He broadened my vision of ministry and encouraged and supported me, she says. She eventually changed her major to psychology and participated in Viterbo's state-accredited Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification Program under the direction and guidance of psychology professor Debra Murray. The program helps students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to identify substance abuse problems, use resources and referrals, and deliver effective intervention and treatment services. It involves supervised practice and seven psychology courses which fulfill the 360 hours of educational and classroom experience required for drug and alcohol counselor certification. To accommodate non-traditional students, many of the courses are offered in the evening or over lunch hours.
Students can even receive credit for work experience.
Winters has no regrets about her decision. I had no intention of entering this field until I began to see the job opportunities it holds. However, the more I began to work with youth and other community members, I found myself really enjoying this position. I love my job and see it as very challenging and rewarding, she says. Now, with her career direction set and the first board meeting under her belt, Winters feels comfortable with the road ahead and credits the Viterbo faculty and staff for helping her get there.