Hello, my name is John Coombs and I am excited to be a part of the Remix Recovery journey. I was first drawn to Remix Recovery after meeting Jeremy and hearing his story. I was truly inspired. Then, I was invited by Jeremy to speak at the Remix Recovery Resource Fair in the summer of 2024. I was honored by the invitation and got an opportunity to speak about my own experiences dealing with the stigma surrounding mental illness. Then, I went through the Peer Facilitator training in November of 2024. Since then, I have participated in and facilitated several support groups. I see being a Peer Facilitator as an excellent opportunity to support others in recovery from mental illness and substance abuse. My experience with Remix Recovery has shown me the value of people who have similar struggles coming together to work through them.  

In my own life, I have had a variety of experiences. I grew up in Danville and went to De La Salle High School. I have served as a school teacher both here in the US and abroad as a Peace Corps volunteer. I have also spent a part of my life devoted to spiritual pursuits having lived in Buddhist monasteries both in the US and abroad. But, it was my experiences with mental illness that eventually brought me to Remix Recovery. In 2012, I was living in a monastery in Sri Lanka when I had a psychotic break and ended up in a mental hospital there. I eventually returned home, but wound up in the hospital once again. This time it was at John Muir Behavioral Health in Concord. It was when I was in John Muir that I was diagnosed with Schizo-Affective Disorder. Eventually, I returned home to live with my parents and started attending Putnam Clubhouse in Concord. Putnam Clubhouse, now called Connections House, offered me opportunities to work and socialize with others while working towards recovery. 

I am truly grateful and feel blessed for all the support I have received in my life’s journey. I am thankful for Connections House, as well as my friends and family. In 2023, I began to work for Mental Health Connections, which oversees Connections House. I work for a wage part time while still finding opportunities to volunteer at Connections House. I live on my own in a condo in Concord. I enjoy reading, watching sports, and being outdoors. My purpose in life is to be as kind and compassionate to myself and others as much as possible. I believe that’s what got me involved with Connections House. Furthermore, being a Peer Facilitator for Remix Recovery certainly helps me live out my life’s purpose. 

I am truly grateful to my Remix Recovery colleagues for their support. 

Many blessings, John.