Our History
P.U.S.H. Up Recovery was created on a powerful story of resilience, lived experience, and transformation. Established in 2016 in Houston, Texas, by Creator, Kizzey Demease, the organization emerged from a deep understanding of the realities of recovery, shaped by both personal challenges and shared experiences within the recovery community. The name “P.U.S.H. Up Recovery” reflects a phrase often used in group settings to inspire perseverance and positive change, symbolizing encouragement, strength, and collective support.
Kizzey Demease’s journey is one marked by adversity and determination. Having navigated a dysfunctional family environment, homelessness, teenage parenthood, and single motherhood, her story reflects both struggle and triumph. Through education, personal growth, and professional development, she transformed her experiences into purpose, grounding her work in commitment, courage, and connection.
At its core, P.U.S.H. Up Recovery is dedicated to fostering healing, wellness, and personal growth through compassionate support, peer connection, and innovative education. The organization supports individuals on their journey toward healthier and more fulfilling lives by integrating outcome-based practices and lived experience into meaningful pathways of recovery and wellness. Its vision is rooted in supportive environments where individuals' can rediscover their strength, build meaningful relationships, and transform life experiences into opportunities for healing, resilience, and growth.
A legacy, deeply rooted from parents disparities. Kizzey Demease’s parents, who both battled substance use, shaped her understanding of resilience, compassion, and perseverance. Their journeys, though complex, instilled in her the values that now guide the organization’s mission; creating spaces of empathy, support, and healing for others.
P.U.S.H. Up Recovery embraces the belief that recovery is not an individual journey, but a collective one. “It's a we thing.” This philosophy fosters both personal transformation and stronger families and communities. Grounded in the belief that change requires action; the organization continues to stand as a testament to proactive healing, empowerment, and hope.
“Recovery is not only possible, but it is powerful!” – Kizzey Demease
About P.U.S.H. Up Recovery
Direct Services
Education & Recovery Support Services
Indirect Services
Indirect Services
Education & Recovery Support Services
Indirect Services
Education & Recovery Support Services
Education & Recovery Support Services
Education & Recovery Support Services
Referrals
Education & Recovery Support Services
Education & Recovery Support Services
Meet The Team
Winchell McKinney — Director of Youth Services
Melissa Porter — Peer Support Specialist Supervisor
Melissa Porter — Peer Support Specialist Supervisor
I am a Mental Health Peer Support (MHPS) professional dedicated to empowering individuals and families through compassionate peer support, advocacy, and lived experience. My work focuses on supporting those navigating mental health, behavioral health, trauma, and life challenges by providing guidance, encouragement, and recovery centered
I am a Mental Health Peer Support (MHPS) professional dedicated to empowering individuals and families through compassionate peer support, advocacy, and lived experience. My work focuses on supporting those navigating mental health, behavioral health, trauma, and life challenges by providing guidance, encouragement, and recovery centered support.
My personal recovery journey is rooted in resilience, faith, and transformation. Through overcoming adversity and trauma, I developed a passion for helping others recognizing that healing, growth, and stability are possible. I strive to help individuals and families build resilience, strengthen communication, and move forward with hope, purpose, and confidence one step at a time.
“God is within her, she will not fail.” Psalm 46:5
Melissa Porter — Peer Support Specialist Supervisor
Melissa Porter — Peer Support Specialist Supervisor
Melissa Porter — Peer Support Specialist Supervisor
I am a woman in recovery living with a mental health diagnosis. I am a mother of three and grandmother of five who has overcome trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration, and the heartbreaking loss of my daughter.
Today, I work alongside felony and misdemeanor courts, helping individuals navigate the justice system while enco
I am a woman in recovery living with a mental health diagnosis. I am a mother of three and grandmother of five who has overcome trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, incarceration, and the heartbreaking loss of my daughter.
Today, I work alongside felony and misdemeanor courts, helping individuals navigate the justice system while encouraging recovery, healing, and hope.
I am passionate about supporting those impacted by trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges so they can rediscover their voice and purpose.
I strive to walk in integrity while sharing my lived experience, strength, and hope with others.
“Champions keep playing until they get it right.”
Billie Jean King
Samantha Jefferson — Peer Support Specialist
Melissa Porter — Peer Support Specialist Supervisor
Samantha Jefferson — Peer Support Specialist
I am a grateful mother in long term recovery. I have been on my recovery journey for over eight years, and it has shaped who I am today. As a Recovery Support Peer Specialist and Mental Health Peer Support Specialist, I am passionate about being there for others as they navigate their own paths to healing.
My mission is to provide hope,
I am a grateful mother in long term recovery. I have been on my recovery journey for over eight years, and it has shaped who I am today. As a Recovery Support Peer Specialist and Mental Health Peer Support Specialist, I am passionate about being there for others as they navigate their own paths to healing.
My mission is to provide hope, understanding, guidance, and support that I wish I had during my early days in recovery.
I believe in empowering individuals to discover their own strength and resilience. Through compassionate listening and thoughtful encouragement.
Every journey is unique, and I am committed to walking alongside people as they uncover the tools, strategies, and self belief they need to thrive; not just for today, but for the future.
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Samantha Jefferson