Back to the team…
Meet
Jessica Searle
Program Staff
I was raised in a toxic home where drugs, alcohol, and abuse were a part of daily life. I was never held accountable for my actions or taught a better way to live. As I grew older, the cycle of addiction and destructive behavior continued with me. I spent years in and out of jail, prison, and rehabs, and by the time I was 35, I had five children and was completely broken. I didn’t know how to show up for my kids the way they deserved—or how to love myself.
When I heard about The Other Side Academy, I was given the opportunity to change my life. I didn’t know what that would look like, but I was tired of merely surviving and ready to start living. During my time at The Other Side Academy, I fell in love with the community and with myself. I became proud and excited about the person I was becoming and decided to continue investing in myself while giving back to the place that saved my life by showing me how to be a good person.
I stayed a total of four years as a student and have now been a staff member for a year. My life today is amazing—I have healthy, meaningful relationships and have broken the cycle of addiction for myself and my children.