Counselor draws on personal experience to help others in recovery

Heidi Czerepak works as a Clinical Supervisor at North Country Freedom Homes in Canton, N.Y., where she helps people build meaningful lives in recovery from substance use disorders.

NORTHERN NEW YORK – Welcome to Recovery Works, a series of Q&As shining a light on outstanding members of St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers’ 200-strong workforce that stretches from the heart of the Adirondack Mountains to the St. Lawrence River.

Heidi Czerepak, Master CASAC, has been passionate about helping people on their recovery journey since she started as a Primary Counselor with St. Joseph’s Addiction Treatment & Recovery Centers in October 2017.

In 2020, she shifted to North Country Freedom Homes in Canton, an affiliate of St. Joseph’s, where she uses both her professional skills and personal experience to support those looking to achieve a more fulfilling, substance-free life.

Originally from Potsdam, N.Y., Heidi has a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in public health, giving her a unique approach to her work.

The following is her story, in her own words.

What motivated you to become a counselor?

While I was in my process of recovery, I came to realize that I had a real passion for working with others and helping others. I don’t really give myself a whole lot of credit for how I landed in this field other than the fact that I decided to go to graduate school.

What was your first experience with St. Joseph’s?

I tried to get internships, but those doors were closed and one day somebody asked me if I would speak as a recovering person over at (St. Joseph’s) Saranac Lake inpatient treatment center. I got there for the first time and walked into that big, beautiful Spirituality Center and I just felt like I was supposed to be there.

How did you learn about North Country Freedom Homes?

I was working at (St. Joseph’s) Saranac Lake inpatient treatment center, and like I said, I’m from Potsdam and my family is there, and most importantly my mom is there. I came to the realization that I really wanted to be closer to my mother. I just decided that was my priority.

I had built really great relationships with people at St. Joseph’s, and I really didn’t want to leave the agency. Someone from St. Joseph’s made a phone call and the next thing I knew I was offered an interview and then a job at North Country Freedom Homes.

How does the staff at North Country Freedom Homes work as a team to help people in recovery?

First off, we work really well together, and I think that’s the most important thing. It’s this idea that there’s the individual self-care, and there’s the collective self-care. We have a great team right now, and we work together to offer person-centered, compassionate, quality care to every individual that comes here.

It doesn’t hurt that we have an incredible, fearless leader in Jennifer Elliott (Director of North Country Freedom Homes). I learn so much from her and she really listens to us.

How does your role at North Country Freedom Homes differ from other counseling roles?

What I love about North Country Freedom Homes is that residents, in most cases, have a fundamental grasp of the disease of addiction, identifying triggers, the stuff you get out of inpatient.

When you get here, it’s more about living. How do you stay healthy with real temptations as you gain privileges to go out? So as a counselor here, I try to have those open conversations. We typically have male residents here for a minimum of six months and you really get to build a strong relationship. That’s what it’s all about.

How do maintain a healthy work/life balance?

Running is very important to me. It’s extremely therapeutic and cathartic for me. That and having healthy friends and a support network. I personally am very involved in the recovery community. I know that all work and no play makes Heidi a not healthy Heidi. I’m only going to be able to do what I have to do if I have that work/life balance.

To learn more about St. Joseph’s and North Country Freedom Homes, visit www.stjoestreatment.org.