Kellye DeBerry, MA – Alumni Care Coordinator for Center for Women’s Recovery (SNAPS)
What brought you to the field of addiction treatment? What brought you to Hanley?
After I got my master’s in clinical and counseling psychology in Dallas, TX, I started internships to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. I worked with high school adolescents with substance abuse issues and loved it. Struggling with an addiction to drugs and alcohol at the time, I ended up seeking treatment. I first came to Hanley Center in 2015 as a patient. This place saved my life by treating the physical, mental, and spiritual conditions affected by my addiction and introducing me to the 12-Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was impressed by the disease education and the love and care of each staff member. After two years sober, I got the call the alumni coordinator position was available and jumped at the chance to be a part of the Hanley Center staff! About two years later, I transitioned to an alumni care coordinator for the women’s unit. I’ve been here for over four years and can’t imagine working anywhere else.
What is your favorite part about working with alumni?
I love connecting with patients, establishing a relationship beyond treatment, and seeing how they grow and flourish in the real world. When they trust me enough to tell me when they succeed, struggle, or need to get back into treatment, or they want to get a friend into treatment, I feel like I am making a difference and can genuinely help. I also love alumni reunion time! Seeing everyone on fire for recovery is incredible. They talk about how special this place is and how it saved their lives, and I relate!
What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?
Miracles happen every day. Some of the most obstinate and confrontational patients end up being the most powerful examples of how the program of recovery works. Transformations occur in front of your eyes; it’s incredible! I’ve also learned how important it is to maintain my recovery program and not rely on my job as my recovery. Outside of work, I need to continue to do the work. Prayer, meditation, 12-Steps, meetings, and working with sponsees must happen daily. If I don’t make my recovery a priority, I am not as effective in my work role.
Do you hold any credentials or certifications?
I have my master’s in clinical and counseling psychology and am working to receive my Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP).
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
When I got sober, I committed to getting moving and active, so I go to kickboxing and Pilates several nights a week. I love working with sponsees, and I have a weekly home group. I am a huge fan of stand-up comedy at the West Palm Beach Improv and love laughing hysterically with my friends. My wonderful parents are in Dallas, TX, so I go back to see them as much as possible. This year has been super special because I got engaged to the most amazing man, and we’re getting married before 2021 is over! I love to go out to his farm, play with his sweet little Pomeranian puppy, feed his 40+ chickens, and pick mangoes. I’m a city girl about to live on an exciting farm!
Hanley Center is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting recovery.
For information on our programs, call us today: 561-841-1033.
