Stephen L. Best
Stephen L Best | Recovery Coach
Compassionate Recovery Coaching
Stephen Best is a recovery coach working with survivors of TBI, strokes, and substance abuse. As a martial artist of 55+ years and a stroke survivor of over 40 years, Stephen provides a message of hope, resilience, and strength for those recovering from tough circumstances.
Recovery Is Possible
Stephen's Journey
My Mission
I am Stephen L. Best.
At age 32, my life changed when I suffered a stroke. The stroke affected my ability to communicate, and I experienced aphasia. But I refused to let that define my future.
Through determination, hard work, therapy, faith, and perseverance, I continued my recovery journey. Today, I still speak, share my story, and use my experiences to inspire others.
My mission is to show stroke survivors, families, caregivers, and communities that challenges can be overcome and that a new purpose can come from adversity.
Program Offerings
Why choose Stephen as your coach?
Stephen L. Best is a recovery coach and veteran educator who brings more than three decades of lived experience and professional practice to his work with clients. Drawing on 35 years in substance abuse recovery and 41 years of living with and rehabbing from traumatic brain injury, he offers grounded, practical guidance rooted in resilience, discipline, and compassion.
A longtime physical education teacher with a master’s degree in education from Central Connecticut State University, Stephen spent 30 years in the Meriden, Connecticut school system helping students build strength, confidence, and healthy habits. His background as a 10th‑degree Tang Soo Do karate practitioner and martial arts hall‑of‑fame inductee informs his coaching style: structured, supportive, and focused on sustainable change.
As a recovery coach, Stephen specializes in working with individuals navigating substance use challenges, neurological trauma, and major life transitions. His clients benefit from both his professional training and his hard‑earned wisdom as someone who has rebuilt his own life and health over many years. In this transformative space, we provide practical tools and emotional support to help survivors and their families transition towards a brighter future. Stephen believes that every person can find hope and purpose after life's challenges.
Coaching
Steve Best’s coaching approach is grounded in relational, compassionate support that meets each person exactly where they are. His work is shaped by 35 years of personal recovery, giving him a deep, lived understanding of the complexity, fear, hope, and ambivalence that often accompany change.
Core approach
Steve’s practice centers on building a trusting, human-to-human relationship in which clients feel seen, heard, and respected. He listens closely to each person’s story, paying attention to both their strengths and their struggles, and collaborates with them to define realistic next steps rather than imposing a rigid program. His style is warm but clear, combining empathy with steady accountability.
Working from “where you are”
Rather than expecting clients to “fit” a particular recovery model, Steve begins with whatever is true for them right now—whether that is early curiosity about change, long-term sobriety with new challenges, or navigating setbacks after progress. Together, he and the client identify immediate pressures, available supports, and small, workable actions that feel possible in the present, while keeping an eye on longer-term goals.
Integration of lived experience
Having sustained substance abuse recovery for 35 years and rebuilt his life after traumatic brain injury, Steve coaches from a place of hard-earned resilience and practical wisdom. He understands that recovery is rarely linear, and that shame and self-judgment often block growth more than anything else. His practice emphasizes self-compassion, nervous-system safety, and incremental change, helping clients learn to relate to themselves with more kindness as they move forward.
Facilitation
Steve Best’s facilitation approach is grounded in lived experience, mutual respect, and the creation of a genuinely safe space where every voice matters. As someone who has navigated long-term recovery and traumatic brain injury, he doesn’t stand above the group as an expert looking down—he sees himself as part of the circle, learning and growing alongside participants.
In his groups, Steve emphasizes psychological and emotional safety from the start. He invites people to share at their own pace, sets clear yet gentle agreements around confidentiality and respect, and models vulnerability without pressure or drama. Because he “understands how it is” from the inside, he is attuned to the subtle cues of anxiety, shame, or overwhelm, and he slows down, checks in, and adjusts the conversation to keep the space grounded and supportive.
Steve’s facilitation style is relational and inclusive. He listens carefully, reflects back what he hears, and makes room for different perspectives and experiences, especially from those who may feel marginalized or hesitant to speak. He encourages participants to witness one another with curiosity rather than judgment, helping the group become a small community where people feel both held and empowered.
Whether he is guiding a recovery group, a trauma‑informed circle, or a workshop on resilience, Steve’s presence is steady, warm, and practical. He integrates stories from his own journey when useful, not to center himself, but to normalize struggle and highlight the real possibility of change. Over time, his groups often become spaces where participants can say, “I don’t have to explain everything—he gets it,” and from that recognition, deeper healing conversations can unfold.
Speaking Engagements
Steve Best’s speaking engagements offer a powerful, human-centered look at recovery, resilience, and community. Drawing on 35 years of substance abuse recovery and decades of living with traumatic brain injury, he speaks from lived experience rather than theory, inviting audiences into a real, honest conversation about what it takes to keep going.
In his talks, Steve explores what recovery looks like over the long term: the daily practices, setbacks, and small victories that often go unseen. He shares concrete stories from his own journey—moments of fear, frustration, and doubt, alongside the relationships, inner shifts, and supports that helped him rebuild his life. His storytelling is straightforward and accessible, offering both hope and realism.
Steve also speaks about the importance of community in healing: how being truly seen and heard can change the trajectory of a life, and how groups, families, and organizations can create environments that are safer, more compassionate, and more accountable. He invites audiences to consider their own role in the ecosystems of recovery—whether as peers, professionals, or community members.
Across all of his engagements, Steve’s tone is warm, grounded, and unpretentious. He doesn’t position himself as a flawless expert, but as someone who has “been there” and continues to do the work. Audiences leave with a deeper understanding of recovery, a felt sense of possibility, and practical insights about how to support themselves and others through difficult transitions.
Resources
Steve Best’s coaching practice includes a set of tangible encouragement resources designed to carry his message of resilience and solidarity into everyday life. These resources—specialty gear such as T‑shirts and sweatshirts featuring words of encouragement—serve as visible reminders that recovery is a shared journey, not an isolated struggle.
Each item is created with intention. The phrases and designs are drawn from the themes that shape Steve’s work: perseverance through difficulty, the power of community, and the importance of showing up one day at a time. When people wear his gear, they are not just representing a brand; they are signaling commitment—to themselves, to others in recovery, and to a culture of compassion.
These resources function as portable community-building tools. In groups, shared shirts or hoodies can foster a sense of belonging and mutual recognition; in everyday settings, they can spark conversations or offer quiet inspiration to someone who happens to read the words at just the right moment. For Steve, this gear is an extension of his coaching: a way to put encouragement into people’s hands so they can carry it with them, literally, as they navigate their own paths of healing and change.
Why invite Stephen to speak at your event?
Some of the reasons that Stephen L. Best would be an incredible speaker for your event include:
✓ 41 years of stroke recovery experience: Through lived experience, he knows what will make a positive impact in the lives of your attendees.
✓ Experience overcoming aphasia after stroke: He knows what it's like to overcome difficult challenges, and empower others through their difficult challenges as well.
✓ 55 years of martial arts training, teaching, and leadership: Martial arts has taught Stephen the power of discipline and resilience, which are constant themes throughout hist talks.
✓ Martial Arts Hall of Fame honoree: Stephen has been honored for his significant contributions to Martial Arts over the last 55 years.
Other accomplishments:
✓ Founder of Best Martial Arts Institute
✓ Author of Unbreakable: My 41-Year Journey of Stroke Recovery
✓ Educator and mentor with decades of experience
✓ Advocate for people overcoming life-changing challenges
Stephen's speaking engagements are
perfect for
-
Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
-
Stroke and brain injury organizations
-
Healthcare conferences
-
Community organizations
-
Schools and universities
-
Corporate wellness programs
-
Motivational and leadership events
The main theme of Stephen's talks focuses on spreading a message of hope, resilience, and finding strength after experiencing life-changing challenges. Specific talks that Stephen hosts include:
-
The Power of Perseverance
-
Learning how to face unexpected challenges, set goals, and continue moving forward when life changes.
-
Recovery, Resilience, and Hope
-
An inspiring message for stroke survivors, families, healthcare professionals, and communities.
-
Martial Arts Lessons for Life
Drawing from 55 years of martial arts experience, Stephen shares lessons of discipline, respect, confidence, focus, self-improvement, and never giving up.
Speaking Topics
Scott Hamilton, CT
There are very few people in life who truly change the course of your journey. For me, Stephen Best is one of those people.
I have known Stephen for over 42 years. During that time, he has become so much more than my martial arts instructor. He has been my mentor, my teacher, and a man I have always looked to as a father figure. His guidance has shaped not only the martial artist I have become, but the man I strive to be every day.
When I first began training with him, I thought I was simply learning martial arts. What I didn't realize was that I was becoming part of a family. Through Stephen, I found a home in the martial arts community where respect, discipline, loyalty, and honor were more than words—they were a way of life.
Stephen also introduced me to the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, where I found another family built on brotherhood, service, and love for one another. Because of him, my life has been enriched by relationships and experiences that I never could have imagined.
What inspires me most about Stephen is his unwavering spirit. More than 40 years ago, he suffered a stroke—an obstacle that would have caused many people to give up. Instead, he chose to keep moving forward. Today, he continues to practice and teach martial arts, and he still rides his motorcycle with the same passion and determination that have always defined him. His life is a living example that true strength comes from the heart, not just the body.
Stephen has always led by example. He has shown me the value of perseverance, humility, respect, and serving others. He has touched countless lives through his teaching, and I am blessed to be one of those lives. I can honestly say I would not be the man I am today without his influence.
To me, Stephen Best is more than a professor, more than a mentor, and more than a friend. He is family. I will always be grateful for everything he has taught me, the opportunities he has given me, and the example he continues to set. His legacy is not measured by the belts he has awarded or the miles he has ridden, but by the lives he has changed.
I am proud to know him, proud to call him my mentor, and honored to call him family.
Larry F., New York City
It’s been my sincere pleasure to know Steve Best for the last twenty years. I met him at a Twelve Step Spiritual Retreat where I go to rejuvenate and recharge my spirit and soul. Steve was part of a close group of friends who came up to the retreat on their motorcycles and I got to know them all over the years. Steve was unique though in that his bike had a side-car for stability as he is a stroke survivor. But I soon learned that he is not only a survivor, but more of a warrior in many ways.
I know Steve to be a kind, giving patient person who is always willing to help others by sharing his experience, strength and hope. He’s always able to beautifully convey his sentiment and feelings through his words – always using the right ones, and never a word out of place. I have immense respect for his perseverance in developing a productive life after his stroke. Rather than retreat and feel sorry for himself, I see him use his past experience as a teacher and martial arts expert to help others and pass on valuable information and knowledge. I’ve observed him as a successful small business owner, and a devoted father and husband.
The most important lesson I learned from Steve is to always leave a friend with the three most important words – “I love you,” because as he says – you never know when or if you’ll see that person again. Love you Steve!
Dwight F., Crystal, Maine
I met Steve riding motorcycle 's and he became a BUFFALO SOLDIER. We talked about his life changing experience of having a stroke. He helped me get through some times of pain of losing my son . I appreciate him and respect him very much.
Leroy C., Meriden Ct.
The first time that I met Steve was during a difficult period of my life back in 2006. I was a newcomer searching for a new beginning in Meriden. Yes I had the courage to make a geographical change along with having the opportunity to start over and get my life in order. He always caught my attention at the meetings whenever u shared or spoke at a meetings as the designated speaker. It was a privilege to hear u share your experience, strength and hope it encouraged me, gave me hope and perspective. In the beginning of my recovery journey it was nerve wrecking and scary for me cause I was in a bad place in my life at that time. I'm so grateful for you and many other addicts over the years. Today I'm grateful to have him for a sponsor and to consider him as a friend. In the beginning he wasn't available to be my sponsor but I stayed in the process anyway and being clean and sober plus living today without the use of drugs has truly been a Blessing for me. God Be the Glory it was God who made it possible for him to be my sponsor and vital part of my life today. I thank him for the hope, love and mostly for the man that you are, loving, caring I've forever grateful for you Steve. Thank you for your guidance in this process that's called "RECOVERY" I love you Steve B.
Pam F., Meriden Ct.
I met Steve B. at my very first 12-Step meeting, where he was the speaker. I remember listening to him share his experience, strength, and hope and thinking, “This guy must be getting paid to do this!” His message was so powerful and inspiring. Steve had already faced incredible challenges, including a stroke, but he shared a message of courage, recovery, and perseverance that stayed with me.
Steve has always been a power of example in my life. Beyond recovery, he was a karate master who ran his own school, and I was fortunate to teach kickboxing there. He has helped so many people, including me, through his kindness, wisdom, humor, and willingness to show up for others. Steve is one of those rare people who leads by example—not just through what he says, but through the way he lives.
I still remember his sidecar motorcycle and the joy and personality that came with it. I was there when Steve celebrated five years clean, and as someone brand new in recovery, I looked at him like he was a god. I have now known Steve for 32 years, and I still look forward to seeing him at meetings or when he is sharing his recovery message and selling his recovery T-shirts.
Steve’s journey has not always been easy. He continues to move forward despite health challenges with the same strength and spirit he has always shown. Watching him find his soulmate, Cathy, has been beautiful. He loves her with all his heart, and their relationship is another example of the love and commitment Steve brings into the world. Steve Best is loving, caring, funny, and an inspiration to so many. I am grateful to call him my friend.
Request a Speaking Engagement
To request Stephen Best to speak at your event, fill out the form below.
