May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and what better time to shed light on a subject that affects so many yet is often left in the shadows—the emotional and mental impact of pregnancy and motherhood. From perinatal to postpartum, these experiences can be filled with love and joy—but also anxiety, depression, and deep emotional struggle. It's time to talk about it. Women are not alone.Join Cole Caffrey for a powerful, heartfelt conversation with two remarkable guests who are bringing healing and hope to women across New Hampshire through their work at AsterRoot Wellness:

Ashley Raymond, LCMHC
Ashley is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over a decade of experience. She has worked in emergency departments and crisis response, giving her a strong foundation in acute mental health care. Ashley specializes in anxiety, depression, trauma, and perinatal mood disorders. As a mother of two and someone who has personally experienced postpartum anxiety, she brings compassion, authenticity, and lived experience to her therapeutic work.

Carin Romero, LICSW
Carin is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with more than ten years in the field. She specializes in perinatal mood disorders, PTSD, reproductive trauma, anxiety, and grief. As a mother of two and a veteran of her own battles with postpartum anxiety and depression, Carin offers deep empathy and connection to the women she serves. She has also supported individuals in crisis settings and is a proud member of the Air National Guard, with a special commitment to military families.

AsterRoot Wellness PLLC
Founded to support the mental health of women and pregnant individuals, AsterRoot Wellness offers telehealth counseling across New Hampshire—meeting clients where they are: at home, in a safe space, with no stigma or shame. Whether you're navigating specific challenges or just need someone to talk to, they are here to help.
www.asterrootwellness.com
Instagram: @asterrootwellness

Recorded LIVE on Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project’s Facebook Page

This is a show you don’t want to miss. Let’s break the silence and give voice to the women who need to hear: you are not alone, and it’s okay to ask for help.

Join Cole Caffrey with Special Guests Billy & Joel as they shine a light on Alcohol Awareness Month and share their powerful stories of hope, healing, and long-term recovery.

The Impact of Alcohol Use on Individuals and FamiliesDiscuss the physical, emotional, and social effects of alcohol misuse, including how it affects mental health, relationships, and daily life.

Tune is as we we discuss: The Power and Process of Recovery Breaking the Stigma & OfferingDon’t miss this impactful conversation—97 years of sobriety shared between Cole P. Caffrey these two incredible men!

Join us as MVPASAP takes action during Alcohol Awareness Month to raise education and awareness about alcohol use and misuse.

According to the CDC, approximately 178,000 individuals die each year from excessive alcohol use, highlighting the importance of our collective efforts.

In our upcoming LIVE show, "On the Empty Chair," we are honored to host two incredible guests, Matty O'Malley and Corey Beaver, who will educate us on the signs and symptoms of alcoholism while sharing their own inspiring testimonies of recovery.

Matty O'Malley is a seasoned professional in the substance abuse and mental health field, boasting seven years of experience. Since achieving sobriety on April 4, 2017, he has dedicated himself to positively impacting others' lives.

Matthew's journey from behavioral health technician to roles in business development and operations has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Matthew has played a pivotal role in launching five successful facilities and is now the founder of Empower Health Group. Personal experiences, including overcoming addiction and the loss of his mother to addiction and mental health issues, have deeply influenced his passion for helping others.For Matthew, Empower Health Group is more than just a business; it's a mission. He approaches his work with a commitment to assisting as many individuals as possible on their journey to recovery and improved mental wellness. Matthew's dedication, expertise, and empathy make him a valuable asset in substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Corey grew up on the North Shore in Massachusetts. He grew up in a loving family but was exposed to drugs and alcohol at a young age. Corey's party habits in high school eventually turned to daily use in college. The overdoses, arrests, and failed treatment attempts went on for ten years before finally getting sober at 28 years old.

After getting sober, Corey focused his recovery work on those who are often left behind in the chaos of addiction - The families. Today, Corey is an interventionist and a strong advocate of Family Focused Recovery. Most importantly, Corey is physically, mentally, and emotionally available to his family, friends, loved ones, and a proud father to his son, Fortunado.

If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol-related issues, there are prevention, treatment, and recovery support services available. Let's come together to spread awareness and promote a healthier relationship with alcohol.

Don't miss this enlightening discussion at a NEW

For more information reach out to:Cole [email protected]

*** BIG NEWS ***MVPASAP is Beyond thrilled to start this year's "Empty Chair" series with the RED & BLUE First Responders endure and tackle challenges that are thrown at them. Through these experiences, they may find themselves facing wounds that scar the body & the mind, and question if their own experiences and stressors are severe enough to seek health.Join Cole Welch-Caffrey and her "2" Amazing Guests and hear these First Responders testimonies that addiction comes in many forms and so does RECOVERY! Jim G. is a Police Officer and Army Veteran who over came food and alcohol addiction.At his lowest point he weighed over 300 pounds and was drinking & eating himself to death. Jim will share his story that led to personal growth in both Sobriety and weight-loss. James G. is a Fire Fighter, who struggled with food and alcohol. His relationship with alcohol brought him 2 DUI's and an unhealthy eating habits brought him to a morbid weight of 370 pounds.Hear how his 10 year journey of reflection, faith and forgiveness has kept him sober and gave him permission to care and love himself. Combined these men lost: 265 pounds & have 13 year of Sobriety.This is show you don't want to miss!!!!

Phil Lahey's next guest for this episode of The Empty Chair is Nikki G. "Like many others, she began using at a young age. It took a while, but she found a 12-step program and started her journey to recovery. I always admired that although she had bumps in the road, she always learned from them and she would come back even more determined. She is an excellent example for those who relapse and want to give up. Nikki's story is that she never gave up. I have watched and been a part of her incredible journey and I’m so proud that she has decided to share it with all of you. Please tune in and help us celebrate another miracle of recovery. This episode is being dedicated to the memory of Kim Holland."

May is Mental Health Awareness MonthJoin Cole Welch-Caffrey and 2 Amazing Guests from Blue Lotus Wellness Center this week to learn of the importance of taking care of your own "mental health".

Kimberly Sieper, MS, MBA, LCMHC, MLADC works with individuals experiencing many diverse mental health problems. She will discuss several modalities that assist individuals to achieve optimum mental health.

Vincent Ardizzone, mental health counselor, dance/movement therapist, & yoga/meditation teacher will share his experience, strength, and HOPE of overcoming obstacles and creating a life of wellness and balance.

This is a show you do NOT want to miss...

This episode of The Empty Chair is being dedicated in memory of Joy Gallagher. Joy by being a Sponsor was responsible for saving the lives of many young ladies. Unfortunately, the only one she didn’t save was her own. We honor her by bringing in three young ladies who share a sponsorship family of their own. The group includes Steevie Groves as the sponsor and two of her sponsees Brooke Dewhirst and Lauren D’Amico. They will share their story of recovery and the part that having a sponsor plays in that recovery. Please join in and you will see that, yes, women do recover

Zack’s Team was launched in the fall of 2014, in memory of Louise’s youngest son, Zachary Gys. Zachary died on July 19, 2013, from an accidental opiate overdose at the age of 21, after struggling with substance use disorder for several years. Louise is a strong advocate for education, support, recovery, and treatment. Louise founded and continues to facilitate, the Merrimack Valley’s Zack’s Team Foundation’s Coping Today support group to assist families struggling with the loss of a loved one due to substance use disorder.

Louise also worked with Jim Wahlberg on the production of the movie, “If Only.” If Only is a short film intended for teens, parents, and adults to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs to keep them out of the hands of kids. Her next project with Jim is the documentary entitled, “Out of the Ashes” which explores the impact of losing a child to substance use and turning grief into purpose. She participated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s “Stop Addiction in Its Tracks” campaign, sharing Zack’s story and the effects it had on her family.

Louise was appointed to the City of Lowell’s Opiate Task Force and was the keynote speaker at the first Opiate Youth Summit held at the Tsongas Arena. Louise has been a featured speaker at many community events in the Merrimack Valley. She is currently employed by the University of New Hampshire as the Associate Vice President and Chief Research Administration Office.

Excessive alcohol use accounted for more than 140,000 deaths per year.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This month is designated to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. Join Cole P. Welch Caffrey with two amazing guests, Elias & Stella as they share their experience and strength while offering HOPE to those who continue to struggle.

Elias ground alcohol at a young age and quickly began on a downhill slope. Arrests, detoxes, and frayed family relations followed him until he got sober in 2012. Today he is active in the recovery community and holds a job in corporate finance. He enjoys the gym, disk golf, home repair projects, cooking, and reading.

Stella was a troubled teen who struggled since she was little. Had a son at age 16. She found a solution to her mental chaos in drugs and alcohol. Got married at the age of 23 after having a second child. Drug-fueled marriage followed by divorce, then another drug and alcohol-fueled relationship. Shattered relationships, lost jobs, and hurt children & parents were left in the wreckage. Landed in detox at age 35, for the first time in her life, scared and hopeless. Followed by residential treatment and sober living where she was introduced to the 12 steps and began a life-saving journey to recovery and hope. Today she lives with her two children, works as a clinician at a treatment center, plays on a few sober softball teams, and spends much of her time being of service to her community.

This episode is dedicated to: "Justin Stout" Justin was a well-known member of AA in Portland, ME. His jovial personality touched everyone he met. He made everyone feel loved and his smile was infectious. A father of two, he enjoyed being with his kids, working out, and helping others. He was deeply involved in his church where he could be found every Sunday. An electrician by trade, he worked hard and took pride in a job well done. Justin is deeply missed by many.

Phil Lahey's guest on The Empty Chair is Helen Sheehan.

She is the founder and CEO of Emman’s Heart foundation. She organized this effort after the tragic loss of her son to a fentanyl overdose in April 2019 join us as Helen reminisces about Emman and talks of her efforts to combat substance misuse with the hope of preventing other families from suffering a tragic loss.

Helen has become a warrior in and around Haverhill for her courageous battle against this deadly disease. I am truly honored that she has agreed to share her story on the Empty Chair.