I am Ed Lizotte, a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, Internationally Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, and Certified Recovery Support Specialist. I also serve as an assistant professor, teaching Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and I bring the same commitment to clear thinking, preparedness, and service to my coaching practice.
At a glance
- 26-Year U.S. Army Veteran – Retired Lieutenant Colonel
- Former Instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School – Infantry Officers Basic Course
- Graduate of the Mountain Warfare School
- Assistant Professor of Homeland Security and Emergency Management – Post University
- Internationally Certified Addiction/Health & Wellness Coach
- Founder – Valor-Recovery
- Recovery Coach – Connecticut Addiction Counseling and Coaching (CTACC) – Cheshire
- Focus – Veterans, First Responders, adults in recovery
My approach
As your dedicated Recovery Coach, my focus is entirely on you. Together, we explore your strengths, goals, and desires, and define what a meaningful, fulfilling recovery means in your terms. From there, we identify the pathways, practices, and supports that fit you—whether that includes mutual‑aid groups, professional help, spiritual or philosophical practices, or outdoor‑based work.
My coaching is:
- Person‑centered: You set the direction; I help you navigate.
- Strength‑based: We focus on what is working and build from there.
- Multi‑pathway: There is more than one way to heal, and we honor that.
We celebrate your achievements—large and small—as you build the life you envision.
Who I work with
Valor‑Recovery is built for people who are ready to take an honest look at their lives and move toward something better, even if they are not yet sure what that looks like. I work with adults who want a practical, grounded approach to recovery—one that respects their experience, honors their service, and makes room for more than one pathway forward.
My primary focus is on:
- Veterans and Service Members navigating the “mission after the mission,” adjusting to civilian life, identity shifts, and the invisible weight of service.
- First Responders and Law Enforcement who live with chronic stress, trauma exposure, and a culture that often says “push through” instead of “reach out.”
- Emergency management and public safety professionals who carry responsibility for others in crisis need a place to lay down the armor for a while.
- Adults in recovery from substance use or other destructive patterns who want a strengths‑based, non‑judgmental partner to help them define recovery on their own terms and build a life that supports it.
Some people I work with are engaged in counseling, clinical treatment, or 12‑Step or other mutual‑aid programs; others are just beginning to explore change. Wherever you are, we start there. Together, we clarify what “recovery” means to you, identify the supports and pathways that fit your values, and walk that path step by step—whether that involves one‑to‑one coaching, Recovery Bushcraft in the woods, or a blend of approaches.
Recovery Bushcraft
Recovery Bushcraft, developed by Ed Lizotte, brings together traditional bushcraft skills, Stoic philosophy, mindfulness, and industry‑recognized coaching practices into one integrated approach. In each session, you work on your recovery in a natural setting—learning practical field skills, slowing down, and discovering new ways to meet stress and change with steadiness.
Learn more about Recovery Bushcraft and how it supports healing, resilience, and personal growth.
Background and experience
My background is diverse. It includes over 26 years of Army service and experience as an organizational Alcohol and Drug Officer, where I saw both the impact of substance use and the power of early support and accountability. These professional experiences, combined with my lived experience and continued education in recovery coaching, have given me a grounded understanding of how change actually happens over time.
I understand that there are many pathways to achieving and maintaining recovery—clinical treatment, peer support, faith‑based approaches, secular approaches, and more—and that people often draw from several over a lifetime. My commitment is to empower you to take ownership of your recovery, make informed choices, and build a sustainable, values‑based future.