Turning Lemons to Lemonade | Karen McGinnis Vaughn’s Powerful Recovery Story

What happens when survival turns into purpose?

In this deeply moving episode of Let’s Get Comfy, we sit down with Karen McGinnis Vaughn, CRPS, a Tampa native whose life is a testament to resilience, recovery, and redemption. After more than two decades battling substance use disorder, homelessness, incarceration, suicide attempts, and profound personal loss, Karen made a life-altering decision that changed everything.

Her turning point came in 2013 with the birth of her son, Owen, and her entry into Hillsborough County’s Drug Court Program after losing custody of him twice before he turned two. Today, Karen has full custody, a thriving career in behavioral health, and a powerful voice in the recovery community.

Karen shares her journey from active addiction to becoming a Florida Board Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS), using lived experience to help others navigate substance use and mental health recovery. She reflects on working as an Outreach Coordinator with American Addiction Centers, serving on the board of Dress for Success Tampa Bay, and recently being appointed to Hillsborough County’s Historic Resources Review Board.

The conversation also explores unimaginable trauma. In 2022, a fire destroyed Karen’s home and nearly took her son’s life. Thanks to first responders, community support, and faith, Owen made a miraculous recovery. Karen opens up about grief, gratitude, and how community can carry you through the darkest moments.

This episode is about recovery, motherhood, accountability, faith, and what it truly means to turn pain into purpose.

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Facebook: Karen Waters Vaughn

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Comfort Measures Media, powered by Comfort Measures Consulting, educates and empowers individuals, families, and healthcare leaders to navigate aging, healthcare, and life transitions with confidence and dignity. We are a platform for education, advocacy, and real-life stories that matter.

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