“I wouldn’t have missed one day in these 25 years. I love my job!” said Sandra VanSickle, who retired from a 25-year career at ADAPPT (Alcohol & Drug Addiction Parole & Probation Treatment) in Reading, Pennsylvania, in September. VanSickle started at ADAPPT in 1993, working her way through the ranks to become deputy director of the residential reentry center.
She has seen the facility through organizational changes over the years and is proud of the changes GEO Reentry has made at the facility through evidence-based programming and the help they have given to thousands of individuals. Since announcing her retirement, Van Sickle has been contacted by many residents who wanted to express their gratitude toward the ADAPPT programming for making a difference in their lives and being the turning point for positive change.
“I have to thank her for her leadership as my deputy director in charge of clinical issues,” said ADAPPT Director Michael Critchosin. “She is an integral part of ADAPPT and maintains so many contacts with the state and our licensing agencies, and she will be missed.”
VanSickle said one of the best moments she experienced at ADAPPT was becoming licensed by the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs of Pennsylvania. She has seen inpatient care consistently grow to a larger population through the years, and with it expanded staff and skilled training to accommodate changing populations and treatments methods.
“I believe our success in treating residents at ADAPPT has come from the attitude of the staff,” said VanSickle. “We impress upon residents that we are here and ready to help, but that it’s their choice to make change; the decision lies with the resident to be willing to grab hold of the tools gained from the evidence-based programming we provide.”
VanSickle will miss her work at ADAPPT, but she looks forward to spending time with her husband as well as her sister, who lives nearby. A luncheon was held in VanSickle’s honor with invited guests from the center and surrounding community. Warm wishes of good luck and embrace were exchanged!
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