About Michael
I’m Michael Fields, founder of Phronema-Cast, a faith-based life coaching practice rooted in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. I help individuals navigate personal, family, and career challenges with greater clarity, purpose, and inner peace. A Group Coaching option will be introduced soon.
I have the blessing of my priest and spiritual father, Fr. Panagiotis “Pete” Sotiras, for this work.
After more than thirty-three years of recovery from alcoholism and twenty-five years of learning to live well with clinical depression, I’ve experienced the transforming power of faith, community, and practical tools for growth. That journey is what led me to create Phronema-Cast — a space where coaching is grounded in lived experience and the wisdom of the Orthodox Church.
My Journey
My path has been shaped by both struggle and grace. Through years of walking my recovery path, I discovered that lasting change happens when we align our mindset and actions with deeper faith and purpose. This is the foundation of the coaching I now offer.
In 2020, my wife and I were chrismated into the Eastern Orthodox Church at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Parish in Stockton, California. My faith has become the lens through which I understand healing, growth, and what it means to become fully human.
Why I Do This Work
I believe every person carries a story worth honoring and a life worth living with greater freedom and joy. Drawing from my own recovery, decades of ministry and peer support work, and my training as a life coach, I walk alongside others who are seeking clarity, balance, and meaning — especially those navigating life transitions or a deep desire to grow.
My Approach
At the heart of my coaching is the conviction that true transformation involves both the mind and the soul. I integrate practical coaching tools with the ancient spiritual tradition of Eastern Orthodoxy, helping clients develop a healthier mindset while also cultivating a deeper relationship with God.
Background & Experience
I bring over 30 years of experience in recovery, ministry, and peer support. I previously served as President of NAMI San Joaquin and as Chief Engagement Officer (and former CEO) of Peer Recovery Services. I’ve shared messages of hope and recovery with thousands of people across local and national settings.
I am a Certified Catechist through St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and serve as a Facilitator for the St. Anastasia Fellowship at St. Basil Greek Orthodox Parish — a ministry that supports individuals and families dealing with addiction.
Later in life, I returned to college and earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, graduating Cum Laude from Humphreys University. I am a State Trainer for NAMI California and a trained Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. I also served for over twenty years on the Governing Board of Venture Academy Family of Schools, chartered by the San Joaquin County Board of Education.
I am currently training with the Professional Christian Coaching Institute (PCCI) and am committed to high ethical standards in my coaching practice. I work with individuals of all faiths who are seeking personal growth, clarity, and greater inner peace.
I would be honored to partner with you as you pursue your most important life goals.