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Staff Spotlight – Raquel Tatum

Oct 15, 2022

Raquel Tatum – Continuum Of Care Coordinator 

Raquel has served as a 12-Step Recovery Advocate at Hannah’s House since March 2022. She is in the process of completing her Bachelor’s in Social Work degree at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. With January 20, 2017, being her sobriety date and entering the program in Kerrville, TX, Raquel offers her patients first-hand experience and valuable personal insight into battling addiction and alcoholism. Before joining Hannah’s House team, she was an immigration assistant for a law firm and a program coordinator for another recovery community in Dallas, Texas.

What brought you to the field of addiction treatment? What brought you to Origins?

My first position working in treatment was back in 2018. What initially brought me into the field of treatment was the sheer desire to be of maximum service to others. Being in recovery myself and having been to treatment before, I wanted to give back and give hope to others that recovery is possible. When I applied at Origins, I had heard very good things about their program, and I wanted to be a part of an organization that taught the 12-Steps and had the Big Book as their primary curriculum.

If there was only one thing you could tell us about working within your specialty area, what would it be?

Personally, my continuum of care after I was in treatment was a huge contributor to my current recovery. It showed me how to be independent, reliable, and responsible, and it gave me the structure and accountability that I lacked in my addiction. Finding the right facilities for our discharging patients is not a task I take lightly. These referrals can alter a patient’s future, and I take pride in connecting with the best facilities the country has to offer to give them the best chance at success in their recovery. I want them to feel supported and uplifted when leaving Origins by creating a warm hand-off experience into their next chapter of life. 

What have you learned through your experience working in treatment?

From my three different positions in the treatment industry since 2018, two being residential treatment and one residential detox, I have learned that being spiritually fit is crucial when working with patients. Working in the treatment industry has really motivated me to work a strong program myself, so I can fit myself to be of maximum service to others and show by example. As the Big Book states: “You cannot transmit something you haven’t got” (Big Book, pg. 164).

Do you hold any credentials or certifications? Do you participate in any professional activities outside of work?

As a result of my recovery, I have been able to return to college and obtain my Bachelor of Social Work degree after 10 years. It was a goal I never thought I would achieve due to my background, but I graduated in December 2023, and I am very proud and grateful for this achievement. I am continuing my academic journey, and I am currently in the process of obtaining my Master’s of Social Work online at OLLU. I recently obtained my Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern status through the State of Texas, and I am excited to start learning how to tackle addiction through clinical intervention.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Family is everything to me. I recently became a new mother, so my daughter is the light of my life. I enjoy spending time with her and my husband of 5 years. My husband and I love relaxing on the couch with a good movie, playing cornhole in the backyard, or playing card games together in our spare time. I enjoy reading books on my Kindle, mostly mystery and romance novels, and working out at my gym. I am also active in my local recovery community; my fellowship is wonderful. Every other week, I make the drive to my hometown of McAllen, TX, to see my family and spend quality time with them; I am grateful to have those relationships again. 

 

Hannah’s House is a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety.

For more information about the stages of alcoholism in women or to learn about our programs, call us today: 561.841.1272.

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