About — Free To Be Me

About Me

About Free To Be Me Recovery

My name is Bob Ivanoff and I founded Free To Be Me Recovery after many years of personal healing and professional growth. I spent more than thirty years as a Supervisor of Parks Operations with the City of Toronto, and my own experience with addiction and long-term recovery led me toward a new purpose. Today, I support people who want real and lasting change in their lives.

I hold several professional credentials that reflect my commitment to high standards in recovery support. I am an Accredited Recovery Coach of Canada through Recovery Coaches Canada, a Certified Canadian Recovery Coach through the Canadian Addictions Counsellors Certification Federation, and both a Recovery Coach Professional and Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator through the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery.

Alongside my coaching work, I am a facilitator and mentor coach with Still Here Recovery and Home Based Recovery. I also help strengthen the field as a member of the Recovery Coaches of Canada Board of Directors and its Credentialing Committee.

At Free To Be Me Recovery, I offer compassionate, personalised support for people at every stage. Whether you are taking your first steps or looking for consistent guidance along the way, my goal is to meet you where you are. My coaching style grows out of empathy, respect, accountability and a strong commitment to reducing stigma so you always feel heard, valued and understood.

Through peer mentorship, practical tools and emotional support, I walk with you as you build resilience and reconnect with your authentic self. Recovery is more than reducing substance use, it is creating a life that feels honest, hopeful and purposeful. My recovery began with one honest conversation and yours can too, and I would be honoured to support you as you move toward a life where you feel free and empowered.

Statement of Purpose

I am here to walk beside you as you work toward freedom from substance use, offering support shaped by empathy, lived experience and professional recovery coaching.

I have lived through addiction and embraced long-term recovery, so I understand both the struggle and the hope. Real change begins with connection. My mission is to offer personalised coaching, peer support and mentorship that honours your story and helps you rediscover your strength and purpose.

Recovery is more than stopping substance use. It is about reclaiming your authentic self, building resilience, developing self-compassion and creating a life that feels whole and empowering. My approach is grounded in kindness, accountability and a commitment to reducing stigma for anyone facing addiction.

As a certified recovery coach passionate about professionalizing recovery services in Ontario, I also advocate for accessible, high-quality recovery coaching that meets you where you are. Whether you’re just starting your journey or seeking ongoing support, I offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your goals and develop practical steps toward lasting change.

Together, we will move from surviving to thriving and build a life that reflects your values, dreams and strengths.

Recovery often starts with one honest conversation. When you are ready, I invite you to reach out so we can take that step together.

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