Supporting the Recovery Journey

September 20 is National Addiction Professionals Day. This day recognizes the crucial role that addiction professionals play in the recovery process, while recognizing their hard work and commitment. Easterseals PORT Health supports individuals and families with substance use disorders by providing a comprehensive range of services for whole person care and empowerment to move forward.

Addition Professionals, Tanisha and Kelsey.

We are proud to highlight two of our team members, Tanisha and Kelsey, whose dedication as addiction professionals helps individuals navigate their recovery journey with dignity and respect.

Tanisha is a Program Supervisor for the Kinston Outpatient Clinic. In her role she manages daily clinic operations, therapists, medical staff and ensures strict compliance with healthcare regulations. She also serves as the program coordinator for the Suboxone clinic, as well as the Lenoir County and Greene County Recovery Court programs.

“As an addiction professional, my role is key in transforming a patient’s life from active substance use to sustained health,” she shares. “I not only serve as a clinician, but also as an educator, navigator and source of emotional support throughout their continuum of care. Recovery is a challenging process, but it’s absolutely worth it. Relapses and difficult days are normal parts of healing, not indicators of failure. Working in this field brings both incredible highs and painful lows. The most rewarding aspect of this work is witnessing individuals as they overcome addiction and reclaim their lives. Our primary goal is to help people regain their confidence and support them in living a healthy, substance-free life.”

Kelsey, MSW, LCSW, LCAS is an Independent Practitioner at the Wilmington Outpatient Clinic. As an Independent Practitioner, she leads individual therapy sessions, outpatient group sessions and supervises interns. Kelsey also is an Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) coordinator. In this role, she keeps track of everyone enrolled in the MAT program and ensures they are maintaining their compliance. “My role as an addiction specialist allows me to stand beside those who are in the recovery process and provide them with the support and guidance they need,” she shares. “I connect individuals with needed resources and also help people expand their support network. I love being able to celebrate every win with the people I support as they hit new milestones in their recovery.”

When asked what she wished others knew about addiction professionals, Kelsey shares, “What I do starts from a place without judgement. Each person’s recovery journey is unique. My goal is to support them and meet them where they are. “

Thank you, Tanisha and Kelsey, for all that you do for those on their recovery journey. If you or a loved one are ready to start the journey of recovery, visit eastersealsPORT.com/substance-use.

ABOUT US Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, mental health and substance use services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,800 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.