"I got into the behavioral health field because of my personal experience with addiction—both growing up in a family impacted by substance use and facing my own struggles in the past. After choosing to change my life and now having over 16 years clean, I felt a strong calling to give back and support others on their recovery journey. I was originally hired at Akua as a Program Director, and through hard work, dedication, and a deep commitment to our mission, I was promoted to Vice President of our Northern Region. What I find most rewarding in my leadership role is the opportunity to serve as a servant leader to a team of compassionate and driven managers who care deeply about the work we do. With over 15 years of experience in the field, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that treatment is not one-size-fits-all—each client’s path to healing is unique, whether they are addressing mental health, substance use, or both. I’ve worked in various treatment settings, but residential care remains the most meaningful to me. Witnessing the transformation of a client—from a place of brokenness to one of hope and health—is what continues to fuel my passion for this work."