This is our employee spotlight series where we pull back the curtain and shine a spotlight on the incredible people who make Monument Recovery a place of hope, healing, and big-hearted support. Each month, we’ll introduce you to one of our amazing team members - the movers, shakers, and difference-makers who bring their passion and personality to everything they do. Get ready to meet the faces behind the mission and hear their stories. Let’s dive in and get to know the folks who make Monument a true family!
What inspired you to work in the field of substance abuse treatment?
I have been in recovery since 1997. I want to give back and to be of service to other clients trying to be sober. I was raised by a psychologist and really wanted to help others. I wanted to help people look within themselves and discover their own internal resources for change and recovery.
What do you find most rewarding about working at Monument?
I find connecting with our clients and being able to help facilitate them being able to have an "Ah-Ha" moment. I so enjoy doing clinical oversight and clinical supervision and assisting our staff to better be able to build rapport with our clients. I enjoy talking about evidenced based therapeutic interventions and helping our direct care staff to grow as therapists and direct care workers.
How do you motivate yourself and stay positive in challenging situations?
I remember how broken I was when newly sober. I am passionate about meeting our clients where they are at in terms of stages of change. I recite the serenity prayer when needed and remember I can only be an instrument of change and cannot control others.
What is a personal value or belief that you bring to your work?
I bring the value of being a tireless worker as well as being able to demonstrate accurate empathy towards our clients. I bring the belief in our clients ability to change and discover their own internal desire for change and growth.
What’s one thing your coworkers might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a competitive swimmer and swam the 10 yard butterfly in the junior olympics.
What’s the best advice you’ve received in your career, and how has it shaped you?
The best advice I have received in my career was to be detached with love as it relates to our clients. This has helped me to not internalize our clients recidivism rates or their successes. I have been molded to believe that I am a conduit of change for our clients and help them to look inward for their own compass for change.
If you could share one piece of advice with someone entering this field, what would it be?
It would be to engage in healthy self-care and be able to not take your work home with you.
In three words, how would you describe yourself?
Loyal, energetic, and compassionate.
Any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
I am a man of faith and enjoy being outdoors and hiking. I so enjoy spending time with my three children and creating content videos with my daughter for her littlest pet shop videos.
