The Illinois Certification Board (ICB) award recognizes the outstanding efforts and achievements of an individual in the substance use disorder, and or mental health disorders profession.
Ms. KaShena McDonald’s roles in this field are unique ones. They include educator, counselor, and inspiration to her co-workers and students. Ms. McDonald earned her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) certificate in May 2006 and then began her career in October of that year as a substance abuse Counselor II with GEO Reentry Services at Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center in East St. Louis, Illinois. She quickly moved into the Certified Associate Addictions Professional (CAAP) Program Trainer position.
The CAAP Program is offered to individuals in custody who meet the admission criteria to not only assist them with their substance use disorder issues, but also with working towards their CAAP certification. At this time her students have completed all necessary course work and passed the examination at a 95% success rate. The CAAP students also are learning very important life and job skills that will have a positive impact on their success upon release.
Ms. McDonald also continues to assists with providing monthly trainings for newly hired staff as well as certified counselors to promote professional development and hopefully inspire new staff to work toward their CADC certification. Congratulations and thanks to you Ms. McDonald for your continued contributions to your students, our company and the substance abuse field.
