Michael Goodman

Michael Goodman, Overnight Recovery Specialist, has been a Northwest Indiana resident his entire life. He is retired from his career as a professional firefighter and EMT with The City of Gary Fire Department. Previously, he also worked as a firefighter/medic with Merrillville Fire Department. After retirement, Mike taught with Safety Training Services, including Hazardous Materials, Confined Space Rescue, Rope Rescue, & OSHA Classes.

Mike comes to us with nearly 5 years of sobriety. He suffered and overcame severe alcoholism, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideations. His journey in sobriety began with AA meetings 7 days a week for his first 2 years. His time in AA has taught him Spiritual Recovery. He is active in his home club, chairing some meetings, doing service work, serving as a Board Member and as a speaker. He enjoys being able to share directly with our patient groups and learn more directly from Parkdale. He says, “I have nowhere to go but up and plan on getting certified in different roles of recovery services. I am a very inspirational and spiritual person who enjoys sharing openly the miracles of recovery. I coined my own phrase: ‘Soar In Spirituality and Drown In Gratitude.’ That became my goal for living my personal life and trying to share every aspect of my story, hoping to be a Beacon of My Higher Power, as I choose to call God, and inspire others to continue in their recovery, as it is nothing short of a Miraculous Blessing.”