Lydia comes to Arise Collective in her second professional career. Her early years were spent in N.C. State Government in the Judicial Branch, where she worked for a total of seven Appellate Judges. After retiring from the State government, Lydia attended Liberty University, where she found her purpose in life – helping individuals with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. At Liberty University, she acquired the education she needed to support her passion for helping others.
Lydia is a N.C. Certified Peer Support Specialist/Recovery Coach. Over the past 10 years, she has helped many individuals advocate for their basic needs – food, housing, and the right to be treated with respect regardless of their mental health challenges and substance use disorders. For Lydia, the voices of her clients must be heard and respected. Now, she brings that passion to Arise Collective.
Lydia is married and has one adult child and one teen grandson. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her four-legged fur babies. She also enjoys attending church and traveling when time permits.