Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Charbonnier
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey has been one of transformation, growth, and service. I am Michelle Charbonnier, a professional counselor and the Executive Director of the Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery (MoNetwork), a recovery community center rooted in harm reduction. I work as a counselor with Plan Your Recovery at Clayton Behavioral, providing tailored support for individuals navigating the complexities of substance use and mental health. Last year, I cofounded Sovereign Collective LLC, an organization aimed at empowering people to reach their greatest potential.
I began my recovery journey over nine years ago, and through this experience, I discovered a calling to help others forge their own paths to healing and growth. I firmly believe in empowering individuals to define their recovery on their own terms, free from unsolicited influence or judgment. Everyone has the inherent right to choose what they put into their bodies and to determine the direction of their lives. This belief drives my work and my commitment to fostering dignity, autonomy, and self-determination in the recovery process. Harm reduction is recovery for anyone who choses it.
My personal recovery journey ignited my passion for empowering others. This led me to create Thriving Beyond Recovery, an empowerment program designed to help individuals align their actions with their core values, foster lasting growth and resilience, and create a life full of abundance, joy, presence, and gratitude. I’ve dedicated my career to reducing stigma, building community, and equipping people with practical tools to transform their lives.
I am also a proud partner at Sovereign Collective, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to achieve their highest potential. Through Sovereign Collective, we offer innovative coaching programs and collaborative initiatives which help people align with their purpose, unlock their strengths, and overcome obstacles. Our mission is to create a supportive and transformative space where personal growth, resilience, and empowerment are at the forefront. This work allows me to extend my passion for advocacy and personal development into new and impactful areas, reaching a broader audience with meaningful tools for change.
Through MoNetwork, Sovereign Collective, and Plan Your Recovery, I work to bridge the gap between harm reduction, therapy, and personal development. Every step of my journey—both personal and professional—has been fueled by a deep belief in the power of hope, connection, and compassion.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey hasn’t been without challenges. Personally, navigating my own recovery journey taught me resilience and the importance of community. Professionally, I’ve faced the stigma surrounding harm reduction, often needing to advocate for approaches which prioritize dignity and empowerment in a world where judgment is prevalent.
One of the greatest obstacles has been addressing the legal and policy barriers which hinder harm reduction efforts. Balancing the urgent need for resources with limited funding and resistance from traditional treatment models has required persistence and creativity. The work is crucial and never ending, but also worth the effort.
Additionally, working across multiple roles—from my leadership at MoNetwork to coaching through Sovereign Collective—has required careful balance and the ability to adapt to diverse community needs. Despite these challenges, my faith and the unwavering support of my community have been my anchors, driving me to persevere. These obstacles have deepened my commitment to fostering environments where individuals feel seen, supported, and valued.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sovereign Collective LLC – motivational coaching, motivational speaking, wellness retreats https://www.sovcollective.com
Sovereign Collective stands apart by combining authentic lived experiences with professional expertise, offering deeply personal and transformative approaches to motivational coaching, speaking, and retreats. Our focus on fostering meaningful connections, tailored growth strategies, and holistic wellness empowers individuals and groups to achieve lasting, purpose-driven success.
Plan Your Recovery at Clayton Behavioral – therapy specializing in addiction and mental health https://www.planyourrecovery.com
At Plan Your Recovery, we provide therapy which is uniquely tailored to meet the diverse needs of each client, ensuring a personalized and impactful approach. What sets us apart is our ability to address not only individual recovery journeys but also to offer compassionate family support, helping loved ones navigate the complexities of addiction and healing together. Through evidence-based practices and genuine empathy, we empower individuals and families to reclaim their lives and foster lasting wellness.
MoNetwork – nonprofit recovery community center rooted in harm reduction and located in south city St. Louis. https://www.monetwork.org
At the Missouri Network for Opiate Reform and Recovery (MoNetwork), we are dedicated to meeting individuals where they are, providing comprehensive harm reduction services which cater to the unique needs of each person. What sets us apart is our holistic approach, which combines lifesaving resources like naloxone distribution and overdose prevention education with peer support and advocacy. Additionally, we offer compassionate support to families, equipping them with tools and understanding to navigate the challenges of addiction. Our unwavering commitment to reducing harm and promoting dignity empowers individuals and communities to move toward healing and recovery.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating meaningful change in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Through my work with MoNetwork, Sovereign Collective, and Plan Your Recovery, I am dedicated to empowering people to find healing, hope, and purpose. Whether it’s through harm reduction advocacy, coaching, or therapy, my focus is always on meeting people where they are, honoring their unique journeys, and providing tools to help them thrive.
Harm reduction is a cornerstone of my work because it recognizes the humanity in everyone, meeting people where they are without judgment. Sovereign Collective allows me to extend this vision, offering coaching and programs which empower clients to unlock their potential, build resilience, and achieve their goals.
At the core of everything I do is my faith. My relationship with God is the foundation of my work and life. I see every opportunity to serve others as a way to live out my faith in action, reflecting Christ’s love, compassion, and grace. My faith reminds me no one is beyond redemption and everyone deserves dignity and a chance to grow. It fuels my belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of transformation.
Serving others and being a vessel for grace and compassion is my life’s purpose. What matters most is showing up authentically and using my experiences to make a difference in the lives of those I’m privileged to serve.
Pricing:
- $175/session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sovcollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellecharbonnier13/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.charbonnier.71
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-charbonnier-cradc-7662b51b/
- Other: https://www.monetwork.org
