The Turning Point Team

Executive Director/MARJ/CRC

Danielle is a native of Mount Desert Island, Maine. She moved to Addison County in August of 2016. Danielle completed her bachelor’s degree in Mental Health and Human Services with an Addiction focus through the University of Maine at Augusta in August 2017. She participated in a two-semester senior internship with WomenSafe in Middlebury as a domestic and sexual violence advocate. She has her Master of Art in Restorative Justice through the Vermont Law School. She currently lives in Vergennes with her nine-year-old daughter. They continue to enjoy exploring the natural beauty that Vermont has to offer.

RCED Supervisor/CRC

Chip Mitiguy is a Recovery Coach who brings plenty of lived experience to his role. He has worked in law, teaching, the winter sports industry, manufacturing and as a healthcare recruiter. A native of Burlington Vermont, Chip lived in the Rutland area for more than 35 years and moved to Middlebury 6 years ago. He is the proud father of five children and four (wonderful!) grandchildren. Chip fills his time with recovery-related activities  and reading. He appreciates any opportunity to witness another’s path in recovery, however that appears.

Recovery Coach Supervisor/RC

Alison began her journey of recovery nearly 35 years ago at just 19 years old. Throughout the years, she has explored numerous avenues for transforming the trials of addiction into triumphs, enthusiastically sharing the hope, strength and encouragement she found with those also interested in a path of recovery. Finally, in the spring of 2024, she merged her love of recovery and coaching and began a full-time career as a Recovery Coach, initially with the Clara Martin Center and now with Turning Point of Addison County.

Data Specialist/CRC

When Justin first arrived in Vermont, he identified Turning Point Center as a recovery home and began volunteering soon after. Drawn to the culture of peer recovery and with a strong desire to help others find their path, he made the inspiring decision to shift away from his career in carpentry and step into a full-time role with us. Today, Justin wears many hats, from Recovery Coaching and onboarding new Recovery Coaches into our data system to providing tech support and leading his Open Door Group. His work behind the scenes keeps our mission moving forward. Outside of work, Justin enjoys spending time with his family, gaming, or skating.

Youth Outreach Coordinator/RCED/RC

Having worked in many different fields in the past, Fable was happy to find a home in human services. When not coaching at the center Fable can be found around the community, performing outreach alongside many other nonprofits. He is a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ crowd and strives to bring his authentic self to his work.

RC

Trevor is a person in long-term recovery from both alcohol and drugs. After several attempts in the past, he finally found a recovery path that works for him just over a year ago. Becoming an active member of the TPCAC AA group has been life-changing, and he credits these programs with saving his life.

Through this journey, Trevor discovered his true calling: helping others as a recovery coach. As part of the TPCAC staff, he is able to give back to a community that has been a significant part of his life—one that is deeply in need of support and healing. His role allows him to transform the pain and trauma he experienced during his active use into a message of hope and possibility for others on their own paths to recovery.

RCED/RC

Kelly O’Keefe is a Recovery Coach, with strong ties to the Addison County community. In addition to working full time as a Medical Assistant for one of Addison County’s local MAT programs, Kelly is actively pursuing a Behavioral Science Degree at the Community College of Vermont. Kelly is well connected within the recovery network, as well as the various local resource programs.

When Kelly is not working, you will find her enjoying time with her family. She enjoys art, swimming, gardening, and cooking. Whether it be playing in the rain, or soaking up the sunshine, Kelly finds joy in all aspects of life, and has a passion to spread that insight to others.

RC

Johny has been actively involved in the Turning Point community since he moved to Vermont in 2018 to be a resident and novice priest at the Bread Loaf Mountain Zen Community in Cornwall. He co-facilitates the Mindful Recovery group at Turning Point and has substantial experience as a recovery coach. Along with his work at Turning Point, he is the program manager for a weekly community meal in Rutland and plays and sings original music several times a month at Project Independence.

RC

Raised in Chicago, Dane Wilson is a student at Middlebury College and a recovery coach at our center. He originally became involved with the center through summer volunteering in 2021. After visiting the center and meeting our great staff and participants, he quickly went to the VRCA to obtain his coaching certification. With personal experience and academic investigation in SUD, he was eager to join our team and support the community.

Outside of his work at the center, he spends a lot of time exercising, studying, and cooking. Say hello to him if you see him shopping for avocados at the local Shaw’s!

RC

Lee joined the TPCAC family as a volunteer in 2023, bringing years of lived experience in recovery and a passion for helping others. After the loss of her son in 2006, she began her own journey of healing and has since thrived, guided by her belief that “it’s easier to go forward with someone beside you than to walk alone.”

At Turning Point, Lee continues to learn new ways to support others and finds joy in seeing even small steps of progress. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with family, and outdoor projects that improve her space. She lives by the conviction that “as long as there’s life, there’s hope.”