Her Story
About Lindsey Marie
Lindsey Marie Veenhuis is a Drug and Alcohol Counselor working in behavioral health and substance abuse treatment, currently serving at Virtue at the Pointe Recovery Center in Astoria, Oregon, since May 2025, alongside her role at Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare. Her work centers on the family treatment court program, where she supports parents working toward reunification with their children through recovery-focused care. She holds credentials as a Certified Recovery Mentor 2 and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I, and completed her education through an alternative pathway credential equivalent to an associate's degree while building her career in the field.
What sets Veenhuis apart is the personal journey she brings to her work: she found her own path to sobriety in October 2018 after receiving treatment through Clatsop Behavioral Healthcare, the very organization where she now serves clients. That lived experience shapes her nonjudgmental, client-centered approach, and she often credits the discipline and work ethic her parents, particularly her contractor father, instilled in her early on for the pride she takes in doing her job thoroughly and well.
Beyond direct client care, Veenhuis is recognized for her commitment to community engagement, including efforts in public speaking and prevention outreach aimed at younger audiences. In 2026, she was named a Top Influential Woman by Influential Women magazine, representing Astoria, Oregon. She remains candid about the systemic challenges facing her field, from housing shortages and funding cuts to administrative barriers, while staying grounded in the belief that kindness, consistent documentation, and self-care are essential to sustaining a long career in recovery work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lindsey Marie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I owe my success to the way I was raised. My parents, especially my father, who worked as a contractor, taught me the value of hard work from a young age. He instilled in me the importance of doing a job the right way rather than cutting corners, and I carry that same pride into mastering my craft today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Trust the process. I've also learned to stay on top of documentation, because if something isn't documented, it didn't happen. Leaning on peers and supervisors through regular supervision, along with practicing self-care, has helped me avoid burnout.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Work hard and stay on top of your responsibilities. Take pride in who you are, and don't let anyone change that about you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The current economy and housing crisis leave many clients with nowhere to go, which makes recovery even harder. On top of that, we're facing a shortage of appropriate resources, funding cuts, barriers tied to Medicare, and rules that sometimes limit our ability to help clients even when we know exactly what they need.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being good to people matters most to me, it costs nothing to be kind. I never want someone to feel like they're going through their struggles alone, so I make sure my clients know I care and that I won't judge them. That includes being willing to answer the phone when they need someone.
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