10/06/2026
The Lighthouse RCO is extremely excited to introduce the newest member of our team, Dr. Carolyn McDermott, Ed.D / Certified Peer Specialist-Parent (CPS-P). Please take a moment to learn about Carolyn’s “why”, and to hear the story of her sons, Max (forever 19 💜) and Gannon (forever 22 💜) by clicking the link below.
Dr. Carolyn McDermott grew up in Peachtree City, where she and her husband, Lee, also raised their three children. After 30 years as a school counselor with the Fayette County School System, she retired with a deep commitment to supporting children and families.
Drawing from her own lived experience with addiction in her family, Carolyn recently earned her Certified Peer Support–Parent (CPS-P) certification to support parents navigating the challenges of a child’s substance use. She understands firsthand the chaos, heartbreak, fear, and uncertainty addiction can bring to an entire family. Her personal approach is compassionate and judgment-free, providing a safe place for parents to vent, cry, and know they are not alone.
Carolyn’s advocacy has extended beyond Georgia. She is a moderator for the "The Beyond Fentanyl Project," a national organization She has been invited to Washington, D.C to participate in national discussions including the Roundtable Discussion on Combating Illicit Drug Trafficking on Social Media Platforms, the National Drug Control Strategy Summit, and the Attorney General’s Summit on Victims of Violent Crimes. Through her personal experience, professional background, and advocacy, Carolyn is dedicated to giving families a voice and helping parents navigate the difficult journey of addiction with compassion, understanding, and hope.
Her boys story can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj9rzAKg7pw.
