Michelle Simons

About Michelle Simons

I am a recovery professional, counselor, and trainer who has turned my lived experience into a lifelong mission: helping others find hope, stability, and purpose in recovery.Over time, I built on my experience while earning my Master’s in Counseling and my Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) credential in Massachusetts.I’ve worked across the continuum of care since 2002 — from transitional housing to outpatient counseling — and have always led with authenticity. I believe in meeting people where they are, and I’m not afraid to share parts of my own story to help build trust and connection.In 2017, I was invited to train as a CCAR Recovery Coach Academy (RCA) facilitator for North Shore Community College. That opportunity sparked a new passion. Recovery coaching, with its deeply personal and empowering approach, has become a cornerstone of my work. I now train recovery coaches, teach addiction studies courses, and advocate for recovery coaching as a vital component to recovery/addiction support services.As co-founder of Teach2Reach, I’ve partnered with organizations including the Gloucester Police Department, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, and PAARI to provide RCA trainings and promote compassionate, stigma-reducing approaches within law enforcement. These collaborations have shown me the power of bridging recovery and public safety, changing perceptions on both sides.Whether in the classroom, a training room, or the community, my goal is the same: to create connection, inspire hope, and support people in building meaningful, sustainable recovery.

Experience

1. Opioid Settlement Fund Program Contracter

   Town Of Swampscott

   Sep 2024 — Present · Swampscott, MA, US

   Assisting the Town of Swampscott\'s Health Dept in managing and spending the opioid settlement money in the best way to serve the community.

Education

• North Shore Community College

  Associates, Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

• Lesley University

  Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc.), Human Services, General

  2008 — 2010

• Salem State University

  Master’s Degree, Counseling Psychology

  2013 — 2016

Skills

• Motivational Interviewing
• Microsoft Word
• Team Leadership
• Mental Health Counseling
• Windows
• Customer Service
• Case Management
• English
• Program Management
• Higher Education
• Operations Management
• Microsoft Office
• Mental Health
• Public Speaking
• Crisis Intervention
• Teaching
• Outlook
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Nonprofits
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Counseling Psychology
• Photoshop
• Social Networking
• Leadership
• Cpr Certified
• Social Services
• Case Managment
• Training
• Html
• Program Development