Who is Coralee Hicks?

In most 12 step groups, people do not mention their profession, time in recovery, education, or last name. The reasoning is the ideas shared in a meeting should be presented in an manner as unbiased as possible.  Not being aware of the usual status tags, it becomes easier for someone to listen without as much judgement.  A person might be more inclined to listen to a doctor speaking his truth, than a biker.  In fact I learned more from the biker.

This is not a 12 step group.  This is you and I having a dialog about recovery. Here then is my full disclosure.  I do have an educational background that helps me share accrate information with you.  I have a Masters in Library Science, and a second Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, focusing on Addictions.

Most of my professional life was spent in libraries, from schools, to University libraries, to Public libraries. I had a private practice that was part of a Center that specialized in LGBTQ individuals.
I have also worked in retail, and in a call center for a major Airline.

I have taken 72 journeys around the sun (almost 73).  I live in Tampa, FL.

I have practiced Buddhism as a solitary meditator off and on since I was 14.  I did not have any formal training until 2014.  At that point I joined the Florida Community of Mindfulness. We are part of the groups in the United States who study the teachings  practiced by Thich Nhat Hanh, who is a Zen Master now living in Vietnam. My teacher  Fred Eppsteinger, studied with Thich Nhat Hahn, and was instrumental in bringing his wisdom to the United States.

Will knowing this about me give my thoughts more credibility? No. My life experiences in recovery? Yes.  Who has more knowledge? The professor who talks about building a house, or the carpenter who builds the house.

Thank you for listening today.

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