Director of Substance Abuse Services

Deb is a Licensed Mental Health Practitioner, a Certified Professional Counselor, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and holds a Master of Human Relations degree.  She has been in the substance abuse field for over fifteen years as a primary and youth-in-crisis counselor in both rural and metropolitan areas, including several years evaluating substance abuse issues.  Beyond her position at Abintra, she is an adjunct instructor at local colleges in the psychology, sociology, and human services programs.  She has worked as director of substance abuse services, program coordinator for an inpatient treatment facility, and as an author and project coordinator for a community prevention grant.  Additionally, she has authored and obtained a copyright on a decision-making program for youth. 

 

Quote to live by:

 

“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.  Who looks outside, dreams.  Who looks inside, awakens.”  - Carl Gustav Jung

Ryan is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in the State of Nebraska and holds an Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Metropolitan Community College, a Bachelor Degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University, and a Master of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma.  Ryan has been inspired to work in this field through overcoming his own struggle with addiction.  Ryan has created Abintra’s programs for the Education Courses, Outpatient Program, Intensive Outpatient Program, and Adolescent/Family Education Course.  At the end of the 2007-08 school year, Ryan was awarded Millard Public School’s “Expanding Horizons” Award for “Making a difference by enhancing students learning of curriculum through practical experience in the school environment.”  This came from his monthly lectures at the Millard Learning Center. Congratulations Ryan!

 

Quote to live by:

 

“For to whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”  - Luke 12:48

 

Heather M. Vazquez, AAS, PLADC

Outpatient Counselor

Heather is a Provisionally Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and has received her Associates in Applied Science in Chemical Dependency from Metropolitan Community College. She is currently working on her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Heather's long term goal is to work with clients who are dually-diagnosed. Her inspiration for being a helping professional comes from her own addiction recovery experience.

 

Quote to live by: 

 

"Each moment is mine, to make as beautiful or as painful as I choose." - Unknown

 

 

 

Family Course Counselor

Falon received her Associates Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Metropolitan Community College. She is attending Bellevue University to complete her Bachelor Degree in Managment of Human Resources. Falon teaches a Drug and Alcohol Education Course for adolescent and their parents so they can receive a suspension reduction in Millard Public Schools.

 

Quote to live by:

 

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

Family Course Educator

Steven works as a family course educator the direct supervision of Ryan Caruthers, MHR, LADC. He is currently attending Metropolitan Community College, working toward an Associate in Applied Science degree. His future goals include becoming a fully licensed alcohol and drug counselor and to attend the University of Nebraska Omaha upon graduation.

 

Quote to live by:

 

"To live without Hope is to Cease to live." - Fyodor Dostoevsky