Meet the Team
Our mission to support adults in recovery is carried forth by the Equal Srq Team, leaders from across the Sarasota recovery community. Meet the dedicated team of staff and board members that make it happen. Our Executive Team of staff and Board of Directors focus on the high-level strategy, oversight, and accountability of Equal SRQ.
Meet the Equal Srq Team - Board of Directors
Alan Tobiason
President
Terry Edgerton
Vice President
David Smith
Secretary/Treasurer
Strategy and adaptability are integral to our work as the recovery landscape evolves. The team at Equal SRQ continues to push against stigma and institutions to drive lasting change, and advocate for the specific needs of adults in recovery.
One of our core competency lies in developing leaders by providing comprehensive training programs and mentorship opportunities to cultivate their skills, knowledge, and confidence for effective leadership.
Meet the Equal Srq Team - Executives
Paulina Connolly
Cofounder and Executive Director
Paulina Connolly as the Executive Director (CRPS-A) spearheads peer support initiatives, promoting community, stability, and social connections. Paulina’s leadership is driving the opening of a Recovery Community Center in Sep 2023 for Sarasotans in substance use recovery. With a background in mental health and marketing, she prioritizes operational excellence and creative strategies. Paulina holds a BA in Graphic Design from Pennsylvania State University.
Thomas Rubins
Cofounder and Community Outreach Coordinator
Thomas Rubins as the Community Outreach Coordinator (CRPS-A) is an inspiring individual with personal experience in recovery from mental health and substance use. He loves working with individuals who are striving for a better life and connects them to resources and vocational activities. Tom holds certifications as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) and has completed several courses related to recovery and mental health, including training in suicide risk assessment, motivational interviewing, and mental health first aid.
Tim Bisson
Peer Services Supervisor
Tim Bisson, as the Peer Services Supervisor (CRPS-A) is a caring and supportive team player with firsthand recovery experience. In his previous position as Director of Peer Resources at MHCCI, he advocated for the peer movement and oversaw the certification processes. Tim also founded the Sunshine Peer Network and is a certified WRAP Facilitator. He has diverse experience in coaching, massage therapy, and peer counseling. He actively advocates for the cause at both the statewide and organizational levels.
Arin Norris
Director of Operations