Meet Callie Schmidt, The Lead Counselor at Common Ground in Winona

In 2015, Common Ground opened our second outpatient treatment center in Winona, MN. The Winona community is an excellent place to live and work, and we're grateful to be providing treatment services to those in need. To better serve our clients, Common Ground continues to operate gender-specific treatment programs, a best practice that continues to meet the specific needs of our clients in a safe, supportive environment.

Leading our counseling services in Winona is Callie Schmidt, Common Ground's Lead Counselor. Callie also leads the Winona women's group, conducts chemical use assessments and helps make sure our day-to-day clinical services are running smoothly.

Callie has been with Common Ground for about 1 ½ years. Prior to Common Ground, Callie received her undergraduate education at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and completed the addiction studies curriculum at Winona State University. Callie has a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and is possesses her temporary permit for Alcohol and Drug Counseling (ADC-T), as she awaits her licensure as an Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC) through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy.

Before working in the field of alcohol & drug counseling, Callie worked with at-risk youth in a group home setting. She has spent a great deal of time working with individuals with special needs, namely the autism population.

We sat down with Callie to learn more about her passion for the field of alcohol & drug counseling:

Why are you passionate about the field of alcohol and drug counseling?

"I have a family history of substance abuse. I grew up with very dysfunctional family dynamics, so I can relate to a lot of my clients."

What’s your favorite thing about Common Ground?

"My coworkers are like family to me.  People in this field are so easy to build rapport with."

What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction today?

"To love one another.  This world can be cruel, but we shouldn’t reflect that on each other or ourselves for that matter."

What are your hobbies?

I have a tendency to get bored, so I love to be active outdoors.  Winter is my favorite because I enjoy snowboarding, snowmobiling, hunting, and snowshoeing.

Favorite words of wisdom?

"Just be yourself.  Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, and magical person that you are."

If you are looking for outpatient treatment or a chemical use assessment in Winona, MN, contact us today. Callie and our team of compassionate counselors are ready to meet you where you are and help you on your journey to recovery.