Join us for this amazing episode which takes us into through the life experiences of Amanda Richline their Product Manager & Creative Lead at Unshattered. Amanda shares her deeply personal story of addiction, recovery and building an amazing future for herself, her children and the women she works with at Unshattered. This organization is dedicated to working with women to end the addiction relapse cycle by providing pathways toward economic independence and sustained sobriety. 

Show Notes: 

Welcome to a very special episode of Sew & So. Our guest is Amanda Richline, Product Manager & Creative Lead at Unshattered an organization in Hudson Valley, NY dedicated to working with women to end the addiction relapse cycle by providing pathways toward economic independence and sustained sobriety.

Born and raised in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, Amanda was first introduced to the Unshattered program in 2015. Her journey and the story of Unshattered are hopeful and inspiring. Amanda learned to sew as a result of Unshattered. In her time with them she has become a homeowner, is a certified Peer Recovery Advocate, a Yoga instructor certified as a trauma-informed facilitator and is on the verge of receiving her bachelor’s degree with honors. She is a mom of three amazing kids and recently celebrated 7 years of continuous sobriety.

(1:50) How and why did Amanda learn to sew? She shares her story.

(2:47) What was Amanda like when she was a little girl growing up in the Poconos? And hear how a move in the 5th grade changed her life trajectory. Hear her story here!

(4:17) Amanda has shared her story all over the country. She tells us here about her struggles and recovery. Tales of bullying, medical emergencies that led to pain killer addictions, graduating from high school while pregnant and while 2015 was the worst year of her life. And finally in a moment of sheer desperation…she found the path to recovery!

(10:51) But her story of recovery wasn’t a straight path. She openly shares what happened. And how she turned things around for good. New home, certifications and a college degree.

(14:35) Now a product manager and creative lead at Unshattered, Amanda explains her work responsibilities.

(16:55) What is it about sewing that is so very therapeutic for her? Amanda shares this feeling with us.

(17:55) Amanda is a peer recovery advocate and a yoga instructor with special training. She talks about how she uses these special trainings to come along women as they are coming out of recovery programs.

(20:40) She is also a trauma informed facilitator. What is this and what does she do? She explains!

(21:40) What does she like to create while sewing? Well…it’s custom bags she designs and created for clients!

(23:25) What is Unshattered? Amanda explains their mission and the work they do.

(25:25) How did Unshattered get started? Amanda tells us this story and how Kelly Lyndgaard found her calling to start this organization…

(28:07) Who are the partners who support Unshattered and who believe in them walking their journey with them? Find out here.

(31:30) What’s the process to teach women new to the program how to sew? Well, Amanda is personally developing a documented plan to replace teaching on the fly!

(34:37) What’s next for Amanda in her incredible journey? Owning her own business is in her future as her dream! But there’s more…

(35:58) Is there a question we didn’t ask that she wished that we had asked?

(37:12) How can you reach Amanda? [email protected]. Or on Instagram. Let her know you heard her episode on Sew & So

If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to [email protected] or complete the form on our website.

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