Addictions Studies grad student completes competitive fellowship with deeper appreciation for the field
2025 fellow of the National Board for Certified Counselors
By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Wrapping up her time as a fellow of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), Governors State University (GovState) student Leslye Williams (’24) says the fellowship helped her bridge her personal experience with her professional goals.
The NBCC fellowship is an extremely competitive and prestigious award that recognizes excellence by master’s and doctoral level students who have demonstrated their ability to serve underrepresented and marginalized groups.
As a fellow, Leslye had access to innovative training, professional development, and continuing education opportunities as well as financial education support.
“Being chosen was especially significant for me because I've seen firsthand how a substance use disorder can harm everyone in a family. My brother’s struggles with AUD (Alcohol use disorder) allowed me to understand addiction beyond what I could possibly have learned in school,” said Leslye, a graduate student in the Addictions Studies master program.
Recently, Leslye attended a conference to mark the end of her fellowship which left her with a deeper understanding of how others view the addictions and behavioral health field.
“When people hear the term addictions professional, they typically assume it means substance use or alcohol related concerns,” said Leslye. “While substance use disorders are an important part of this field, addiction and behavioral health encompass a much broader range of experiences and issues. Effective care demands that we see past any single diagnosis or presenting issue and view the entire person as a whole.”
One of the workshops she attended, “The Missing Piece: Enhancing Client Treatment Outcome for Clients of Color,” expanded on this practice of looking at a person as a whole.
“What was so impactful was its emphasis on creating a strong foundation to development treatment plans based on both an individual’s unique experiences and their cultural background,” said Leslye. “I would like to carry this same awareness with me as I prepare for my internship and ultimately enter the behavioral health industry.”
She also visited the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Rancho Mirage, California where she heard stories from clients about their experiences and challenges that led to their substance use.
“Observing those therapeutic processes firsthand provided me with greater exposure to approaches and modalities I will encounter as I enter into my internship and practicum experiences,” said Leslye.
Leslye also noted that her fellowship was brightened by her NBCC mentor, Deborah Perry, who has over 17 years of experience helping people in need of addiction and mental health counseling.
“I am deeply grateful for the advice, examples, resources, and encouragement she shared with me,” shared Leslye.
While she wrapped her year as a NBCC fellow, Leslye plans to uphold the values that the experience instilled in her.
“I am honored to be an NBCC Fellow because this is more than just a scholarly or professional achievement for me; it signifies my agreement to recognize the large need for well-trained and competent behavioral health professionals in under-served, marginalized communities, and my desire to assist in meeting this need.”
Interested in applying to the Master of Health Sciences in Addictions Studies program? Click here.