Hello!  My name is Laura Allem, I am a woman in active and long-term recovery from alcohol and other substances.  My recovery journey began in 2019 and although I am very much a supporter of all pathways to recovery, my chosen path is abstinence of all substances, aside from caffeine.  I am now 100% present as a wife, mom of two teenagers and two dogs, a Great Pyrenees (Charlie) and a one-eyed Aussie mix (Wink).  

I am originally from a small town 90 miles southwest of Chicago – GO BEARS!  I served for four years in the United States Air Force as an Intelligence Analyst and spent the next 11 years working for the government in and around Washington DC.   

Prior to recovery, I was certified as an ACE Health Coach and a Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach, but I could not morally and authentically coach anyone because of my personal situation with addiction.  

After treatment, I completed my Holistic Wellness Coach certification through International Association of Wellness Professionals, however my path was altered by the joy and freedom of recovery – I wanted EVERYONE to experience it, so I focused my efforts on getting to coach those in active addiction to help them find and maintain their own recovery.  

I discovered Advocates for Recovery Colorado by chance, but immediately knew I had found a home and a family in recovery.  I cannot tell you how much I wish I knew about AFRC’s services before and during early recovery. 

I am currently in the process of attaining my Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) certification. 

My primary role with AFRC is Recovery Support Specialist in the emergency department at Swedish Medical Center. Every day I strive to be an example of hope for the people I meet, helping to make them aware and motivated by letting them know their own recovery can be a reality.