy to my days. During the summer months, I enjoy playing in a women’s golf league with my mom.

Pricing:

• Individual Peer Coaching – $80 per session
• Family Peer Support Groups – $FREE
• Life Skills Groups for those with addiction – $60 per group
• Insurance: Medicaid

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.illuminatecrs.org/

Image Credits
Jamie Hughes and Brooke Donohue