Meet the Team

Erin: Erin (Rin) Villarose, Adult Programs Supervisor of the Community Satisfaction Team and AdvocacyWorx, graduated from Cairn University with a Bachelor of Social Work. During their undergrad, Rin was involved in youth mentoring through non-profits, social justice groups, and completed three internships/field placements working with a wide range of demographics.

Rin has focused their career so far in the Behavioral and Mental Health fields, for both children and adults. They have worked as a Behavioral Health Specialist in a crisis center, lead a grant run program at a nationally recognized children’s museum, and they are now leading the Community Satisfaction Team and AdvocacyWorx at HopeWorx! Through Rin’s own personal experiences, and from what they have witnessed and learned of others’ experiences, they have grown a passion for LGBTQIA+ issues, disability equality, community building, and accessibility for all people. In their free time, Rin loves spending time with their wonderful partner and many animals, creating wearable art, getting involved in community organizing, and attending concerts!

I’ve been working for HopeWorx for the past 14 years and find my job really rewarding. I proceeded to educate myself about addiction so I became a peer specialist. Because my story also includes jails, I became a forensic peer specialist. I have also completed the WRAP facilitator training. I wanted to learn anything that allowed me to help others help themselves. I am a big advocate for people who need help as I did to make a change. It’s never too late.

I think the biggest reality in getting clean was I had choices and didn’t know it. But one thing I know is I never forget that my disease is just around the corner and to stay on my journey to keep hope alive.

Thank you.

Anise Robinson-Milbourne, Advocate
CPS, FCPS, CRS, WRAP Facilitator

My journey at HopeWorx began when I was trying to find a job in 2012, after a minor forensic involvement. I walked into Hopeworx, not understanding Peer Support at all. Peer Support …this concept was never taught, explained, or even mentioned to me, at any time in my life. While attending the POWER program at Montgomery County Community College, I was approached by an advocate from Community Advocates, J.B. Brooks, who told me about peer support and encouraged me to apply for the training. Now I’m a Forensic Peer Specialist, working and growing every day. As a member of the Advocacy Team alongside Erin and Anise, I will continue to use my lived experiences to ensure the message of hope and commitment to my peers and reflect the dignity and respect HopeWorx embodies.

I have personal lived experience in both mental health and human services systems, which has inspired me to become certified in Forensic and Peer Support. I'm here to help individuals with special needs use behavioral services to resolve their problems, learn self-advocacy and positively affect individual growth and change. I love working with others in a non-judgmental way to improve the systems that are currently in place for those of us with mental and forensic challenges. I truly believe in the VALUES of HopeWorx, especially the value of: Remembering The Power of Hope.