Substance Use Counselor. Certified as a MCAP in the State of Florida and LCADC in the State of Maryland

I was responsible for directing and managing 6 therapists. I was also the Program Director for our residential services for persons with Severe and Chronic Mental Health. They were referred from the state hospital. I was I also was in involved in our community with our Over dose prevention program. I taught and trained the staff on how to use NARCAN. I also have studied Trauma Informed Care. I assisted the Executive Director and CCO setting up and MAT program for Suboxone and Vivitrol. I help to raise $50,000 of grant money for the start up of the MAT program. I prepared for CARF and the Substance Use Program had 100% compliance and had no deficiencies. I was on call 7 days per week, 24 hours per day. I was responsible for triaging those calls and sometimes having to Emergency Petition our mental health persons served. I retired in May 2020 and moved back home to Florida.

I owned and operated First Step Recovery Center, Inc. in Annapolis, MD. I was responsible for networking with and building community relationships with probation, drug courts, our Local County Mental Health Agency and our County Behavioral Health Department. I managed the day to day operations of the business with payroll, taxes, accounting, utilization review for payment with insurance companies including State of Maryland Medicaid. I also, facilitated group, individual and family therapy. I wrote grants for monies for substance use treatment for my company. I was awarded over the years, $200,000.00 in grant funds through the State of Maryland.

I was responsible for assessments, utilization review with insurances, building community relationships with probation, drug courts, lawyers and the detention centers. I left this position to open my own private practice.

I was in charge of our adolescent and adult inpatient and outpatient services for substance use and mental health. I was responsible for supervising 12 staff. Auditing charts, facilitating group, individual and family therapy. I was also responsible for preparing JACHO accreditation and sitting on the Executive Committee.

Worked in Adolescent unit of Koala Substance Use Treatment Center. I was a counselor with group, individual and family therapy. I also worked with the families in our week long family therapy program.

Director of clinical department for teenage boys ages 13-18 that were adjudicated with the judicial/courts. It was a group home. Managed 10 staff with shift coverage, assessments, group and family counseling, arranged community support with work programs, and volunteer programs in San Antonio, Florida.