I began working in the field of substance abuse in 2011. Since then, I fell in love with the population and decided to dedicate my life to working with individuals struggling with addiction to find their missing puzzle pieces and build a life that does not include substance abuse. I became a certified drug and alcohol counselor in 2013 and continued my education towards my LCSW. During my journey, I discovered a high correlation between trauma and substance abuse that further proved to myself that addiction is not the problem, it is the solution to the problem. During my graduate education, I trained in modalities specific to trauma and substance abuse to become the best tool I could to assist people in meeting their ultimate sobriety goals and overcome barriers to achieving a life of recovery. The last 14 years of my life in this field has been an absolute labor of love. People prone to addiction are some of the most empathetic, compassionate and kind people I have ever been blessed to know and be a part of their journey. They are the reason I fight so hard to help them find their voice again and rise above their shame. The potential for growth and a beautiful life is so high and being a part of it continues to give my life purpose and meaning.