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

Mike O'Neill, ACDP, CPRS, CCHW - Director of Recovery Support Services

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

Ryan Duxbury - Manager

Ryan Duxbury embarked on his journey with Anchor Recovery in 2016, initially as a volunteer before transitioning to a part-time role as a recovery coach on the MORE team. With dedication and commitment, Ryan swiftly assumed a full-time position as a recovery coach. His perseverance and leadership qualities led to his promotion as Assistant Manager, where he supervised the Anchor ED Program. Continuing to excel, Ryan ascended to the role of Manager for the MORE team. Despite a brief detour in his career path at another agency for two years, Ryan's passion for recovery drew him back to Anchor. Currently, he oversees operations and manages the Providence location, a place that holds special significance in his personal recovery journey.
RDuxbury@CareNE.org

Caroline Bennett - Manager of Anchor MORE

Caroline Bennett began her journey with Anchor Recovery Community Center as an intern in 2021, where her passion for helping others in recovery quickly became evident. In 2022, she stepped into a full-time role as a Mobile Outreach Worker, dedicating herself to meeting people where they are and providing compassionate, nonjudgmental support. From 2022 to 2024, Caroline worked tirelessly in the field, building strong community connections and supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. In 2025, she proudly transitioned into a management role, where she now supports and leads outreach efforts with the same empathy and dedication that shaped her early career. Grateful to be part of the Anchor team, Caroline remains committed to empowering others through connection, advocacy, and lived experience.

CaBennett@CareNE.org