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1. What is your role at Maui Recovery? What does that look like day to day?
As Client Wellness Director I work with clients on case management, lead group therapy on recovery skills, and connect clients with medical services to ensure all their health needs are being met. I ensure that clients’ medical and wellness needs are being promptly attended to
while at Maui Recovery, working with the psychiatric nurse practitioner and other medical providers to ensure clients receive thorough care. At its heart though, my work centers around preparing clients for successful reintegration back into their lives after graduating from the program. I work collaboratively with clients to ensure they have specific skills, resources, and plans in place to succeed and blossom into new, healthier chapters of their lives.
2. What is your educational and professional background?
I hold a Bachelors of Science in Communications from Northwestern University, and am currently pursuing a graduate degree in Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapies. Prior to Maui Recovery I spent 15 years doing part-time workplace counseling as a union leader, guiding colleagues through major issues from job loss to harassment and discrimination.
3. Why do you love working at Maui Recovery?
Maui Recovery goes beyond most treatment centers’ programs — not just connecting clients with new coping skills and addressing the trauma behind why they need them — but reconnecting them with joy as well, and the ways a sober life can be a truly beautiful existence. I have a deep personal connection with MR and can personally testify to the profound difference it can make in people’s lives. I also love working with our staff — every single person cares deeply about the wellbeing of our clients, and it shows.
4. What are you most passionate about professionally? Personally?
I love getting to hold space for clients as they uncover different ‘aha’ moments, and witness the tremendous growth that each individual experiences during the program. It is a joy and privilege to get to work one on one with clients to help custom-tailor their skills and needs for successful life re-entry. I also love exploring how art and poetry can provide unique access points for clients to understand more about themselves. When I’m not working, I’m either out in nature or making art — spending time in the water, hiking with my dogs, or painting in my studio.