Diane Sponseller

I have been working in the addiction field since 1994 – I have seen addiction affect people from all walks of life. In this field no two days are alike, each day is filled with new challenges, new experiences, new stories. I have a heart to help and serve and find it rewarding to work in a field where we play a part in making a difference in the lives of so many. I take great pride in what we have created here at Open Arms. From our humble beginning to where we are today is a result of hard work, dedication, tireless commitment and countless prayers being answered. We have a wonderful team who are passionate and equipped to help each client get their life back on track. We strive to make Open Arms feel like home where clients feel safe, welcomed, encouraged and accepted.

Christina Gordon, MSW, CAADC

I got into the addiction field because I am a person in recovery. I was in and out of jail and treatment centers. I never got the counselor that I needed – I needed someone to go
above and beyond to teach me how to live life on life’s terms without illicit substances. I needed someone to teach me life skills, teach me resources, and assist me in becoming
self-sufficient. I want to be the counselor that I never had but needed in order to live a life that has a purpose.

I love Open Arms because here…. We are family! We all work together for the betterment of our clients. We love to see individuals succeed and live a life beyond their wildest
dreams. Nothing brings me more joy in this field, than looking in my clients’ eyes seeing the darkness fade away. I love watching the women I treat become the best parents they
can be.

Keisha Berry, AAS, CAAC

Working in the drug and alcohol field is gratifying due to the fact that I have the ability to be able to help assist individuals change their lives and learn how to utilize
various coping skills to deal with different life circumstances.
Working at Open Arms is like having an extended family. I feel blessed to work for a facility that truly cares about our clients and also our staff. Open Arms has also
been supportive towards me and allowed me to grow more as the Clinical Supervisor.

Clarence (Ack) Acker, MS

I love being a therapist because I have found no better way to do work that is meaningful and transformative for others while simultaneously transforming, supporting, and facilitating my own personal growth and transformation. For me, it is the greatest scenario under the sun. I find it to be a singular honor and privilege to play a part in the stories of my clients. Also, I cannot think of a more rewarding career, one that is designed solely to decrease suffering and improve quality of life. I love helping people to look at the variables that are affecting their behavior (thoughts, emotions, and actions) and helping them to respond in
different ways – then we go back and look at how the variables change. It’s so much fun when the client and I get things figured out and watch what happens. Finally, I celebrate those moments where I see hope in the eyes of a client, or a recognition of their own greatness, or a long-abandoned hearty laugh.

Working at Open Arms is not a job to me – it’s a family.

Michael Donaldson, AA, CAAC

The drug & alcohol treatment field is a rewarding career choice for me, as I strive daily to make a difference in the lives of others. Working in the field takes hard work and dedication to help others earn sobriety. The staff at Open Arms, where the arms are always open, are caring and dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing clients move in a more positive direction in life.

Sheri Moore, AA,BS

What I like about working in the field of addiction is assisting others with recognition and encouragement to gain and understand the realization that their addiction is not
a depiction of who they are or who they think they were meant to be. I enjoy providing this population with a sense of purpose, support, praise, encouragement and watching
individuals grow, change and become successful.

What I love about working at Open Arms is being part of a collaborative, knowledgeable, skillful and consistent team that serves each client based on their needs. I love being a
part of an organization that develops and creates special events for clients, their children and their families while providing consistent support and resources to promote success.

Kelly Sutherland

I love working in the recovery field to help individuals through the same experience I went through and to show them they can have a new life.
I love working at Open Arms because they are like my family and give me opportunities to do what I love – help others!

Bethney Shildt, BS, CADC

I have always said human services chose me as I was naturally pulled toward helping others. I entered the field doing emergency services, worked in various levels of care since, and have enjoyed and learned a great deal every step of the way. I love working at a place where the importance for balance between family and work is just as important for our clients as it is for staff. Open Arms goes above and beyond to support their employees where needed and it shows.

David Cibulka, MS

Working in the field of addiction treatment gives me a sense of purpose. There is nothing better than working with people that are outcasted by much of society and helping them achieve their goals in life. I enjoy this field and one of the most rewarding aspects is having the opportunity to save the lives of many people and to help families come back together. Working at Open Arms gives me a safe place to help others where instead of judging we give those with addictions the chance to be heard and to have a voice . Nothing is more rewarding than being that voice to the voiceless which is where the healing occurs.

Brittany Stamm

Working in the field of addiction is incredibly rewarding as it reminds me daily of how people can overcome hardships in their lives. Being in recovery myself makes this field especially close to my heart and gives me a sense of empathy towards clients and their recovery process. Working at Open Arms gives me such a sense of pride because this facility truly cares about bettering people’s lives in a non-judgmental and caring environment. I can say from personal experience that our facility helps their clients and treats them with the respect and guidance that is needed.