Michelle Charbonnier

I am a therapist, certified Christian mental health coach, and a person in long-term recovery from substance use and mental health challenges. My own journey through addiction and healing has shaped my passion for harm reduction, advocacy, and empowering others to redefine recovery in a way which works for them.

Today, I serve as the Executive Director of Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery (MoNetwork), where I work to provide life-saving resources, overdose prevention, and compassionate support to individuals impacted by substance use. I also cofounded Sovereign Collective LLC, where I focus on coaching, motivational speaking, and guiding people toward personal transformation.

I believe recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I am passionate about challenging traditional narratives by bridging harm reduction, mental health, and spirituality. One of the core ideas I teach is Pocket Joy Theory—the practice of intentionally finding and embracing small moments of joy, even in the midst of struggle, as a tool for resilience and self-growth.

On Keep Hope Alive, I’ll be sharing my personal recovery story, my work in harm reduction, and how micro-moments of joy can create lasting change.