Meet Tara Markus, Primary Counselor at Common Ground
/For today’s staff feature, we’re excited to introduce Tara Markus, a primary counselor at Common Ground in Rochester, leading outpatient treatment groups and the crossroads program at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.
Tara joined the Common Ground team in February 2018, and now facilitates group programming, individual counseling and educational programs to help men and women find recovery from substance use disorder.
Tara received her Bachelor’s degree from Mankato State University, majoring in both Alcohol and Drug Studies and Psychology. She currently holds her license as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT).
Prior to Common Ground, Tara completed an internship at an adolescent treatment facility before working first as an adolescent counselor in a residential setting, and later as a short-term residential and outpatient counselor. Following this experience, she was a supervisor at Park Avenue Center in Minneapolis before relocating to Rochester.
We recently sat down with Tara to learn about her background passion for the field:
Why are you passionate about the field of alcohol and drug counseling?
“I feel like I have the energy and positive personality for this field, and I want to spread the message that one thing there will always be is hope. I also have family members that have struggled with addiction throughout my life.”
What’s your favorite thing about Common Ground?
“My coworkers! Hands down.”
What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction today?
“There is hope and millions of people have recovered from this disease, it IS POSSIBLE. Even though some days it may feel impossible, making small steps forward and keeping a positive attitude is a good start.”
What are your hobbies?
“I have 2 dogs at home, a black lab and a miniature pinscher. They are my 4-legged children, so I spend a lot of time with them. I love watching the Vikings, going to Barnes and Noble (reading), journaling, taking naps, spending time with my family and cleaning and organizing.”
Favorite words of wisdom?
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.”