Amanda De Leon

I started my career path at Alverno College doing a double major in nursing and psychology, but when I found out about the demanding nursing schedules and I had 2 kids under a certain age while working two jobs, I decided to focus on the psychology track. I graduated with my undergrad in psychological drug counseling and started substance abuse counseling right after graduation. I began working in a medications for Opiate Use Disorder Clinic and never left because I saw a group of individuals that had a lot of hurdles, many disadvantages, and tons of stigma. I felt like they needed somebody there in their corner to advocate for them, so I just never left. That's where my passion is. In my current role, I don't do any current therapy any longer, though I might start doing that again. My typical role is all nothing but outreach, working across different system partners. I have great relationships with our fire department, police officers, and different public health entities. I do street outreach looking for folks that may be unhoused or folks that might be in need of help, giving them naloxone, calling our housing person to check on applications, and making sure they have a warm place to sleep. Usually in my bags, I'll have a ham and cheese sandwich or peanut butter and jelly, whatever I have time to make that day. I take calls from folks about where people can get treatment, make referrals to our overdose response team, and help facilitate connections to resources.