Kellen Smith Email and Phone Number

Kellen M. Smith, MSW, CADC, CODP I, DASA DUI Evaluator, & Recovery Coach, has the unique ability to combine true-life experiences with clinical analysis resulting in the most effective course of action for the clients she serves. As group counselor, and group leader, Kellen is focused on intertwining real world examples with research and data. Her compassion for understanding the human side of client behavior sets her apart from many who operate “strictly by the book”. No stranger to personal tragedy, Kellen shares her real-life experiences providing insight and understanding into the world of addictive behaviors and demonstrates from first-hand experiences how faith, perseverance and belief in oneself can create positive results in one’s life. Prior to Gateway, Kellen has worked with Nicasa Behavioral Health Services, GIL Sober Living, Northwest Community Counseling and mentored at risk adolescent girls through the Pioneer Center of Human Services and served on the formation committee for McHenry County Heroin Awareness Initiative; an Awareness Initiative to combat Heroin Addiction in McHenry County in honor of several friends who succumbed to the negative effects of addictive behaviors.As one who has devoted her life’s work to improving the human condition, Kellen has also made a personal and professional commitment to combat the ill effects of Human Trafficking. In this field, she has taken the Cook County Human Trafficking Taskforce training, she has completed the Operation Underground Railroad training, the A21 Campaign Facilitator Training, the Polaris Project Training as well as completing the Illinois 40-hour Domestic Violence Training Course, and Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist Training Course.Kellen is a graduate of Elgin Community College with an associate degree in applied science of Human Services and Substance Abuse Counseling, graduating in the top 1% of her class with high honors. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College of Missouri with a Major in Human Services and a triple minor in Psychology, Sociology and Criminology. Kellen completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Walden University and will become an LSW.