“I’ve learned how to write proposals for funding and licensure effectively. I am also better equipped to help people navigate through trauma.”
Stephen A., 58, started his journey toward earning his Master of Arts in Psychology and Addiction Counseling in 2000 after recovering from his own issues with addiction.
After getting sober, Stephen went back to school and earned his associate’s degree in chemical dependency counseling from Seattle Central College. He worked at a treatment facility which closed in 2010. Without a job or career prospects, Stephen was at a low point. One of his former professors encouraged Stephen to go back to school.
Stephen found Aspen University; the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology and Addiction Studies.
Stephen’s dad had dementia, and his mom had mobility issues. It was imperative that Stephen chose a program that offered him enough flexibility and time he needed to care for his parents.
“I wasn’t a good son earlier in life. I need to be available in case my parents needed me. Aspen’s flexibility helped me fulfill that goal.”
“The education I receive here at Aspen is phenomenal. I can’t pick one class because they’ve all been pretty darn fantastic. I’ve learned how to write proposals for funding and licensure effectively. I am also better equipped to help people navigate through trauma.”
In 2016, he completed his bachelor’s degree (BAPAC) at Aspen and earned his master’s in Psychology and Addiction Counseling (MAPAC) from Aspen in 2019. He recently began earning his doctorate in education (Ed.D.) with a specialization in Organizational Psychology at Aspen.
Stephen wants to open an addiction treatment facility and is looking forward to continuing his education.
We are proud to have Stephen as an alumnus and look forward to his updates!
This article was updated in October 2024.