Dr. Onawa LaBelle is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Windsor, a Collaborating Scientist at Homewood Research Institute, and the founder of the Lancer’s Recover Program—the first on-campus student recovery support in Ontario, Canada. Dr. LaBelle earned a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Michigan, and a B.A. from Smith College, with all degrees in the field of Psychology. In addition to her formal education, Dr. LaBelle held research apprenticeships at Harvard Medical School, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Anchoring her professional training and experience is Dr. LaBelle's personal 18-year journey with recovery from addiction. This lived experience, intertwined with her academic pursuits, offers a rare blend of empirical knowledge and firsthand insight, and allows for a deeper understanding of the nuances and complexities inherent in evidence-based practices for addiction recovery. This unique background of academic rigor and lived experience ensures that Dr. LaBelle brings both expertise and empathy to the table in all her endeavors.
In her scholarly work, Dr. LaBelle draws heavily upon positive psychology and her lived experience to study recovery. Her recent research endeavors include examining online recovery meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s relationship experiences in recovery, and an investigation of Recovery Dharma, a Buddhist-based approach to recovery from addiction.
Dr. LaBelle regularly lectures on topics related to recovery, adult attachment, intimate relationships, and the health and wellness benefits of gratitude. She is passionate about sharing her expertise and experience to assist individuals and communities impacted by addiction and aims to make her research findings accessible to the general public.
Funding for this initiative was made possible by grant no. 1H79TI083022 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
