Bio

Lisa Katona Smith, M.Ed., is the founder of Parallel Recovery™ and a nationally recognized voice in the evolving landscape of family recovery.

A certified Peer Recovery Specialist, TEDx speaker, and author of the forthcoming book Parallel Recovery: A Guide for Those Who Love Someone Struggling with Substance Use Disorder, Lisa brings over 20 years of experience as a master-level educator, combined with personal lived experience navigating a loved one’s addiction.

Motivated by the limitations of traditional support models, Lisa developed the Parallel Recovery™ framework—a structured, compassionate process that helps families step into healing, reclaim influence, and rebuild connection in the face of substance use and mental health challenges. Her work is grounded in the belief that recovery is not a solo act, and families don’t need to wait on the sidelines. Through education, coaching, curriculum development, and professional training, she empowers families and clinical teams alike to move beyond survival toward sustainable change.

Lisa collaborates nationally with treatment centers, care teams, and professional partners to deliver evidence-informed care, family systems consulting, and high-acuity case support. Known for her clarity, emotional depth, and strategic insight, she speaks regularly on transforming the family’s role in recovery—bringing voice to the untold side of the story.

What clients are saying:

“Lisa is the voice the family recovery field has been missing. Her work challenges outdated models and offers a scalable, systems-informed alternative. She speaks with clarity, compassion, and deep authority—and audiences listen.”

“We didn’t need more theory—we needed application. Lisa delivered both. She translated abstract family dynamics into actionable tools our clinicians could use immediately. She’s the rare consultant who can train a team and still speak directly to the heart of the family.”

“Our relationship with our daughter has completely changed.We were lost in a cycle of fear and overreacting. With Lisa’s support, we learned how to communicate differently, how to listen, and how to rebuild trust. We’re a stronger family now—and hopeful again.”

“She sees the whole family—not just the one struggling. Lisa’s approach honors the complexity of addiction. She doesn’t just focus on the individual—she gives every family member the tools and validation to step into recovery together. That’s rare, and it’s powerful.”

“We didn’t need more theory—we needed application. Lisa delivered both. She translated abstract family dynamics into actionable tools our clinicians could use immediately. She’s the rare consultant who can train a team and still speak directly to the heart of the family.”