Role: Lead Recovery Coach
If you’re reading this, you’re probably dealing with something heavy. Maybe you’re trying to get sober, or maybe you’ve relapsed again.
Maybe you’re just tired of being stuck in the same place and being completely controlled by substances and people you don’t want to leave.
Wherever you are right now, I am a qualified addiction recovery specialist who works closely with the team here.
As a certified recovery coach, I can help you with:
- Alcohol and drug counselling
- Rebuilding your life after addiction
- Private coaching
With fifteen years of experience helping people rebuild their lives after addiction in the USA, I’ve worked in detox units, treatment centers, outpatient clinics, and now in private coaching for the Aspen Drug Recovery Center.
My job here is simple: I help people get sober and stayed sober, help them ground themselves, stay connected, and get control again.
What I Actually Do
I’m not a therapist (though I work alongside them all the time) and I’m not here to diagnose you or lecture you.
In fact, nobody here will ever preach to you at all, we speak to you as equals and we will treat you with respect and dignity.
I’m here to do the following:
- Help you build a recovery plan that fits your real life in the best way
- Give you structure, accountability, and honest feedback every step of the journey
- Talk through cravings and tough moments and give you tools to deal with them
- Help you manage stress, routines, and relationships including children
- Support you before, during, or after treatment for as long as you need
- Work with your family if they need guidance too – holistic help
- Celebrate your wins and help you steady yourself after setbacks
Think of me as the person you text when you’re overwhelmed, confused, or just trying to stay on track. It’s my job to do this, and here we only take on enough clients to ensure we can do the job thoroughly for each and every person.
My Background & Experience
Look, I know where you are because I was there once too. Several years of hell that nearly took me away. But I learned so much and grew in strength and although the threat is always present, I decided to get the experience and qualifications to help others to get through the tough times as well.
I started working in addiction recovery back in 2009. I’ve seen every stage of this process — detox, inpatient, outpatient, relapse cycles, early recovery, long-term sobriety, and everything in between.
Over the years I’ve worked as:
- A counselor in a medical-based detox program environment
- A case manager in a community clinic in a big city
- A clinical supervisor for new addiction counselors in Los Angeles
- A trainer for recovery coaches – I now manage a team locally and nationally
- A consultant for sober living homes across the USA
I’ve worked with teenagers, adults, families, people fresh out of treatment, and people who’ve been in recovery longer than I’ve been alive. Everyone’s path looks different, and that’s exactly why this work matters to me.
Qualifications:
- LADC – Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor
- CADC-II – Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor
- Certified Peer Recovery Specialist
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Trauma-informed care, Motivational Interviewing, CBT for addiction, MAT support, family recovery education, and more
All of the above have been gained over two decades alongside practical experience in a multitude of scenarios in several major cities in the USA. I now consider myself a leading expert in my field and am proud of the work we do here that I support.
My Approach
1. I’m realistic because I’ve been there and I know that recovery isn’t a “just try harder” thing. It’s a daily effort with real challenges. I meet you where you are emotionally, no pressure, no judgment.
2. I’m supportive because I’m on your team and I’ll stay on your team as long as you need me.
3. I like to adopt a practical hands-on approach that works on an individual basis, however and wherever you need it. Here, we focus on tools and mechanisms you can actually use today, and not vague “cookie-cutter” advice like you’ll find at many local addiction centers.
4. I’m realistic and will ensure you are as well. This can be the toughest one to deal with. I don’t sugarcoat things, but I don’t shame people either. Life is messy. Recovery is messy. We work through it together wherever it leads and however it needs to be done.
Who I Work With
I support people who:
- Are trying to get sober for the first time
- Have tried treatment before but didn’t stay sober
- Feel stuck in a relapse cycle
- Need more structure after rehab or detox
- Want accountability, encouragement, and guidance
- Have demanding jobs and need a flexible approach
- Have been sober a while but feel shaky or overwhelmed
If you’re not sure where you fit, that’s okay — most people aren’t. We figure it out together.
Why I Do This Work
I do it because I’ve seen what addiction does to people and families. I’m utterly determined that I help every single person and family I can to lead a better life.
But I’ve also seen what happens when someone decides they’re ready for change – even if they’re scared or unsure.
Seeing that transformation is the reason I get up every day and the inspiration and transformation are the only drugs I need now.
It’s the reason I still believe in this work after all these years. With support, we can get a better place for you and those that you love.