Dr. Onawa LaBelle

Dr. Onawa LaBelle is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Windsor, a Collaborating Scientist at Homewood Research Institute in Ontario, Canada, and a small group coach at the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity. With 18 years of personal recovery experience and a rich educational background including a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and training at Harvard Medical School, Mount Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts, Dr. LaBelle integrates rigorous scientific methods with personal insight to contribute meaningfully to the field of recovery science. Her research delves into various facets of addiction recovery, ranging from the evaluation of online recovery meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic to investigating the relational experiences of women in the early stages of recovery.  

Notably, Dr. LaBelle is the founder and faculty advisor to  the Lancers Recover program at the University of Windsor, a pioneering student support initiative for students who are in (or seeking) recovery. As the second of its kind in Canada, and the only existing program in Ontario, Lancers Recover stands as a testament to Dr. LaBelle’s vision and commitment to creating a sustainable support network for students. In a recent collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Dr. LaBelle participated in an expert panel and dialogue intended to help guide the Office of Recovery in their agenda on collegiate recovery going forward. Working with SAMHSA, Dr. LaBelle co-authored the first U.S. government report on collegiate recovery. 

Aside from her work at the university, Dr. LaBelle has several additional roles that she is passionate about. Her expertise in addiction recovery has been further enhanced by the recent appointment as a steering committee member at the Peer Recovery Center of Excellence at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. This vital role involves helping to guide the center in its mission to advance the field of peer recovery through leadership, training, technical assistance, research dissemination, and policy development. In her role as a coach for the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, Dr. LaBelle supports faculty members in their professional development through the Faculty Success Program. This internationally recognized program is designed to equip faculty with the skills and strategies necessary for increasing research productivity and improving work-life balance. Dr. LaBelle’s coaching facilitates transformative practices that foster an inclusive and supportive academic environment. 

Dr. LaBelle is a passionate educator and advocate who often lectures on recovery, adult attachment, and the benefits of gratitude; her multifaceted contributions continue to impact the academic sphere and the recovery community. Outside of her professional life, Dr. LaBelle cherishes time spent with her family, being outdoors, traveling, and volunteering.