The Calmed Chameleon: Olivia Penman

Reentry Reframed

Olivia Penman, newly Mrs. Olivia Herrman is someone you can find just about anywhere you look in the recovery community celebrating and supporting others. Olivia exudes kindness and love everywhere she goes. When asked what she was like as a youth, Oliva reflected she was not quite sure who she was because it would really depend on who she was around; she was a chameleon of sorts. As she worked to find her own identity, one thing she was certain of early on was she did not want to be an addict. She watched her older brother struggle with addiction, and she was determined to go down a different path. No one dreams of a life filled with turmoil for themselves, and yet, as we discussed breaking down the stigmas associated with substance use disorder, Olivia's life eventually went down a path she never intended to be on. Now, Olivia sponsors other women as they find their way back to who they want to be. As she reinforces in her interview, "You did those things, but it is not who you are." We could not agree more, Olivia, and we wish you and your family a blessed life!