My Story
A journey through loss, healing, and purpose
I am Kimberly Salamone, and for nearly a decade, I have worked at the intersection of substance use prevention, treatment, and public health. I have coordinated care for people in recovery, analyzed data on thousands of overdose deaths, and witnessed the devastating toll of addiction on individuals, families, and communities.
But my understanding of this crisis extends far beyond the professional. On a cold winter night in 2017, I lost the love of my life, Jonathan Christopher King, to an accidental drug overdose. In an instant, everything I thought I knew about addiction, recovery, and grief was transformed.
Remembering Jonathan
Jonathan was not defined by his struggles with addiction. He was compassionate, intelligent, and deeply invested in helping others navigate their own battles with mental health and substance use. He wrote poetry, offered support to friends in crisis, and believed fiercely in the power of human connection.
Even in his darkest moments, Jonathan understood something profound: that recovery is not linear, that healing requires both self-compassion and community, and that every person deserves dignity and hope—no matter where they are in their journey.
"Jonathan does not want us to cry for him. He wants us to fight for him."
This became my guiding principle—a call to action that honors his memory through meaningful work.
The Mission
A grief-informed, harm-reduction-aligned recovery platform offering nature-grounded daily practices, practical toolkits, and facilitated community.
Rediscover Reality was born from the intersection of professional expertise and lived experience. It is a space where evidence-based practice meets compassionate understanding, where harm reduction principles guide our approach, and where the healing power of nature serves as a foundation for reconnection.
This platform is for anyone navigating recovery—whether you are taking your first steps toward change, supporting a loved one, grieving a loss, or simply seeking to rediscover yourself. It is for those who need practical tools, grounded wisdom, and a reminder that healing is possible.
We believe that recovery looks different for everyone. There is no single path, no prescribed timeline, no "right" way to heal. What matters is that you show up for yourself, that you meet yourself with compassion, and that you remember: you are not alone.
How I Can Support You
Reflections & Insights
Personal essays and evidence-based guidance on recovery, grief, and healing
Nature-Grounded Practices
Daily rituals and mindfulness exercises rooted in the healing power of nature
Practical Resources
Tools, workbooks, and products designed to support your recovery journey