Recovery Expressed is an initiative that provides individuals with lived experience an opportunity to express their emotions and find meaning and hope by collaboratively sharing their stories and experiences, inspiring and making a positive impact in the world.
Stories and the arts engage people at every level – not just in their minds but in their emotions, transforming pain into purpose. Focusing on our commonalities, we put ourselves in a stronger position to challenge the stigma surrounding this epidemic and lay out new possibilities for social change.
We organize opioid awareness events that feature compelling live performances and presentations by public health educators in the field of neuroscience and the role the arts play in navigating long-term recovery through social and creative activities.
These awareness events will be filmed and used to support ongoing efforts in combating the opioid epidemic.
Events like this aim to bring together families, friends, and community members for an evening of entertainment, reminding us that we are all united in the fight against opioid abuse.
Featured presenters include:
-Yaashna Sharma, Research Lab Manager @ NYU Jameel Arts & Health Lab, Public Health Consultant, MPH in Social and Behavioral Health, Certified Health Education Specialist, BA in Neuroscience
-Lorraine Ferro, Award Winning Artist and Multi-platinum Songwriter
-Michael Cavallo, Award Winning Artist and Recovery Advocate, CPRS
-Anna Rabinowitz, Artist, Recovery Advocate, and CAPIS.
Recovery Expressed events are a continuation of Life Center Stage’s long-term initiative, using the arts to capture and transform life experiences that have left people feeling stigmatized and isolated into feeling empowered and fulfilled, knowing that their stories have purpose and can benefit others.
Speakers
Real Life - Real Stories - Real Solutions
Yaashna Sharma
Research Lab Manager @ NYU Jameel Arts & Health Lab | Public Health Consultant | MPH in Social and Behavioral Health | Certified Health Education Specialist | BA in Neuroscience
Yaashna Sharma is a public health professional and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) with a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Rutgers University. She specializes in social, behavioral, and mental health research, program evaluation, and implementation, focusing on improving health outcomes for underserved populations. With expertise in statistical analysis and health communication, Yaashna has presented at academic conferences and led pubic health initiatives striving to bridge the gap between research and practice for impactful health interventions.
Anna T. Robinowitz
Anna Toby Rabinowitz, Life Center Stage Community Liaison Advocate:
Working in the mental health field for over 7 years, Anna is a staunch advocate for mental health, addiction services and stigma reduction. As a proud member of the recovery community, she knows the positive impact the arts has on healing. She received her BA at CUNY, John Jay College in the social sciences. Anna is truly passionate about music and is also a singer/songwriter. Her background in psychology and the creative arts provides a unique and sensitive approach to her work. Since receiving her degree, Anna was hired as a psychological consultant on the Apple TV+ series “The Crowded Room” featuring Tom Holland, and is currently working in the esteemed Manhattan Clinton School as a Substance abuse prevention specialist.
Michael Cavallo
Michael Cavallo grew up just outside of Boston, Massachusetts. After injuries cut short his senior year as a college hockey player, Michael pursued a career in the music business. Throughout his 15-year career, he struggled with addiction, narrowly escaping death a few times. In 2016, Michael went to treatment in New Jersey and has remained sober since.
Dedicating his life to helping others who struggle with the disease of addiction, in December 2017, he became a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. In 2018, Michael won the Knock Out Opioid Abuse Songwriting Contest. Using his Artistry to make a difference and inviting us all to "Take a Stand Together", he performs his winning song and shares his story at many community recovery events. Michael speaks and performs original songs at schools and various community outreach programs in the hopes of preventing others from succumbing to this deadly disease. Michael understands the struggle of addiction the power of recovery education, communication, and reducing stigma are key elements in the battle to save the hundreds of thousands of people dying in North America every year due to opioid related overdoses.
After a college hockey injury derailed his athletic career, he turned to music — and
eventually found himself battling addiction. In 2016, he entered recovery. Since then,
he’s turned his journey into a message of healing and hope — performing and speaking across schools, treatment centers, and community events.
