Meet Almedina Sinanovic, Lead Counselor for the Common Ground Odyssey Program
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Happy New Year! From all of us at Common Ground, we hope your 2019 is off to a great start. To kick-off our year, we’re happy to introduce the community to one of our counselors at Common Ground, Almendina (Dina) Sinanovic.
Dina is a lead counselor at Common Ground, previously leading the women’s primary group, followed by the men and women’s Crossroads Program, Common Ground’s jail-based program facilitated at the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center (ADC). Starting this January, Dina will be the lead counselor facilitating the men’s Odyssey Program.
Dina joined the Common Ground team as an intern in June 2015 and was hired on as a counselor in December 2015. She completed her LADC coursework and credentialing through Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) and is currently completing her senior year at Winona State University — Rochester pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW). Dina currently holds her Associate’s degree and a temporary permit as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT).
We sat down with Dina to learn more about her background and passion for this work:
What’s your background and experience prior to joining the team at Common Ground?
“I have a history of working as a photographer, and have worked with individuals with either physical or cognitive disabilities.”
Why are you passionate about the field of alcohol and drug counseling?
“I am passionate about this field of work because I get to watch individuals work against all the odds in their lives and succeed. Perseverance is motivating, empowering, heart-wrenchingly beautiful when you are encouraging it and observing it.”
What’s your favorite thing about Common Ground?
“I love the feeling of acceptance, understanding, and the family dynamic among staff. I feel pride watching my co-workers put in effort, energy and heart into their work every day.”
What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction today?
“Start from the first step by seeking out advice, direction and resources. Face it head on and trust that there are people rooting for you. With support, motivation, and consistency anything is possible.”
What are your hobbies?
“I am a mom to a beautiful 18 month old daughter which is a second full-time job! I also love to read, I love music and I love spending as much time as possible with the ones I love.”
Favorite words of wisdom?
“What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.” –Buddha