At ATI, we believe meaningful work starts with meaningful support. Our community is built around providing the training, resources, and encouragement needed to grow with confidence and purpose in behavioral healthcare. Each month, we’re honored to highlight a student whose dedication reflects the heart of this work and the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Elizabeth Butler, who shares her experience with ATI and her journey toward creating positive change.
I’m currently focusing on advancing my education and professional development. I recently completed the SHARE program curriculum, and I am a certified peer support specialist through medical. I enjoy journaling, learning about mental health and recovery, spending time with my children, and participating in faith-based activities. I also value personal growth and self-development. I am a proud mother of 4 children, 3 girls and one son. My oldest is 25, followed by my second-oldest, who is 20, my third-oldest, who is 13, and my youngest, my son, who is 8. They are my motivation and the reason I continue striving for growth and success. I am passionate about mental health awareness and helping others discover their strength. I believe recovery is not just a destination. It is a journey that requires ongoing self-assessment of behaviors, emotions, physical health, and mental well-being. True change happens when a person is ready, and as a peer supporter and future counselor, my goal is to meet people where they are with compassion and understanding.
I want to pursue an education as a drug and alcohol counselor because my passion comes from both education and lived experience, having walked through addiction and recovering myself. I understand that substance use disorder deserves compassion and education, and support, not judgment. My journey has allowed me to see that healing is possible, and I want to help others believe that for themselves. I chose ATI because of its flexibility, strong reputation, and focus on practical knowledge that prepares students for real-life work in the field. I appreciated how the coursework connected with theory to real-life application strengthened both my professional skills and my personal growth. Attending school online has enabled me to balance being a mother of four while continuing my education and professional development.
My long-term career goals are to become a drug and alcohol counselor and eventually open a sober living environment or homeless shelter that provides structure, accountability, and compassionate support. In addition, I am working towards becoming a licensed Life Insurance agent so I can offer life insurance policies to families impacted by addiction, particularly those who have experienced loss or are facing uncertainty. I believe this is another meaningful way to support families by helping them plan, protect their loved ones, and find stability during difficult times. I am proud of my progress and confident that I am exactly where I need to be in this season. Also, I’m grateful for how far I have come and confident that each step is preparing me to serve others with purpose and dignity. Also, I am very grateful that I have found the Addictions Training Institute; it has boosted my confidence a lot, and they are really here to help me throughout my academic journey.