About — Free To Be Me

About Me

About Free To Be Me Recovery

My name is Bob Ivanoff, and I am the founder of Free to Be Me Recovery. After a 30-year career as a Supervisor of Parks Operations with the City of Toronto, I transitioned into recovery coaching, inspired by my own lived experience with addiction and long-term recovery.

I hold multiple professional credentials that demonstrate my commitment to excellence and ongoing growth in recovery support: Accredited Recovery Coach of Canada (ARCC), through Recovery Coaches Canada (RCC), Certified Canadian Recovery Coach (CCRC), through Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF) and Recovery Coach Professional (RCP) and Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator (RCPF) through the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR).

Alongside my extensive coaching experience, I currently serve as a facilitator and mentor coach for programs such as Still Here Recovery and Home Based Recovery (HBR). I also contribute to the advancement of recovery coaching standards through my active involvement with the Recovery Coaches of Canada Board of Directors and its Credentialing Committee.

At Free to Be Me Recovery, I provide compassionate, personalized coaching designed to meet you where you are—whether you are beginning your recovery or seeking ongoing support. My approach is rooted in empathy, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to reducing stigma, ensuring you always feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Through peer mentorship, practical guidance, and emotional support, I walk alongside you to build resilience, rediscover your authentic self, and create a hopeful, purpose-filled life beyond addiction.

Recovery began for me with one conversation—and it can begin for you the same way. I invite you to take that first step today toward living free, whole, and authentically you.

What is a Recovery Coach?

A recovery coach is a professional who supports individuals seeking positive change to their relationship with substances and/or behaviours, or other wellness challenges as part of a coordinated care team that may include therapists and AA sponsors. Recovery coaches provide personalized, hands-on accountability, meeting clients regularly—often weekly—and offering daily check-ins as needed to maintain progress. Their approach is grounded in building “recovery capital,” helping clients strengthen both internal and external resources for sustainable personal transformation.

What do Recovery Coaches do?

Work collaboratively with therapists, counsellors, physicians, and peer support sponsors as part of an integrated recovery plan.
Meet with clients according to agreed schedules (e.g., weekly sessions) and offer frequent contact or check-ins for hands-on accountability.
Extend their role beyond substance use recovery, supporting wellness goals such as managing stress and developing life skills.
Guide clients in building “recovery capital”—including relationships, skills, financial stability, community support, self-esteem, and personal motivation—empowering clients to maintain long-term change.
Adopt a person-centred, holistic approach focused on what wellness means for each individual, recognizing it is specific and self-defined rather than imposed.
Support and encourage “sober curious” individuals who may not identify with traditional addiction labels but seek an alcohol and drug-free or wellness-focused lifestyle.

When to Use a Recovery Coach

When an individual wants practical, ongoing support to sustain recovery, build new habits, or prevent relapse in addiction, behavioural patterns or general wellness.
When the goal is to create an integrated care plan, bridging the gap between clinical treatment and everyday life with real-world accountability and encouragement.
For people who desire a non-judgmental partner in exploring “sober curious” living, wellness goals, or major life changes—even if they do not fit classic models of addiction or mental health.

A recovery coach is most valuable when a person seeks holistic, client-driven guidance focused on their definition of wellness, supported by practical strategies and daily encouragement to reach and maintain their recovery goals.

My Mission

At Free To Be Me Recovery Coaching, my mission is to offer a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where individuals can explore and discover their authentic selves and unique paths to recovery; to provide space and acceptance for individuals to explore strategies to foster self-discovery, empowerment, and lasting change.

Core Philosophy

I believe in a humanistic approach to recovery, where the coaching process is a collaborative journey. You are valuable and resourceful; my role is to support you in activating your inner strengths and capabilities. I commit to providing a compassionate, empathetic listening environment, where every individual is met with respect and dignity.

Envisioning a Future
Free from Addiction

My vision extends beyond individual recovery to fostering a community where recovery is accessible and celebrated. I aim to inspire and equip individuals with the confidence to manage their lives and reclaim the joy and potential of a life free from addiction.

Discover Personalized Recovery Solutions at Free To Be Me

At Free To Be Me Recovery Coaching, I offer a range of services tailored to meet you where you are in your recovery process. Whether you need one-on-one coaching, mentoring, sober companionship or training, I am here to support you every step of the way. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your needs.

Personal Recovery Solutions