Shannon is a Charlestown native who has helped many people in the community struggling with substance use disorder by connecting them to the appropriate resources. She holds an Associates Licensure in Social Work and has completed her certification as an Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselor. Shannon is a Certified Addictions Recovery Coach and Recovery Coach Supervisor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and a Certified Community Health Educator with the Boston Public Health Commission and regularly facilitates Narcan trainings. Shannon serves on the Board of Directors for the North Suffolk Mental Health Association (NSMHA). Shannon will be celebrating 16 years in recovery on May 15, 2020. To hear Shannon’s story, click here.
Sarah Coughlin, LICSW, LADC-I is a zealous advocate for addiction and mental health services, criminal justice reform, and health equity. In her role as the Charlestown Coalition Director, she oversees the work of the multi-sector coalition, building the capacity of the community and addressing its top identified health concerns (substance use, quality education, employment, income equality, housing, violence, trauma, and youth mental health) by working to address the root causes of these public health issues. She is the Board President of the National Association of Social Workers MA Chapter, has a small private practice, and is a state social work expert vendor for the Committee for Public Counsel Services. She previously served as the Coalition's Youth Prevention Director, and before that as the clinical social worker at A1 Boston Police Station. Sarah received her bachelor’s in Social Work from Providence College, her Masters in Social Work from Boston College, and completed a post-graduate clinical certificate program in the relational and multi-contextual treatment of trauma at Simmons College.
Ginaya Greene Murray is a Charlestown native who has had the pleasure of living, traveling and serving abroad. Upon receiving her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Bridgewater State University, Ginaya moved to California to explore a more culturally diverse environment. She then moved back to Charlestown and became involved in serving less-fortunate communities around Boston. Ginaya lived, served and got married on Oahu, Hawaii, in 2015 and returned once more to Charlestown in 2016. She has volunteered and led numerous mission teams including a trip to Haiti where she was the director of photography. Ginaya has assisted with several community outreach projects, Kidstown and youth nights for many churches including First Church in Charlestown. Her passion for educating youth and being a mentor is what makes her excited about her role at the Charlestown Coalition. Ginaya’s goal is to be a positive example for the next generation, hoping to better prepare and equip them for life's challenges.