We are passionate about our mission to provide the support, training and resources to help you and your clients succeed. We love hearing and sharing the whys of those who are chasing their dreams of helping make the world a better place. Our students choose to pursue an education in the behavioral healthcare field for various reasons, and we’re proud to be a part of their journeys toward making a difference. Each month we feature a student who is on the path to truly making an impact on the lives of others.

Our Student of the Month, Katie Ortolan, shares her experience with ATI:

I am currently a Group Facilitator at Elevate Addiction Services in South Lake Tahoe. My journey into this field was driven by my own recovery, and I start each day with the goal of helping at least one person find their way out of substance use, with compassion and empathy. I am passionate about my family, helping others, and everything related to photography, yoga, and exploring South Lake Tahoe.

After graduating high school, I attended James Madison University in Harrisburg, Virginia.

My employer recommended ATI, and I’m thrilled to be continuing my higher education with them. I’ve found the video lectures with peers and professors during my coursework to be incredibly helpful, allowing me to balance my work and education without sacrificing either.

In my role at Elevate, I’m constantly inspired by the diverse stories and personalities I encounter, and the breakthroughs my clients achieve make all the challenges worthwhile. My aim is to continuously improve as a counselor and a person, using my education to deepen my understanding of this field.

Driven by Recovery and a Desire to Help Others Heal: Meet Katie Ortolan