Meet Our Trainers
Rachel Fowler, RCPF
Director of Training & Professional Development
Rachel is a person in recovery from substance use disorder, trauma, and anxiety. She began her recovery journey in 1999 when she was impacted by the criminal justice system. Since that time, she has ventured down many diverse and divergent pathways on the road to healing. Rachel has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, is a Master Positive Psychology Coach and Trainer, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) advocate, Inclusive Leadership Development Facilitator, and a Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator. She is the Director of Training and Professional Development at Serenity Recovery Connection in Colorado Springs, CO., has her own nonprofit Recover Simply, Inc., and makes her home at the base of Pike’s Peak (America’s Mountain) in Manitou Springs, CO.
Rachel’s Accreditations:
Master Positive Psychology Coach & Trainer, IDEA Advocate, Inclusive Leadership Development Facilitator, Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator (RCPF) by Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), SHE RECOVERS Coach Designation, Curriculum Developer
Nic Paczolt, RCPF & CPFS
Training Program Coordinator
As the Lead Trainer and Training Coordinator at Serenity Recovery Connection, Nic delivers engaging and effective training programs for peer recovery coaches, volunteers, and staff. Nic has over two years of work experience in the recovery field, having worked as a Peer Recovery Coach at Recover Simply and a Justice Coach at SRC before joining the Training Department. Nic is passionate about helping people overcome substance use disorder, achieve their goals, and live their best life! He helps people to do these things by facilitating CCAR and Jordan Peer Recovery trainings. Nic is expected to graduate from UCCS in May with a double major in Industrial Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Management. Nic aspires to become a leader and an advocate in the recovery community and to contribute to the mission of Serenity Recovery Connection, which is to provide hope, healing, and support for individuals and families affected by substance use disorder.
Nic’s Accreditations:
Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator (RCPF) by Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) by CCAR, and Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) by COPA.
Melissa Nugin, CPFS
Training Assistant
Melissa (a.k.a. Mel) is a state certified Peer Recovery Specialist, as well as a non-binary person in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health disorders. Melissa became involved with SRC after a lengthy hospitalization related to substance use. Afterwards, Melissa started volunteering at SRC, supporting with Telephone Recovery Support calls, eventually, earning a position in SRC’s Internship Program. Shortly thereafter, Melissa attained a permanent position as a Healthcare Coach, where they were able to provide coaching in the same hospital where they had formerly been a patient. After taking the core classes through the Peer Recovery Coach Academy, Melissa took and passed the state exam for their CPFS. Melissa realized that they had a passion for the material and curriculum and became interested in becoming a trainer. They officially transferred to the Training Team at SRC in July of 2024. Throughout the course of Melissa’s time at SRC, they have taken courses in Ethics, Professionalism, DEI, Spirituality, Forensics, Healthcare, and several others. Melissa is dedicated to continue learning as much as possible about the recovery field, so that they can continue to provide hope, support, and relevant trainings to the next generation of recovery coaches.
Mel’s Accreditations:
Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) by COPA