Meet Jessica Schumacher, An Alcohol & Drug Counselor at Common Ground in Red Wing

As we continue expanding our Red Wing facility, another face we recently added to the team is Jessica Schumacher, an alcohol and drug counselor leading the men's primary evening group at Common Ground in Red Wing. In this role, Jessica helps men on their journey to find recovery and leads group therapy, individual counseling sessions, and conducts chemical use assessments.

Jessica received her associate's degree in criminal justice from Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) and is currently enrolled at Capella University pursuing her bachelor's degree. She holds her temporary permit for alcohol and drug counseling (ADC-T) from the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

Jessica completed her alcohol and drug counseling internship at common Ground before formally joining the staff in December 2017.

We sat down with Jessica to learn more about her passion for the field:

Why are you passionate about the field of alcohol and drug counseling?
"There was a lot of addiction and mental health around me growing up, and over time I became passionate to help others find recovery and create a healthy journey."

What’s your favorite thing about Common Ground?
"I love the ‘meeting you where you’re at’ because not everyone is at the same stage in life, addiction, or recovery – so not every person's journey or recovery avenue should be exactly the same."

What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction today?
"Everyone has made mistakes and everyone has their own story, but only you have the ability to write your future. Believe in yourself, work hard, and sobriety will follow."

What are your hobbies?
"Before having kids, I was an avid snowboarder and was a national dirt bike champion hill climber, but now I enjoy spending time with my little family, driving dump truck, and going on weekend fishing vacations to the cabin."

Favorite words of wisdom?
"Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it."

Like Jessica said, everyone's story is unique. To start your unique recovery journey, contact Common Ground, helping people through outpatient treatment in Red Wing, Rochester, and Winona, MN.