“I existed for over 20 years in full-blown addiction. I say existed as I certainly was not living. It was that low-bottom type drug use and active alcoholism that left me looking at myself time and time again from jail cells, ditches, shelters and hospital beds,” shares Jason Hillier, a 2021 graduate of the Addiction and Mental Health Worker (AMHW) program. “Once I was presented with a true gift of desperation, I was able to get brutally honest with myself, tap into some much-needed humility, and ask for help. It was then that I was able to find a life of recovery beyond my wildest dreams.”
Jason’s journey to where he is today is nothing short of immense dedication, as his drive to help others who are experiencing the very path that he once walked on has led him to a meaningful career in this industry. Reflecting on the “why” that ignited his professional journey, he shares, “I experienced first-hand the impact of having that light come on in my eyes that was so profound, so spectacular, that if there was any way to help others rediscover their light, or perhaps even just to be in a position to allow them the opportunity to know that it was possible, then, well, I had to try.”
Jason’s Journey to Centennial
Finding an educational pathway to venture down was one of the next steps in Jason's experience of following his passion for helping others. One of the stand-out features that led him to Centennial was something that presented itself right away—the accessibility of information on the college’s website.
“On the surface, this might seem simple enough for most, but, you see, I was a high school dropout that landed in the correctional system at a very young age. With very limited knowledge and even less life skills, my computer and internet navigation abilities were nonexistent,” he shares. “Once I had the opportunity to research effectively, the weight and depth of the AMHW program really stood out.”
With components of the program that Jason explains he could readily identify with, he sums up this initial experience with the program with the realization that this path was conceivable, as he explains, "Centennial made it easy for me to see potential in my dream."
Additionally, Jason discovered that many professional members of his community that he admired and strived hard to emulate were Centennial alumni, which further solidified his choice to enroll in the AMHW program. "I couldn't believe it; people that I knew and looked up to on a personal level in my own circles were, in fact, alumni and making real change for other vulnerable members of their communities. I wanted to follow in those gigantic footsteps. I was incredibly inspired to achieve these goals," he says.
Jason’s experience in the program holds immense meaning in his life in more ways than one, as he shares that on the very first day of orientation, he met a classmate that soon became his study partner, best friend, and now who he will marry this September. He shares, “I honestly cannot explain to you how this is, on top of everything else that has happened, a direct result of choosing Centennial College, and how this not only profoundly changed my life in such an incredible way, but it has also taught me what true love is.”
Lessons That Helped Shape His Career
A significant lesson Jason obtained from the AMHW program was the importance of active listening, which he explains is like an art. Active listening can be defined as being fully engaged in all senses when someone is talking, relying heavily on the verbal and non-verbal messages that are present in a conversation. Jason shares that he has also been tailoring since he finished school, as he often studies human behaviour, body language, and other non-verbal cues daily in a personal and professional capacity.
Jason cites the incredible faculty and many of his peers who were instrumental in helping him succeed in this and shares that this is one of his greatest attributes today, as this skill is integral in his professional role.
Speaking of faculty, Jason notes the supportive environment he was in to learn the important lessons. "I felt heard every day. Throughout my time at Centennial College, there was no shortage of incredibly talented faculty who would stop, take the time to listen, and provide feedback and guidance as to how I could successfully navigate the often-challenging road of student life in such a dynamic but difficult world of studies for a person with such inexperience like me," he explains. "I had never even opened a Word document prior to when I began my studies. By the time I had completed the course, I had actually built a website."
While there were several moments with faculty that Jason explains were impactful, he shares that his first professor, Michelle G, left a lasting impact with her approachable and warm personality, fostering a strong bond of trust and friendship.
Life After Graduation
Upon graduating, Jason’s professional journey took off. In a full-circle moment, Jason ended up securing his placement, a requirement of his program, at the same center he had been through twice as a client. “Very quickly, I was given an opportunity to accept a job at this center. It was my dream to work here. That is when I saw how Centennial College and my thirst for challenges had begun to present in areas of my life,” he says.
Jason is currently the Director of Community Partnerships and Client Services for Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health, a center dedicated to assisting those in their recovery goals.
He shares, “I am given the opportunity to collaborate with some of the province’s most highly respected professionals in our industry on a day-to-day basis and, as a result, I can align my role in the center with efforts that are solution-focused to an even broader community. I am thrilled to have the ability to step into a group on occasion and help provide a spark for the clients and the staff when needed, as well as to just continue this path of personal self-discovery. I am beyond grateful to be involved with creating such a beautiful space for those I am surrounded by.”
Jason often seeks several ways to adapt, learn, and grow within the evolving addiction and mental health landscape. “Whether this is through various online platforms, self-study, or live and pre-recorded webinars, I work diligently to always remain teachable,” he adds.
Founding Relating in Recovery
Relating in Recovery is a grassroots movement created in 2019 that initially acted as a support system for Jason’s small intimate circle of those dealing with grief in recovery. Today, it has significantly expanded into 21 countries with almost 5,000 members. “Relating in Recovery is a community of many people that have a variety of mental health challenges and addictions of every stripe,” he explains. “All are welcome. Our Facebook community is not simply an online community no longer—it is a supportive, safe space for so many that I have seen, and I strongly suggest you take a visit.”
The online and in-person events have brought together a community that has fostered growth and transformation in countless ways. Jason reflects on one of those events, explaining, "Relating in Recovery, fondly known as RnR, was always trying to find a way to focus on a solution when it came to the ever-growing challenge where the waitlists for ministry-funded centers are so long. Folks are not getting the help when they need it, and the private centers are often far too expensive to consider."
He continues, "RnR began petitioning to the private centers for potential bed donations; they could be classified under the RnR umbrella as a compassionate center. It was erasing the stigma slowly on the sometimes-uglier business side of treatment but still solved a small percentage of the challenge faced with the waitlists. That first event, the Party in the Park and the private centers that got involved, raised over $200,000 in private treatment stays for countless vulnerable members of our community, many that are living full and beautiful lives today as a result."
Jason has been recognized in numerous publications, both online and in print, for the work he says all Relating in Recovery members have been involved in. Additionally, he has been a keynote speaker at many fundraising events, addiction and mental health trade shows, and symposiums and has been nominated for the Premier's Award for Outstanding Achievement. He hopes to take this experience of Relating in Recovery and transform it into a class that he can share with budding professionals in the AMHW program.
Advice to Graduates
Jason emphasizes the importance of not letting fear hold you back. In the moments where you second guess yourself, where you’re not as comfortable in a decision, or you’re met with either negative outside context or negative internal dialogue, he shares that you must trust your gut and adds, “Nothing worthwhile doing comes easy, and I want to encourage you to try, put yourself out there, take risks, and, if you must, dust yourself off and try again.”
When asked if he could change anything about his experience now with the knowledge he has upon graduating, he says he wouldn’t change a thing. “I believe everything is either a lesson or a blessing.”
Jason shares that you can reach him anytime for anything at jason@simcoerehab.ca.
Written By: Alexandra Few