Strength in recovery: Letting lived experience lead the way

When Mandy Hagen stepped onstage to accept the Rising Star Award in addiction services, it marked a full-circle moment. Once unsure whether she deserved a seat at the table, today she’s leading recovery efforts across four counties in southern Illinois and inspiring others to find their way forward.

Hagen’s journey to becoming a certified peer recovery specialist (CPRS) is one of resilience, transformation and the belief that recovery is not only possible, but worth pursuing.

As one of the first graduates of the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) Pipeline Apprenticeship Program through SIU Medicine’s Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development,Hagen received formal training and now uses her lived experience with substance use and recovery to support others.

Turning pain into purpose

It’s difficult to understand the individual challenges and perseverance needed when recovering from mental health struggles or substance use. The CRSS Apprenticeship Program was built with that in mind. CRSS professionals use their lived experience of recovery, along with formal training, to provide peer-to-peer support, advocacy and guidance to help individuals navigate services, regain stability and rebuild meaningful lives. 

For Hagen, the decision to apply to the CRSS program was personal.

“I applied because I want to help others who are struggling, whether with mental health or substance use issues,” she shared. “My goal is to let them know they are not alone in their journey.”

After reconnecting with a friend who had completed the program at SIU Edwardsville, Hagen felt called to do the same. She applied to the SIU Medicine program and was accepted, although the moment was bittersweet. Her biggest supporter, her mother, passed away shortly before the program began.

“It was my mom who encouraged me to pursue this program when I first told her about it,” Hagen said. “At the time, I was trying to keep my past quiet. But my mom was always so proud of how far I had come. She believed I needed to share my recovery story to help others. She couldn’t wait for me to start.”

Today, Hagen carries that encouragement with her.

“I no longer carry the shame of my past. I use it to fuel my purpose.”

Building systems of support

CRSS professionals like Hagen use their own recovery stories—combined with formal training and paid apprenticeship experience—to help others. Through the program, Hagen received a full-time position with Take Action Today, a local behavioral health organization. There, she supports individuals in achieving their recovery goals, such as finding housing, entering treatment, continuing education or reconnecting with family.

“The program helped me build the confidence I once lacked due to my own setbacks,” Hagen explained. “I use the lessons I’ve learned to strengthen my future and to live the life I truly deserve—for myself and my children.”

With a growing demand for behavioral health professionals in Illinois, CRSS specialists are becoming an essential part of care teams. Their unique perspective brings authenticity, trust and hope to people in recovery, especially those who feel isolated or stigmatized by their experiences.

Today, Hagen serves as the Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) Coordinator for Perry, Jackson, Franklin and Williamson counties. She works with local organizations and community stakeholders to raise awareness about Take Action Today’s recovery resources and ensures individuals have access to the support they need.

“The most fulfilling part of this opportunity has been the personal relationships I’ve gained,” she said. “I’ve witnessed mothers rediscover their roles as parents, families come back together and individuals learn to love themselves—often for the first time in a long while.”

A rising star in recovery

Hagen’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In September, she received the Rising Star Award from the Illinois Association of Addiction Professionals, an honor she never expected.

“When I heard I was nominated, I couldn’t even believe it,” she said. “I’m just one person in Southern Illinois trying to help others. I’ve never thought anything I was doing was worth being awarded.”

Hagen traveled to Chicago for the very first time to attend the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) awards ceremony, where she was recognized by international speaker and addiction professional Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC.

“Being recognized for my work in recovery was a blessing I never could have imagined.”

Paying it forward

Hagen’s story is a living testament to the ripple effect of recovery. The support she receives from her family, and the guidance of peers and mentors, now fuels her mission to do the same for others.

“If it weren’t for my mom and my children, who stood by me through my addiction—even when I found myself in federal prison—I don’t know where I would be,” she said. “My children always saw the best in me, even when I couldn’t see it myself. Today, they truly have the best version of me.”

And she’s committed to helping others discover the best version of themselves.

“This opportunity was not only for myself, but for everyone struggling,” she said. “I want people to know that recovery is possible. I went from being a hopeless drug addict to being recognized as a Rising Star in addiction services. That’s a message I’ll keep sharing because it’s true for everyone.”

Looking ahead

With the CPRS exam behind her, Hagen is now working toward full CRSS certification. Her ultimate goal is to continue her education in nursing, specializing in addiction and mental health.

“I want to keep learning, keep growing and keep helping,” she said.

Thanks to the SIU Medicine’s CRSS Pipeline Apprenticeship Program, Hagen is not only rebuilding her life, she’s helping build a more connected and compassionate recovery system across southern Illinois.

"­Part of rebuilding my life is helping others do the same. Creating those communities and support systems—that’s the power of recovery.”