Michaela Granado, CPS, RCP
Michaela Granado is a Certified Peer and Recovery Support Specialist, as well as a Recovery Coach Specialist based in Phoenix, Arizona. She has extensive expertise in mental health and addiction. Currently, she serves as a Peer Mentor in Workforce Development at Community Bridges, Inc., where she facilitates staff career development and teaches peer support certification along with various training programs across the organization.
With over five years of experience in mental health, including nearly three years at her current organization, Michaela has held several roles. These include Operations Supervisor at one of CBI's involuntary units and Hospital Navigator for CBI at Honor Health John C. Lincoln and Deer Valley Hospitals. She has also contributed to teams focused on permanent supportive housing. Michaela skillfully combines empathy with practical skills in her professional endeavors. Additionally, she is an active community advocate dedicated to promoting awareness of addiction and mental health issues.
Michaela feels honored to work for an organization that has significantly impacted her life on numerous occasions. Being able to give back to the company that once supported her during her darkest times is a surreal experience. Her professional approach is rooted in authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to helping those navigating recovery. Currently, Michaela is attending Grand Canyon University to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, with aspirations to later obtain her LCSW.
Outside of her professional life, Michaela actively participates in community initiatives that raise awareness about addiction and provide educational outreach on recovery and wellness. She values integrity, compassion, and empowerment in every aspect of her work, leading by example to inspire others to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Michaela believes that one’s past does not define who they are, and she embodies the message that recovery is possible- she is a living testament to this belief. Her journey illustrates her personal growth in recovery and her commitment to uplifting those around her, creating a lasting impact both in the workplace and within the broader community.
• Recovery Coach Professional
• Certified Peer and Recovery Support Specialist
• University of Arizona – Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies
• Grand Canyon University- Bachelors of Science in Psychology
• Co-Chair CMA Branching Out Women in Recovery
• Co-Chair Community Bridges Inc Pride Committee
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying authentic, building resilience, and using my lived experience in recovery to guide and empower others. I am incredibly grateful for my support system, which includes God, my parents, my family, and my recovery community. They have all played a vital role in my personal growth and professional achievements. Their love and support have made a significant difference in my journey forward.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Trust your instincts and stay true to yourself, your goals, and your values. Authenticity, both in your work and personal life, is the foundation for lasting success and genuine fulfillment. When you remain grounded in who you are, you create a life that truly reflects what matters most to you.
I am living a life today that I once only dreamed of, and that didn’t come from trying to be someone else. It came from staying aligned with my purpose, embracing growth, and trusting the process, even when it was challenging.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Have confidence in the decisions you make and trust the valuable wisdom that you have acquired through your life experiences. It's essential to stay true to yourself and remain grounded in your personal values and beliefs. Remember that your voice and unique perspective are not only important but also carry substantial weight in the conversation surrounding mental health and recovery services. By expressing your insights and sharing your story, you have the potential to create significant change and contribute to a more positive impact on the lives of others in this field. Your experiences can inspire others and help shape a more effective and compassionate approach to mental health care..
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in mental health and addiction services right now is navigating the systemic barriers that make access to care difficult or inconsistent. Many individuals still face long wait times, limited availability of providers, high costs, insurance limitations, and gaps in coverage, especially for ongoing or holistic care. There’s also the persistent stigma surrounding both mental health and substance use, which can prevent people from seeking help in the first place. For those who do reach out, the system can feel fragmented, making it hard to move smoothly between levels of care or find services that are culturally competent, trauma-informed, and truly individualized.
Another challenge is ensuring that support is accessible and equitable for everyone, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or where they live. Rural communities, underserved populations, and individuals involved in the justice system often experience even greater barriers. Additionally, workforce shortages and burnout among providers can impact the quality and continuity of care.
At the same time, there are powerful opportunities within the field. One of the most promising is the growing recognition of lived experience as a vital component of care. There’s a shift toward integrating peer support specialists and individuals in recovery into meaningful roles where they can guide, mentor, and advocate for others. This not only strengthens engagement but also helps break down stigma and builds trust within the system.
There’s also increasing momentum around whole-person, recovery-oriented approaches; ones that go beyond symptom management and focus on purpose, community, and long-term wellness. Advances in telehealth and digital resources are expanding access in ways we haven’t seen before, helping reach individuals who may not have been able to engage in traditional services.
Overall, while the barriers are real and ongoing, the field is evolving. There’s a growing opportunity to create more inclusive, accessible, and empowering systems of care that truly meet people where they are and support them in building meaningful, sustainable recovery.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, authenticity, empowerment, and compassion guide my personal and professional life. I aim to support others by helping them recognize their own strengths while approaching them with understanding and respect. At the same time, I prioritize self-care and maintain healthy boundaries to ensure I can sustain my impact and continue growing alongside those I serve.