Meet Timi-Jo Abbas, One of Common Ground's Administrative Assistants

At Common Ground, we're all about teamwork. Teamwork means working together, supporting one another and creating a great workplace that allows our staff, and our clients, to thrive.

In order to do that, the strength of our administrative team is critical.

This year, we've grown our administrative team and have welcomed a few new friendly faces to the staff. One of our newest hires is Timi-Jo Abbas, an Administrative Assistant at Common Ground.

Timi-Jo's background is diverse, having served on the National Guard; working in the construction field operating heavy equipment; working as a CNA at a nursing home; and working in jewelry sales.

According to Timi-Jo, it was each of these experiences that led her to one conclusion, "I wanted to make a difference in people's lives," she says. "I was never really certain what profession I would accomplish this in, until just recently.

Timi-Jo joined the staff of Common Ground as an Administrative Assistant in June 2017. We sat down with her to learn a little more about her and her passion for the field of addiction recovery services:

Why are you passionate about working in the treatment environment?
"I am passionate about working in the treatment environment because, as a recovering addict myself, I know how crucial it is to have a well-oiled, experienced team of people working towards the same cause: bettering addict’s lives. It takes teamwork, dedication, and understanding to give a patient the best recovery program in order to have the best chance at long term success."

What’s your favorite thing about Common Ground?
"We understand the importance of the above statement. They really are all about the client and working with their needs."

What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction today?
"Don’t compare your journey to another's. Everyone’s recovery road is different. Something I tell myself daily, it’s about progress, not perfection.  As addicts most of us are all or nothing. So, as you can imagine, it’s difficult trying to find the balance between perfectionism and giving yourself too much leeway. Once you find a good balance, do everything you can to keep it without getting too comfortable. Never settle or stop pushing!"

What are your hobbies?
"Spending time with my kiddos, adventuring outdoors, ice skating."                    

Favorite words of wisdom?
"Believing in yourself is the first secret to success."

As Timi-Jo says, "Everyone's recovery road is different." At Common Ground, we believe that fully. Here, we meet you where you are. Whether you need outpatient treatment, a chemical use assessment or individual counseling, we're here to help.

Common Ground offers outpatient treatment in Rochester, MN and provides chemical use assessments, family programming, group therapy and individual counseling in Red Wing, Winona, and Rochester, MN.