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Each year at NatCon, we recognize and celebrate individuals who go above and beyond to help people in their community heal. This year, we are proud to present a Peer Specialist of the Year Award to Anthony Kohl, a peer coordinator for VIP Community Services in the Bronx, New York. We sat down with Kohl to discuss his inspirational journey and what fuels his passion for helping others.
What motivated you to step into the role of a Peer Support Specialist?
“My journey began in a drug treatment program, where I started connecting with others during my own recovery. I found myself listening to people’s stories, offering guidance and pointing them toward resources that helped me. That kind of support came naturally, and it felt good to play even a small part in someone else’s healing. Now, when I see someone embrace change, it’s powerful. And when progress stalls, I understand. Recovery is personal; there’s no one-size-fits-all path.”
How have your life experiences influenced the way you support others today?
“I’ve been through a lot to get to where I am today. My early life was marked by drug use — crack cocaine and alcohol from a young age. I had uncles who used heroin, and even though their lives were shaped by addiction, I loved them deeply. Those experiences made me more empathetic, more attuned to the struggles of others. I don’t feel sorry for people — I feel for them.
“A turning point in my recovery came during outpatient treatment when I reflected on my own legacy — I didn’t want to be remembered for my addiction. Now, after 10 years in recovery, I no longer chase a high; I chase clarity, purpose and peace. I’ve learned to make choices for myself, not based on others’ expectations. My higher power reminds me that I have to prioritize myself in order to truly be there for others.”
What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in this role?
“One of the biggest lessons was about self-care. In the beginning, I poured so much into others that I forgot to care for myself. I realized I couldn’t expect honesty, growth or effort from others if I wasn’t holding myself to those same standards. Another lesson is not taking things personally. I used to go home feeling defeated when people didn’t follow through. It took time to understand — their journey isn’t mine to control. All I can do is offer support, be honest and lead by example.”
Was there a defining “aha” moment in your recovery or professional journey?
“Absolutely. One moment that will always stick with me was when I started working for the Bronx HOPE Program, which focuses on overdose prevention and connecting people to services right after an arrest. The first precinct I was assigned to turned out to be the same one where I had been arrested years before. I remember sitting there, waiting, and I just started laughing. The officer asked if I was OK, and I said, ‘Yeah — I’m good.’ Because for the first time, I was leaving that building without handcuffs. I used to spend the night there, eating bologna sandwiches and waiting to see a judge. Now, I was there to help someone else. That full-circle moment hit me hard. It reminded me how far I’d come.”
How would you define mental wellbeing?
“To me, mental wellbeing is about maintaining a sense of balance, feeling at peace with yourself and managing emotions in a healthy way. It’s about understanding that recovery is a process and not expecting perfection from yourself or others.”
What does winning this award mean to you?
“It means a lot. I’m excited, grateful — even a little nervous. But more than anything, I see it as a platform to keep doing the work I love. Recognition is nice, but I know I’m only as good as the next person I sit down with. This award isn’t the end — it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much more I have to give. Every achievement in recovery has mattered, but this one is special. It’s a celebration not just of my progress, but of the impact I’ve had on others.”
There’s still time to join Kohl and thousands of others at NatCon25! Register today and then join us in Philadelphia from May 5-7. To view past Awards of Excellence winners, click here.
