Addiction Series: Michelle Hansford, Santa Maria Hostel

Michelle Hansford is currently employed with Santa Maria Hostel as a Parent Coach Navigator. She was previously employed with One Voice Texas under the Hogg Foundation Peer Policy Fellow grant for one year. Before joining OVT, Michelle was formerly employed as a Recovery Coach/Certified Peer Specialist with Santa Maria Hostel. She is perfectly positioned to provide advocacy trainings and support to two groups – children and parents – that are marginalized in the policy discussions surrounding the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Michelle was also a Family Navigator with Harris County Child Protective Services, and she volunteers as a parent liaison with the State Wide Parent Collaboration Group of the Department of Family and Protective Services. Michelle constantly works to give back whatever experience, strength, and hope she has learned from her previous and current employers, as well as her faith-based community, Mercy Street at Chapelwood United Methodist. Michelle is a birth parent who has successfully advocated for herself and her children, as well as for parents in other cases where substance abuse, mental health, and trauma are involved.