Lori Drescher is Founder of Recovery Coach University - an organization devoted to training individuals in the art and science of recovery support for individuals and family members affected by a loved one’s mental health and substance use struggles. She also has a recovery coach practice working with individuals and family members. Lori has a rich history of advocating for marginalized populations as well as the peer workforce. Her background includes 20+ years in the private sector as a self-employed business consultant, coach, trainer and experiential learning designer. In 2015, upon witnessing and living with her son’s opioid use disorder, Lori transitioned her career by leveraging her combined lived experience and career training. To date, Lori has trained more than 2,200 people in Recovery Coach Peer Advocate workshops in NYS, as well as nationally and internationally. Sadly, Lori’s son Jonathan lost his battle to Opioid Use Disorder and fentanyl poisoning in February of 2021. Her work and commitment to peer workforce development, advocacy, and systems transformation continues. She is a friend and valued resource to the Villa and our community, and brings a powerful message this evening, in memory and in honor of her son Jon.