As a person in long-term recovery, I am vested in working with substance use treatment, recovery, prevention, and policy. I have learned that balancing lived experience and a solid education in counseling psychology is paramount. Additionally, learning the business acumen required for organizational strategic planning and subsequent implementation has been a steep but rewarding experience. Through a blend of clinical expertise and a comprehensive understanding of managed health care, I have worked effectively with multidisciplinary teams to drive excellence consistently.Before joining Third Horizon Strategies as a Senior Director on May 1, 2023, I spent 15 years at Anthem/Elevance. At Elevance, my role was focused on the enterprise substance use disorder strategy, particularly on the enterprise opioid overdose response strategy. As was the case at Elevance, my work at Third Horizon Strategies comes with an opportunity to shape systemic responses regarding provider partnerships, vendor relationships, and the provision of subject matter expertise tied to product development, government relations, clinical strategy, and corporate public policy.I earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, in 1993 and a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of ND and CO and am a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the state of MN. I have worked as a behavioral health clinician in several settings, including Outpatient Substance Use Disorder treatment services at both Kaiser Permanente and the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment, both in the Denver, CO, metro area. From 2014 through 2023, I was an adjunct professor at Concordia College, School of Healthcare Professions. I taught Health Information Systems to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in health care and health care administration. Additionally, I serve on a variety of boards and committees tied to organizations that are committed to improving the health and well-being of those who live with mental health and substance use issues.