Lori Drescher is Founder of Recovery Coach University (RCU) - an organization devoted to training individuals in the art and science of recovery support for persons challenged by problematic substance use. RCU’s mission is to prepare these individuals for professional certification and a career as a recovery coach or peer advocate. Lori's background includes 20+ years in the private sector as a self-employed business consultant, coach, trainer and experiential learning designer. In 2015, upon witnessing and living with her son's opioid use disorder, Lori transitioned her career by leveraging her combined lived experience and career training. To date, Lori and RCU's exceptional trainers have trained more than 5,500 people in Recovery Coach Peer Advocate workshops in NYS, as well as nationally and internationally.

Sadly, Lori’s son Jonathan lost his battle to Opioid Use Disorder and fentanyl poisoning in February of 2021. Her work and commitment to peer workforce development, advocacy, and systems transformation continues.