E47 - Steve and Dani

Cole Welch-Caffrey hosts this edition of "The Empty Chair" podcast on both MVPASAP Facebook and the Empty Chair Podcast on YouTube.

Joining Cole in this episode are 2 Amazing Guests:

Dani Sinclair & Steve Heald.

Dani a local police officer for over 20 years and currently assigned to the detective unit for last 4 years at Newburyport PD specializing in sexual assaults. Recently received Master’s Degree in CJ from UMass Lowell.

Founder of Essex County Outreach in 2019 when awarded a grant through the BJA. The premise is for all 34 law enforcement agencies in Essex County, as well as the sheriff’s department, to work together with our respective community and social service partners to provide assistance to individuals and families in need of support for substance use disorders and behavioral health matters. When not busy at work, enjoy quality family time with her husband, two kids, and two crazier dogs.

Steve has been working as a recovery coach for over seven years, with PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative), Methuen Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, and most recently Mass General Brigham Hospital at Salem. He graduated from Norwich University with a BA in Criminal Justice in 1990.

He started his career in Juvenile Corrections working with Boston’s most violent offenders. He later worked with JRI as a Residential Director at Centerpoint (Intensive Residential Treatment Program). Following his tenure at JRI he became a Warrant Apprehension Officer with the Department of Youth Services Gang Unit. He was assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force with Boston Police and later worked with the Lynn Gang Unit. Steve retired in 2006 due to a serious on-duty injury.

Steve entered into treatment in 2004 for alcoholism and recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety. He comes to Essex County Outreach with a wealth of experience and a passion to help folks struggling with addiction and alcoholism.

Steve will share his road to recovery and how to overcome obstacles, and Dani will discuss how she initiated the Essex County Outreach and the positive impact it has in our community