Occupation: Addictions & Mental Health Therapist
Company: Parkdale Center for Professionals
Born: Valparaiso, Indiana
Education:
MA in Counseling and Guidance, Governors State University (2001)
MA in Special Education, Ball State University (1978)
BS in Education, Indiana University Northwest Campus, Gary (1972)
Certifications:
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) (2023); Licensed Professional Counselor; Nationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor NCAC #II; Clinical Addictions Counselor; LMHC; LCAC
Career:
Addictions and Mental Health Therapist, Parkdale Center for Professionals, Chesterton (2016-Present)
With, Regional Mental Health Center, Merrillville, IN (2006-2015)
Group Facilitator, St. Jude House, Crown Point, IN (2000-2011)
Addictions and Behavioral Medicine Counselor, Methodist Hospital, Merrillville, IN (1986-2006)
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for Deaf, Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation, Highland (1975-1986)
Teacher, Portage Adult Education, IN (1975)
Career Related:
Clinical Addictions Therapist, Parkdale Center for Professionals (2016); Outpatient Therapist & Addictions Therapist, Regional Mental Health Center, Merrillville, IN (2006-2015); Teacher, American Sign Language Classes, Northwest Indiana and South Suburbs (1975-1996); Member, Advisory Council on Mental Health Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Indiana Department of Mental Health People (1988-1995); Treasurer, Everybody Counts Center Independent for Living, Merrillville, IN (1993-1994); Consultant on Deaf Materials, Lake County Public Library, Indiana (1975-1985); Consultant Regarding Deaf Materials Chicago Heights Library, Indiana (1982); Consultant, Planning Committee Northwest Indiana Agency for the Deaf (1977-1978); Parent Educator Trade Winds Rehabilitation Center, Gary, IN (1975); Coordinator, Member, Various Professional Conferences, Indiana
Civic:
Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) (2017-Present)
Creative Works:
Editor, INDARA Newsletter, Indiana Deafness and Rehabilitation Association
Achievements:
Ms. Olson will be highlighted and interviewed for two websites, including National Digest. She is a senior therapist of aftercare with four groups; they are really happy with her as nobody quits her group, her relapse rate is low, their documentation is superb and she does a good job.
Awards:
Recipient, Letter of Commendation, Indiana Governor Robert Orr and Governor Otis Bowen, President Ronald Reagan (1986); Fellow, Ball State University (1973-1974)
Memberships:
Member, CASA (2017-Present); President, Indiana Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (1984-1986); Member, Indiana Counselors Association on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; Member, Indiana Association of the Deaf; Member, Indiana Chapter, Indiana Deafness and Rehabilitation Association; Member, Founding Planning Committee, Indiana Deafness and Rehabilitation Association; Member, National Association for the Deaf; Member, National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors; Affiliate Member, Family and Therapists Section, American Counseling Association; Member, Chi Sigma Iota; Member, Indiana Association of Addiction Professionals
Family:
Daughter of Omer Olaf and Betty Jean Olson
Hobbies:
Music; Reading
