Finding Her Voice
Debbie began her sobriety journey in 2004, recovering from alcohol and other substances. Her own experience with trauma and addiction gave her a deeply personal understanding of the uncertainty people face when they begin again. Sharing her story in 12-step recovery helped her find a new purpose: listening to others and helping them find a path forward.
By 2006, she was coaching people in recovery and supporting families. Rebuilding trust in her own relationships shaped the way she works with others—with honesty, compassion, and attention to the people around someone in recovery.
On The Air And In The Community
In 2007, Debbie became a co-host of the national show Recovery Radio Live and took on production, scheduling, and business responsibilities. She later launched her own weekly show, Sober in the City, opening conversations about addiction, recovery, and the experiences people bring to both. Explore the radio archive.
Off the air, Debbie facilitated groups, spoke at treatment centers, worked in admissions and business development, and led a nonprofit organization. She served as executive director of the Freedom From Addiction Foundation and has operated sober homes since 2012.
Building Choices
Debbie founded Choices Sober Living to offer a more intentional, supportive environment after treatment. Her work with residents and their families reflects a belief that recovery needs structure, accountability, connection, and room for people to grow.
Her broader work includes Choices People Network, which brings recovery and behavioral health professionals together through events and a member community, and Elevated For Recovery, a nonprofit connecting people with recovery housing, education, outreach, and sober community programs. See Debbie’s recovery work.
Experience And Credentials
Debbie’s background includes recovery coaching, family support, group facilitation, treatment admissions, sober home operations, nonprofit leadership, and broadcasting. Her listed credentials include Certified Recovery Support Specialist, Certified Interventionist, Recovery Coach, and Certified Recovery Residence Administrator. She continues to learn and seek better ways to support people facing the challenges she once knew firsthand.
Why She Speaks
Debbie has become a voice for people who are still finding their own. She shares lessons from sobriety, confronting the past, and building a future that once seemed out of reach. For Debbie, recovery also made it possible to be present for her family, including helping her father spend his final days at home surrounded by loved ones.
Today, she brings that perspective to conversations with individuals, families, professionals, and audiences. Invite Debbie to speak.