Day One Society Board Feature: Jeremy Gauthier

Jeremy Gauthier, Board Member, Day One Society

Behind every strong organization are people who carry both professional experience and personal conviction into their work. At Day One Society, that includes Board members whose lived experience deepens the conversations around the table. One of those voices is Jeremy Gauthier.

Jeremy joined the Board with a clear purpose: to help shift how addiction is seen and understood in our community.

“I wanted to make a difference in the way people see addiction in our society,” shares Gauthier. “To bring the human element to the forefront. People who struggle with addiction are much more than what we see on the street, and that message needs to be the primary narrative.”

As a person in recovery for over a decade, Jeremy brings a perspective shaped by both challenge and growth. His journey allows him to speak to the realities of addiction in a way that is grounded, honest, and compassionate.

“My journey has given me the ability to bring the voice of addiction to the table,” he explains. “People first will always be the best way to move forward with compassion and understanding.”

He believes strongly that addiction is not a character flaw or a simple matter of choice. “It is often rooted in trauma,” he says. “While it’s important to take ownership of your circumstances, it’s also important to understand the root causes and the best practices for recovery.”

Jeremy’s recent transition into speaking and facilitating workshops has strengthened his commitment to prevention, compassion, and culture. In workplaces and community settings, he leads conversations on self-care, accountability, leadership, and the responsibility we all share in looking out for one another.

“What connects my speaking work and my role at Day One is the belief that real change happens through conversation, trust, and consistent support,” he shares. “I’m passionate about the conversations we often avoid, how mental health and addiction actually show up in everyday life, how stigma keeps people silent, and how culture can either support people or push them further into isolation.”

For Jeremy, the goal is not simply awareness, but action.

“Ultimately, we want to build a community where asking for help is normal, support is accessible, and people feel seen long before they reach a crisis point.”

Outside of his Board work, Jeremy finds grounding in his family. A husband and father of two, he draws inspiration from the everyday moments that keep him grounded to what matters most. “My self-care and family remind me why this work matters and who it’s really for,” he says. “Sports, especially golf, give me perspective and a place to reset. Showing up, listening, staying curious and connecting shape how I do this work. It keeps me humble and focused on people over perfection.”

Day One Society is grateful for Jeremy’s honesty, courage, and people-first approach. His presence on the Board reflects a deep commitment to empathy, education, and building a community where recovery is understood, supported, and possible for everyone.