News In the Courts and Community: Lynn District Court Probation Officer Kelley Montgomery has helped probationers find their way

Lynn District Court Probation Officer Kelley Montgomery was assigned to the Recovery Court within 10 months of becoming a Probation Officer more than two decades ago.

PO Montgomery said she has seen the attitude toward addiction in the Lynn community and throughout the country change to one that involves a "greater understanding that it can affect anyone." She serves on the Recovery Court presided by Lynn District First Justice Ina Howard-Hogan.

She is known and respected in the courts and community for her patience and compassion for working with those in the throes of addiction. Ms. Montgomery has also seen clients she worked with turn their lives around more than once. She said, however, probationers must "learn to surrender and trust the fact" that they are in need of help and resources.

PO Montgomery said she often refers to a saying when speaking to Recovery Court participants.

"We tell them (Recovery Court participants) 'You've driven your car and you've done that for a while. But, now you've driven it into a ditch. Now, it is time to let us help you get out of it," she said.

Click here to read more about Kelley Montgomery's work and her reflections on the opioid crisis.