Courtney Tindall
Courtney Tindall is the Dependency Drug Court Senior Case Manager at the Superior Court of California, County of Solano, where she has served for over 20 years. Hired in 2006 to design and implement Solano County’s first case-managed drug court, Courtney’s program has since become the template for nine additional drug courts across the county. Drawing on her 28 years of sobriety and personal experience navigating the child welfare system, she provides intensive, parent-centered case management, clinical coordination, and crisis support, ensuring families have the resources they need to succeed in recovery and reunification.
Throughout her career, Courtney has combined professional expertise with lived experience to transform the lives of parents and children. She goes above and beyond traditional case management, from attending emergency room visits with survivors of trauma to helping parents enroll in college, purchase their first home, or celebrate their children’s milestones. Her work emphasizes authenticity, compassion, practical problem-solving, and building meaningful connections, creating a community where families feel supported and empowered.
Courtney is also deeply committed to training and mentoring others in the field. She provides annual workshops and CEU-eligible trainings for child welfare and CASA staff, sharing her knowledge in substance abuse recovery, drug court program development, co-occurring disorders, and motivational interviewing. Recognized for her dedication and impact, she has received multiple awards, including the Solano Superior Court Customer Service Award, the Henry Berg Award, and was honored as Woman of the Year in 2023. Her efforts continue to strengthen families, break cycles of addiction, and improve outcomes for children throughout Solano County.
• California Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (certified since 2006)
• CCAP Level 2 (2006 to present)
• B August 22, 2025 In-Person Adult Mental Health First Aid
• Treatment program completion (1 year outpatient
• 5 days a week
• And 1 year aftercare
• 1 day a week)
• Extensive professional training and certifications in substance abuse counseling and recovery
• Solano Superior Court Customer Service Award (2008)
• Solano Court service award
• Henry Berg Award (2013)
• Woman of the Year (honored in 2023)
• California Association of Collaborative Courts (member since 2007)
• National Association of Drug Court Professionals (2006 to present)
• Board of Directors for AKBean (current)
• Solano Partnership Against Violence
• District 1 Representative (2007 to 2010)
• Women and Girls Commission volunteer providing sanitary supplies to homeless women
• Monthly women's recovery process group facilitator
• Christmas with Santa program for women and children in treatment (12 years)
• City Council advocacy for homeless housing solutions
• Training provider for new Child Welfare social workers and CASA workers
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being part of the process, not seeking credit. My experience navigating the system to regain custody of my child inspired me to help others do the same. Since 1998, I’ve dedicated myself to breaking cycles of addiction, strengthening families, and improving outcomes for children. I believe connection is the key to change—sometimes simply showing people what’s possible can transform a life.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be your authentic self. Embrace what feels scary, stay fully present, and trust that any challenge can be navigated with guidance and connection. I’ve seen firsthand that the opposite of addiction is connection—sometimes simply loving people where they are helps them see that change is possible, and that impact spreads. In both my personal and professional life, I strive to teach others to be real: feel your emotions, express them openly, and lead with honesty. No one ever gets in trouble for being genuine.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is that self-care is non-negotiable. Learn to leave work at work—whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a walk, gardening, or any activity that grounds you. This work exposes you to trauma and hardship, and if you don’t actively care for yourself, it can bleed into your personal life. Seek support when you need it and prioritize your well-being. In this field, burnout is common, so protecting your energy isn’t just important—it’s essential to sustaining a long, meaningful career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in this field was earning my seat at the table. Early on, some agencies and colleagues were skeptical of me because of my past, and I had to prove that I am honest, trustworthy, and fully committed to my work. Over time, I’ve established that credibility and earned their respect, which allows me to gather information and support families in ways that others cannot.
Right now, one of the greatest opportunities lies in rethinking how we work with child welfare. I’m developing protocols to involve peer support specialists—recovering parents who can connect with families at the moment of crisis. By doing this, we can reduce trauma for children and create a more compassionate, effective system.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is the value I hold most dear, both personally and professionally. I also prioritize creativity—finding solutions outside the standard framework to make things work for the people I serve, especially when resources are limited. Honesty, integrity, compassion, and keeping my word are equally important. Many of the parents I work with are in early recovery and aren’t used to consistency or truthfulness, so modeling these values is essential. I encourage others to be real, express their emotions openly, and lead with authenticity, because trust is the foundation of meaningful impact in this work.