Michaela Granado, CPS, RCP
Michaela Granado, CPS, RCP, is a dedicated mental health and addiction recovery professional based in Phoenix, Arizona. With a strong foundation in behavioral sciences and interdisciplinary studies from the University of Arizona and South Mountain Community College, Michaela has built a career centered on empowering individuals through lived experience, advocacy, and peer mentorship. She brings over three years of focused experience in mental health, paired with a background in customer service and operations management, which allows her to combine empathy with practical problem-solving skills.
Currently, Michaela serves as a Peer Mentor in Workforce Development at Community Bridges, where she supports staff members and clients navigating recovery. Her work emphasizes training, career development, and fostering confidence among peers, helping them recognize their value as part of the recovery community. Previously, she held roles as Operations Supervisor and Hospital Navigator, where she coordinated care transitions between hospitals and community services, ensuring patients received comprehensive, timely support. Michaela’s professional approach is grounded in authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to building bridges for those navigating recovery.
Outside of her professional life, Michaela is an active community advocate, participating in initiatives that raise awareness about addiction, support reentry programs, and provide educational outreach on recovery and wellness. She values integrity, compassion, and empowerment in all aspects of her work, and she is committed to leading by example, inspiring others to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Michaela’s journey reflects not only her personal growth in recovery but also her dedication to uplifting those around her, creating lasting impact both in the workplace and the broader community.
• Certified Peer Specialist
• Recovery Coach Professional
• Basic Life Support
• First Aid
• HMIS
• University of Arizona – Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies
• South Mountain Community College – Bachelor of Science, Behavioral Sciences
• Active in Community Bridges events, including public education campaigns on addiction awareness and recovery support; involved in local reentry and community recovery programs.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to authenticity, resilience, and leveraging my lived experience in recovery to guide and empower others. My support network of family, friends, and colleagues has also been instrumental in my growth and professional achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your instincts and remain authentic to your goals and values. Being genuine in your work and personal life is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be confident in your decisions, trust your experiences, and remain true to yourself. Your voice and perspective are powerful tools for impact and change in mental health and recovery services.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities lie in workforce development and peer mentorship, where we can empower individuals in recovery to step into meaningful roles. Challenges include navigating systemic barriers in healthcare and ensuring adequate support for people transitioning from hospital to community-based care.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, authenticity, empowerment, and compassion guide both my professional and personal life. Supporting others while maintaining self-care and healthy boundaries is crucial to sustaining impact in the recovery field.