Nway Linn is Wayside Recovery Center’s Chief Clinical Officer, stepping into the new position from her previous role as Senior Outpatient Treatment Director.
Learn more about her work in the Q+A below:
Tell us about your background. What expertise do you bring to Wayside?
I’ve worked in substance use treatment my whole career in a wide variety of settings. I’m a dually licensed as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I also a board certified LPCC supervisor. An area of focus of mine, has been working with refugees, immigrants and non-English speakers. My expertise includes Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs), 245G treatment and mental health programs. In 2017, eight organizations were selected in Minnesota to be the first cohort in the federal CCBHC demonstration project. During this time, I served as the treatment director for one of the selected organizations. When I had learned that Wayside was in the process of becoming a CCBHC, I was thrilled at the opportunity to join the journey!
What opportunities in the organization’s future are you most excited about?
Continuing to build and develop Wayside’s CCBHC, and working towards state certification. A passion of mine is integrated care. I believe that recovery is multifaceted and there are many ways for a person to find a path to recovery. Integrated care fosters a learning environment that is an asset to our clients and the services that we provide. Providing integrated care gives us the ability to support clients in a variety of ways. It also increases professionals development and coordination with different scopes of practice.
“I’ve seen the ways that we’ve fought against stigmas, barriers, and access to services. We’ve held hope for those in need and have leaned on each other during difficult times.”
What motivates you to support women, children and families at Wayside and beyond?
I am hoping that I will experience and grow in meaningful connections, leadership development and advocacy skills as we pursue racial and gender justice. I love being able to help others and I’ve learned a lot from the families and individuals that I’ve been able to serve. I feel inspired by their stories, strength and perseverance. I have been very fortunate to be in the field of health and human services. I’ve seen the ways that we’ve fought against stigmas, barriers, and access to services. We’ve held hope for those in need and have leaned on each other during difficult times. I feel a strong sense of community and it has been an honor for me to be a part of something positive and healing for others. I’m so grateful to be a part of Wayside and serve our mission.