My name is Vivian, and I am a credentialed Peer Recovery Coach (PRC/Intervention Specialist) with CCAPP (California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals), as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II). I currently serve as Program Manager at an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Southern California.

Over the past seven years, I have worked across residential and outpatient treatment, serving clients throughout Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region. My professional background includes case management and aftercare planning, facilitating groups on addiction, relapse prevention, trauma, codependency, and life skills, and managing specialized programs designed to meet the needs of women and LGBTQIA+ clients. This breadth of experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of recovery and the different levels of care people move through.

Beyond credentials, my commitment comes from a deeply personal place. Addiction runs in my family, and I lost my older brother to a drug overdose. My own journey through drug and alcohol addiction took me to some of the darkest places imaginable. There were times I didn’t think I would make it out, and heartbreakingly, some of my friends did not. For years, I struggled with my identity, purpose, and sense of belonging.

Recovery changed everything. With over seven years of continuous sobriety, I have rebuilt a life I am proud of—one grounded in healing, service, and accountability. That journey revealed my calling: to walk alongside others in recovery, offering support, guidance, and hope.

I currently work with clients both in person and virtually, with offices located in the Los Angeles area, serving individuals and families throughout Southern California.

Specialties: Serving Diverse Communities

In addition to my lived experience and professional training, I specialize in recovery coaching that honors diversity and identity.

• LGBTQIA+ & The Transgender Experience: I bring both lived and professional expertise in supporting LGBTQIA+ clients. My approach is identity-affirming, trauma-informed, and rooted in dignity and safety.

• Gender-Specific Care: Years of experience working with women in recovery inform my one-on-one work around trauma, codependency, and relational healing.

• Inclusive Recovery Spaces: As a Mexican American/mixed woman, I’ve supported clients from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and generational backgrounds, tailoring my approach to honor each client’s unique story.

This specialized lens allows me to provide recovery coaching that is not only structured and supportive but also affirming of the whole person.

Education

• Pierce College (2015–2019) — Addiction Studies Program, graduated with honors.

• Antioch University Los Angeles (current) — continuing studies in Psychology.

What Does a Sober Coach Do?

A sober coach (also called a recovery coach or peer recovery coach) provides non-clinical, practical support to people seeking or maintaining recovery. Unlike therapy or medical treatment, sober coaching focuses on accountability, encouragement, and helping you integrate recovery into daily life.

A sober coach can help by:

• Providing accountability and motivation during early or ongoing recovery

• Helping establish healthy routines and structure

• Offering support with 12-step and alternative recovery pathways

• Being present during high-risk situations, transitions, or stressful events

• Connecting clients to resources and recovery communities

• Offering a safe, affirming space to process struggles without judgment

A sober coach does not replace therapy, treatment, or medical care. Instead, the role is to walk alongside you, reinforcing the recovery plan you already have or helping you build one.