About Sarah Suzuki

Sarah Suzuki, LCSW, CRADC, has been revolutionizing the field of recovery and behavior change since 2013 as the founder of Chicago Compass Counseling. There, she and her dedicated team champion identity-affirming behavior change, proactively addressing the intersection of addiction and systemic racism.

Sarah excels in crafting ‘invitations to accountability.’ Her innovative strategies have powered transformative change from the frontlines to leadership within more than 60 organizations, including high-profile conferences and respected institutions like the FBI. As a result, Sarah’s influence has catalyzed change for thousands, reinforcing a commitment to enduring transformation. In 2018, her talk, ‘Love Your Fear,’ stimulated thought and discourse among over two million viewers worldwide, confronting the critical issue of self-destructive behavior.

Sarah, a devoted member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2010 and certified trainer since 2017, tirelessly advocates for accessibility initiatives within her field.

Together with Sarah Buino, they co-created ‘The Sarahs,’ an innovative initiative that employs a unique 12-step program to aid organizations in dismantling white supremacy.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Sarah serves on the board of Sista Afya Community Care, a non-profit organization committed to establishing sustainable mental wellness communities for Black women through affordable, culturally-centered care and education. In her personal life, Sarah channels her creativity into non-fiction writing. She finds serenity in cross-country skiing in Minnesota with her partner and their rescue dog, Deja.

More than a leading voice, Sarah is a steadfast co-conspirator in pursuing systemic liberation. Through her recovery work, she collaborates with leaders to promote compassionate, accessible care. Driven by an unwavering dedication to systemic change, Sarah seeks to reframe the recovery narrative, envisioning it as a pathway to accessible, equitable care and healing for all.