Advocate Spotlight: Kristina Amyot
Kristina Amyot's advocacy work stems from her personal and professional experience. She's navigated recovery from substance use disorder herself and understands the real obstacles people face, not just during treatment, but after as well when they're trying to rebuild their independent lives.
That personal knowledge shaped her core belief: "We should be helping people move forward. We take one barrier at a time, support each other, and move toward independence."
Advocating to Remove Barriers to Recovery
Kristina advocates for several interconnected issues: recovery support, child care access, housing, and substance use prevention. Her main focus is on the practical, everyday struggles people encounter when they leave treatment.
The cost of staying in recovery is a big challenge. Treatment is expensive. Medications are expensive. Housing is expensive. And when money is tight, it becomes a source of stress—which for people in recovery, can be a trigger. Kristina believes systems should help people build independence, not create more obstacles.
Speaking Up for Others
Kristina realized early on that it can be challenging for people in treatment to speak up as it’s often one of their most vulnerable moments. "I want to step up and be a voice for those who can't," she says. “I want to educate and make sure everyone understands recovery is not linear and each person’s journey is shaped by their own experiences and what works for them. When we stop stigmatizing those who seek help, we can create a more supportive environment for them to thrive.”
Kristina has continuously put that commitment into action. She’s testified at public hearings about recovery barriers, spoken to the press about how Medicaid shapes recovery outcomes, and shared her personal Medicaid experience at a press conference, which received coverage from multiple news sources including WMUR. She was also featured in New Futures' 2025 Impact Report, sharing her story to demonstrate the real impact of policy on the lives of Granite Staters. Kristina truly embodies advocacy in action, always stepping out to speak up for New Hampshire residents in need.
Beyond Advocacy
When she's not advocating, Kristina is deeply involved in her community. She volunteers at the recovery house where she lives, providing peer support and listening to others on their own recovery journeys. She's also active in her church and involved with community events.
Kristina is equally invested in her own growth and committed to continuous learning. She recently graduated from Leadership Seacoast and earned her SHRM Certification in human resources. She currently works at SOS Recovery Community Organization, a community-based peer organization working to create safe spaces and peer-based recovery supports for people in Strafford County.
Most importantly, Kristina spends time with her family, keeping up with her kids’ sports games and activities.
A Defining Moment: Sharing Her Personal Story
One of Kristina's favorite advocacy memories is sharing her recovery story at the Hope on Haven Hill Gala in front of more than 200 people. This experience started her journey to advocacy. Standing in front of so many people, she realized the power of her voice—and how sharing her story could inspire real change.
For Kristina, that kind of visibility matters because her kids are watching. She wants them to see that speaking up for what's right is important and worth doing.
Kristina’s Advice for Advocates
If you're thinking about getting into advocacy, Kristina's guidance is clear: "Do trainings and learn how to tell your story. Align with missions that match your values and follow that."
She emphasizes educating yourself: "You want to know what you are advocating on, so educate yourself, and then advocacy will come easier. Your passion will shine through."
Thank you, Kristina, for your tireless advocacy for Granite States in recovery!
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