About Us

Our Philosophy

Anchor Recovery is a supportive community of peers with lived experience dedicated to providing addiction recovery supports. At Anchor, we believe in multiple pathways of recovery. Anchor members encourage each other to find new ways of living through meaningful relationships, health and wellness activities, social events, and a sense of community. Anchor Recovery Community Centers are located in Providence and Warwick. Our community outreach teams strive to meet people where they are at.

We’re entirely run by people with lived experience with addiction recovery and our allies who have experience with the recovery journey.

History

Anchor’s original location in Downtown Pawtucket was opened by The Providence Center (TPC) in December of 2010. At that time, national statistics ranked Rhode Island as the state with the highest rate of substance use related problems in the country, and research pointed to a significant gap in treatment. Many Rhode Islanders went from receiving intensive residential or daily substance use support to the opposite extreme, a monthly clinical appointment with little community support. Under the leadership of TPC’s Director of Recovery Support Services, James Gillen, and Associate Vice President of Addiction and Recovery Services, Holly Fitting, Anchor was able to fill that void, providing people with a network of peers and recovery-oriented programming.

In January of 2013, Anchor opened its second location in Warwick, and outreach programs Anchor ED (Emergency Department) and Anchor MORE (Mobile Outreach Recovery Efforts) began in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Since its inception, Anchor has become a national leader in the peer recovery movement, and the destination for thousands of Rhode Islanders looking for recovery support.

In December of 2018 Anchor moved to a temporary location inside the Jim Gillen Teen Center at 1280 North Main Street in Providence. In October 2020 Anchor Recovery Community Centers re-opened in our new home at 310 Reservoir Avenue Providence, RI.

Meet Our Leadership

Melissa Bernier - Manager Anchor Recovery Center, Warwick

Melissa began her career at Anchor as a Peer Recovery Specialist in 2017. She was promoted to Manager of the Warwick location in 2018. Melissa has an associate degree with a concentration in substance use and is working to obtain her LADC. As a person in long term recovery, Melissa is passionate about helping others.

Mike O'Neill, ACDP, CPRS, CCHW - Senior Manager of Anchor Recovery

Michael began his career at The Providence Center, working in residential and the RESPECT program, before joining Anchor Recovery in 2015. Since then, Michael has helped train hundreds of peers, providing a path toward state certification for a diverse and compassionate peer workforce. He, himself, is in long-term recovery from substance use. Michael is also a U.S. Army veteran.

Sylvie Miranda - Manager of Anchor ED

Sylvie prides herself on becoming Anchor’s intern in 2018. Soon after she was offered the weekend Peer Recovery Specialist position and then became a fulltime employee. Sylvie obtained her CPRS in 2021, and was promoted to Assistant Manager of the ED program in 2020. In 2021, Sylvie moved up to Manager of the ED program. Sylvie has also earned her CCHW and her CACD. She is passionate about recovery.

SyMiranda@CareNE.org
(401) 889-5775

Megan Perry - Manager Anchor Recovery Community Center’s Mobile Outreach Team (AnchorMORE)

Megan coordinates the day-to-day, peer-based work providing resources, harm reduction education, and advocacy for people in the community with substance use disorder. She also oversees the peers for Providence Safe Stations.
MegPerry@carene.org
(401) 479-0700

Tim Taylor - Manager Anchor Providence

Tim worked at The Providence Center for 13 years before becoming a Recovery Coach at Anchor in 2019. He worked his way up the ranks to his current position as Manager of Anchor Recovery’s Providence location.

As a person in long-term recovery, Tim’s goal is to assist those seeking recovery from substance use disorders and mental health issues.
titaylor@carene.org
(401) 889-5781