Q: What is the most rewarding part of being on staff at The Recovery Center Intensive Outpatient Program?
Being able to watch clients and members of their family rebuild in recovery.
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
Fishing, traveling, LSU football with my daughters, and spending time at the camp with my wife and children.
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Knowing that some will lose their life due to this illness and not having the power to stop it.
Q: Do people really recover from drug and alcohol addiction?
Yes. I am able to see it daily in this field. The many miracles that happen are truly a blessing to witness.
Q: Do you have any pets?
I have a Sheltie named Bella, and four fish named Olaf, Elsa, Anna, and Gary.
Q: What are the most common barriers to recovery you see people face in early on in their treatment?
Definitely changing old lifestyles and friends that will be negative to any healthy and spiritual growth; being hopeful and positive when things don’t go exactly your way.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant?
La Mexicana is a favorite of mine. La Fonda Boricua in Spanish Harlem; I only ate their once but it was awesome. My all time favorite is at my house with my wife as chef.
Q: What lead you to work in the addiction recovery field?
After completing treatment myself in 2000, I began working in an acute psych unit, then in a primary residential facility here in Baton Rouge. Truly enjoy giving back what was given to me.
Q: What is your style of facilitating group sessions?
Laid back, but honest. I try to have a setting that is comfortable, yet serious about recovery and the change that is needed.
Q: What is the most important thing you’d like your clients to learn while in treatment?
For them to know that they can handle what life throws at them, to use your support system and enjoy their lives and that being happy is achievable.
Q: Who are your role models?
My PaPa (Grandfather). He showed me so many things about life, respect for self and others, and work ethic; loved that man.
Q: How would you describe The Recovery Center?
A safe place, full of caring people who are there for you at any time without judgement.
Q: What’s your favorite movie?
A Streetcar Named Desire. Also love Casablanca and Gone with the Wind. Rebound: The Legend of Earl “The Goat” Manigault is also on the list.
