What’s your name and role on the team?

My name is Tommy Tieche and I am a Traffic Engineering Technician for the Office of the County Engineer.

What inspired you to join the peer support team?

I learned a long time ago that I can’t keep what I don’t give away and realized that one employee helping another is without parallel.  We are all in the same boat together, and with the love of God, we can weather any storm. All I have to offer is my experience, strength, and hope as a survivor of childhood trauma, addiction, depression, divorce, incarceration, bankruptcy, medical diagnosis, the suicide of my father, the death of my mother, and finding a NEW life worth living. 

What’s your background or experience with peer support?

I am a grateful member of 12 -step recovery here in Ocala and the director of Recovery In Christ Ministries, Inc.  I am a member of MCSO Programs and regularly take meetings into MCJ.  I have over 20 years of active recovery and have found that the spiritual principles of the 12-steps are applicable to every issue in my life. If anyone has a question about recovery or would like more information on how they can get involved, I am here to listen and support you on your journey.

What’s one piece of advice or encouragement you’d share with someone seeking support? 

Asking for help is perhaps the hardest thing any of us has ever had to do.  You are not alone, the old lie is dead, together we do recover!  No matter what, reach out and grab the life preserver, we can figure out where to go from there.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

My greatest joy is being my wife’s husband, and our time together is as precious to me as my time with the Lord. As for my personal hobbies, I enjoy riding my motorcycle on our scenic two-lane roads within Marion County, it always fills me with a sense of awe and oneness with my creator. At other times I’ll take the 4x4 into the woods just to get away and hear what’s important. And of course, there are the kayaks that we don’t use as often as we would like, but there is nothing that can compare to that kind of serenity.

How can people reach out to you?

To ensure confidentiality, please reach out to me at recoveryinchrist@outlook.com

Or you may call (352) 450-0848 and leave a message. I will call you back as soon as possible.