Meet the Mentors

Pablo Robles (they/them) is a BIPOC queer community organizer in Durham, an embodiment coach, somatic therapist and a spiritual guide committed to anti-racist work and decolonizing efforts for an equitable society. They have been working as a mentor with RSN for 3 years, and were previously on the board. As the Lead Mentor they will be supporting new mentors on best practices when it comes to working with RSN’s participants and supporting the staff to offer mentors continued resources and tools to improve the service they provide. In addition, Pablo will be expanding on community engagement and outreach to organizations, groups, and schools for informal mentoring and Life Skills groups.  

Pablo Robles (el/elles/ella) es un organizador de la comunidad queer BIPOC en Durham, un life coach, un terapeuta somático y un guía espiritual comprometido con el trabajo antirracista y los esfuerzos descolonizadores para una sociedad equitativa. Ha trabajado como mentor en RSN durante 3 años y anteriormente estuvo en la junta directiva. Como mentor principal, apoyarán a los nuevos mentores sobre las mejores prácticas a la hora de trabajar con los participantes de RSN y apoyarán al personal para ofrecer a los mentores recursos y herramientas continuas para mejorar el servicio que brindan. Además, Pablo ampliará la participación comunitaria y la extensión a organizaciones, grupos y escuelas para tutorías informales y grupos de habilidades para la vida.

Hi, I’m Linda, originally from Brooklyn NY, now residing in Chapel Hill, NC. My past and how I live now is a powerful example that people can change. I became a mentor to be a part of the solution.

April has been in recovery since 2021. She wanted to become a mentor to show young people the different coping skills she’s learned in life. April is a full-time peer support specialist. She spends her free time exercising and planning goals. She believes her best quality is her perseverance. “I will not relent until my mission is complete”.

My name is Gabriela, originally from Medellin, Colombia, and I am currently living in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Throughout the last couple of years I’ve had a desire to give back to my community, and becoming a mentor is a first step in doing so. I’m also a student at UNC Chapel Hill, and I work for UNC Healthcare. During my free time, in order to maintain a healthy balance in my life, I practice self-care, which for me means spending time with my family and in nature, creative arts, and moving my body. During my recovery journey I’ve come to understand the importance of community power. My progression towards becoming an Art Therapist is only possible through the guidance and support of both my family and my community together. This has inspired me to be that support for others in my community, and to be present for them as we navigate our lives alongside each other.

Mi nombre es Gabriela, nací en la ciudad de Medellín Colombia, allí crecí y me formé hasta hace aproximadamente 10 años donde decidí  trasladarme para nc. Soy trabajadora y estudiante de la universidad de chapel hill. Durante mi proceso como inmigrante eh sobrepasado muchos obstáculos gracias a la ayuda de mi familia,y mi comunidad. Hoy en día entiendo la complejidad del luto migratorio como factor primordial en la salud mental de cualquier inmigrante en nuestra comunidad. Tener la oportunidad de ser mentora me da las herramientas de poder apoyar a jóvenes en situaciones similares a la mía.

As a teen I was very troubled. I was involved in criminal activity and drug use. My home environment was loving but I was allowed to do things as a minor that affected me heavily in life and was very confusing. This led me down the path of drug abuse and incarceration. I spent many years in this turmoil and state of confusion. Through experiencing enough pain, I began to work on myself and change my life. I have been involved with recovery for several years now and have accumulated several years of long-term recovery. I also have addressed my mental health which opened many doors for me to understand the path I chose early on and why I continue on the path I’m currently on. My passion is to help young teens/young adults to divert from the path I chose and support them on their life journey. Through this I am able to connect with my lost childhood and hopefully give my experience strength and hope to kids so they can enjoy theirs. I don’t want any child to suffer through the experience I had and If I can prevent that, I will do anything to make that possible. There are kids that are on the right path and I’m grateful to be able to share with them what happens if they step off that path. Our future is with these kids and its our responsibility to direct them. 

My name is Sam Estes and I live in Durham, NC. I’ve been in recovery since 2020 and became a mentor because I love helping people overcome challenges similar to those I faced. I’m also a student at Durham Tech and spend my free time exercising, learning, and hanging out with friends and family.

Hi! My name is Kylie Williams and I’ve been in recovery since 2022! I am very passionate about being able to help young people through challenges that might feel difficult to get through. I want to give back what has been freely given to me by walking side by side on their journeys to overcome challenges and accomplish personal goals! I love music, art, nature, and hanging out with friends! 

Hi, my name is Sofia Sten. My recovery journey started in 2021, I am passionate about helping young teens/adults grow in recovery and face challenges that are similar to what I have been through. I love working out, playing sports and hanging out with friends.