What does it take to be an SUDP? The answer to that question may seem straightforward. According to the Washington State Department of Health website, it requires completion of an associate degree with at least 30 college credits of substance use disorder related classes and 2,500 hours of counseling under supervision, or a bachelor’s degree…
Tag: WSTC Staff
What Second Chances Mean to Libby McCaskey
Second chances are important to Libby McCaskey – WSTC’s telehealth counselor. “I was born with congenital heart disease,” she explains. “I knew from a very young age that life is short, and I may not live a long time. I feel like God gave me a second chance at life, and I want to honor…
The Key Competencies of the COO: Part 2
In Part One, we learned that lived experience has given Heather a lot of perspective in her role as the Chief Operations Officer. But what about work experience? “All the positions I’ve held in treatment facilities taught me important lessons,” Heather says. Her work experience in the field began after going to treatment and peer…
The Key Competencies of the COO: Part 1
Congratulations, Heather, in your new role! The Chief Operations Officer of any organization carries a great deal of responsibility. In a nonprofit that provides essential behavioral health services to a vulnerable population of adults, the burden is even heavier. Heather Hickey recently accepted this position at WSTC, signing on to keep operations running smoothly, support…
Recovery Housing Builds SELF-EFFICACY
Remember in the blog about Recovery Capital, we mentioned self-efficacy (human capital that can add value for recovery)? Recovery Housing helps individuals to build self-efficacy! But what is it? Efficacy is the ability to produce an intended result, so self-efficacy is the belief that you have the ability to produce an intended result. If you…
Michelle Vargo: Peer Recovery Coach for the REAL Program at WSTC
The Recovery Empowerment Advocacy and Linkage Program is still in its infancy stages, but the REAL Team members — Program Manager Keyera Gaulden and Peer Recovery Coaches Michelle Vargo and Lindsay Devitt — are serious about their mission to help at-risk and underserved people to access supportive and public health services. They have visited the…
Toy Drive a Success Thanks to Generous Donors!
During early stages of recovery and treatment, it can be difficult or impossible for clients to hold a fulltime job, and that can mean lean Christmases and birthdays for their children. WSTC tries to do a toy drive each year to make their holidays brighter, and this year, even though we got started a bit…
Lindsay Devitt: Peer Recovery Coach for the REAL Program at WSTC
Lindsay Devitt has been working here at WSTC in the Washington Listens program, supporting callers who suffer COVID-19-related emotional and mental issues. As that program ends, a new program is in the works, and Lindsay has accepted the position of Peer Recovery Coach for the Recovery, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Linkage (REAL) Program. Learning the Program…
Meet the Navigator: Part Two
Employment Having a job is key to self-sufficiency as well as recovery. Rebecca says that participants who have trouble finding employment tend to leave the program. “The frustration over the lack of resources often keeps them from feeling like they’re going to succeed.” So Rebecca works hard to eliminate as many barriers to employment as…
Meet the Navigator: Part One
Drug Court participants who come to Rebecca Carr’s office will find she’s ready for them, with snacks and a hot drink maker, pamphlets, resources, and writing supplies. The Drug Court program has provided her with funding to help cover some of their other needs, as well. But the most important resource that Rebecca has for…