Jim Hajny- Executive Director
Jim has been in recovery for 24 years from a dual diagnosis in which he was hospitalized three times and has survived two suicide attempts. He believes recovery is not only possible, but it should be a part of the process when someone is given a diagnosis. “Without the message of hope or recovery we have nothing…and peer support should be part of that message.” Jim is the author of Into Recovery, his screen play Misunderstood has been performed live on stage and he wrote and directed the documentary Dandelion, chronicling early childhood trauma. Jim is also the founder and program coordinator for Peer Solutions Drop In Center in Livingston, Montana. Jim has worked as a peer supporter for 10 years sharing his recovery with others. He chaired the Montana Peer Support Task Force for 4 years and served 2 years as a Governor appointee to the Mental Disabilities Board of Visitors.
Andi Daniel – Social Media Coordinator
Andi brings several years of experience in non-profit work including Head Start and Early Head Start, employment and training programs, economic development programs, and mental health. She holds a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Montana State University-Bozeman and has extensive education and training in mental health, child development, and family systems. Andi has been in stable recovery from Bipolar Disorder for several years and has experienced one suicide attempt and a few hospitalizations.
Ashley Mclean – Peer Supporter
Ashley Mclean has been in recovery for 7 years. On May 14, 2011, she found out that a new way of life was possible. She grew up in Reno, Nevada and moved to Montana in 2005. She has a beautiful daughter and a wonderful husband who have supported her recovery. Sometimes begrudgingly. She says that because she has to put her recovery first. Over the years she found balance with both her recovery and family. Ashley has had many great teachers along the way who supported her through the good and bad spots in life. Today she has hope, serenity, and compassion for others. Both those on this path with her and those just finding it. “I love my life today and recovery made that possible. Over time with practice it just keeps getting better.”
Michael Accardi – Peer Supporter
Michael is a recovery coach at Montana’s Peer Network and a Peer Supporter for Instar Community Services. He has over 9 years in recovery. His passion for service is helping people who are coming from places where they are reentering communities and society. He uses his personal experience to help individuals with that process.
Katie Sorenson – Peer Services Coordinator
Katie Sorenson has been in recovery from co-occurring disorders for 6 years. Her recovery journey started in 2005 and has been peppered with adversity. Her greatest achievements have been on the other side of her most painful setbacks. She believes her greatest strength in recovery is her ability to see the value in her struggles. She feels the most important thing she can give to another person is hope that if you can just hold on, for one more day, one more hour, one more minute, you can recover. Katie believes recovery is about gaining access to opportunities and her passion to help others do so is fueled by her own struggle. Katie obtained her Bachelor’s of Social Work degree from the University of Montana, Missoula, where she resides. Her experience in a chemical dependency treatment program and work at the homeless shelter reinforced her conviction in her purpose at Montana’s Peer Network. She is grateful to be a part of the team.
Melina Holom – Peer Supporter
Melinda has been in recovery since 1990 after a lifetime of addiction and mental illness. She has been a caregiver for terminally ill patients and greatly enjoyed that work. She is a survivor of childhood traumas, alcohol and drug addiction, and sexual abuse. She wants to reach out to others and share her lived experiences and bring a message of hope and recovery. She is proud to be a part of the MPN team.