Jessica Rivera grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the daughter of a pastor in a large, faith-centered family. Raised in the church, her foundation of faith became one of the strongest anchors in her life. While she describes her childhood as good in many ways, she also recalls feeling overlooked at times, as much of her parents’ time and energy went into ministry. Though she never lost her love for God, she quietly carried feelings of abandonment and struggled with her sense of identity. School was challenging academically, and by 17, those internal struggles surfaced as anger, depression, and suicidal thoughts. She was hospitalized for a period of stabilization, an experience that ultimately became a turning point. Through therapy, community support, and her faith, she began to better understand the roots of her pain and the role of trauma and mental health in her story.

Over the next decade, Jessica’s journey included marriage, motherhood, ongoing therapy, and navigating both addiction and domestic abuse within her life. She openly shares that recovery is not a destination but a continuous journey of healing and growth. Becoming a Certified Peer Specialist transformed her life, allowing her to use her lived experience to walk alongside others facing similar struggles. She finds the greatest reward in seeing hope return to someone’s eyes when they realize they are not alone. Jessica’s message is simple but powerful: don’t stay silent. Saying “I’m not okay” can be the first step toward healing, and when someone reaches out, support and community are ready to respond.