Michele’s struggle with addiction
Meet Michele, our amazing CEO. She grew up on Long Island, New York and then had the opportunity to live in several different states due to her stepfather’s military career. Eventually settling in Colorado Springs, she developed a drug and alcohol addiction that spiraled out of control. Seeking help and treatment in Arizona, she relocated again.
Despite her challenges, Michele realized the urgency of her addiction and took control of her life by pursuing a journey of recovery. Since January 24, 2000, she has been sober and dedicated to her recovery.
From counselor to educator
After Michele completed treatment, she pursued a degree in counseling. She graduated from counselor training in 2003 and moved to Missouri to run an adolescent group at a well-known treatment center. Michele spent five years in Missouri, specializing in adolescents and young adults.
After a while, however, she recognized a revolving door in the treatment world and left the industry to pursue her love of teaching. She attended Northern Arizona University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Bridging the gap in treatment
For ten years, Michele taught first grade in Mesa, but she missed helping others achieve long-term recovery. In 2017, a few peers approached her with the idea of creating post-discharge services that would mitigate the revolving door of treatment and lengthen accountability by providing ongoing support. Sold on the new concept, Michele began developing a system of post-discharge support. During this process, the company she’d started working for developed an app for tracking accountability that complemented her vision.
Over the last year, Michele has personally worked with over 100 clients. She has seen the positive effects of additional support during and after treatment—support that engages, directs, and holds clients accountable for their goals.
Modern Recovery emerges
Modern Recovery is now licensed to use the app that Michele helped develop. While Michele continues to work with adolescents and young adults, she also specializes in the areas of prevention and early intervention.
Michele is passionate about helping others recover from their addictions and codependent behaviors, which keep them trapped in negative cycles and prevent them from creating healthy paths. Michele remains active in recovery and sponsors many other women. She also practices and teaches yoga to enrich her spiritual life. In her free time, Michele loves to spend time with her daughter and boyfriend, hike with her dog, and travel.
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