
Curriculum Vitae
Tana Howtopat, CADC3; CAGC; LCSW
Co-Executive Director
Medicine Wheel Recovery Services, Inc.
58147 Columbia River Highway, Suite C
St. Helens, OR 97051
(503)396-5322 or (503)753-8035
thowtopat@medicinewheelrecoveryservices.org
Practicing from a trauma informed, culturally sensitive perspective. Specializing in the co-occurring treatment of substance abuse disorders, pathological and problem gambling, and mental health issues.
"As a co-founder of Medicine Wheel Recovery Services, my vision was to create an environment where people felt safe to be vulnerable, to share, and to heal. MWRS has evolved into a "family" and a "home" of recovery. MWRS has her own spirit, which has grown from the love of the treatment team and the people that we serve. I am blessed to be a servant to my community and to MWRS."
Education
Arizona State University
Current ▪ Nonprofit Leadership and Management
Humboldt State University
June 2017 ▪ Advanced Standing Masters of Social Work
New York Council on Problem Gambling
July 2015 ▪ 60-hour Core Curriculum Training
Portland State University
June 2014 ▪ Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Portland Community College
June 2011 ▪ Associates of Applied Science in Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Professional Experience
Co-Executive Director (2015-Current)
Medicine Wheel Recovery Services • 58147 Columbia River Highway St Helens, OR 97051
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Establishing the organization and completing licensure requirements
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Establishing compliance with Medicaid and various private insurances
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Program Development
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Managing and supervising all staff; Staff training
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Creating and maintaining community relationships and contracts
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Co-Occurring, Substance Abuse, Mental Health, Gambling Service Delivery
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Creating Policies and Procedures
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Creating and implementing productivity strategies
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Managing complaints and grievances
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Payroll
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Managing records requests
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Grant Writing, Grant Management
Quality Management Specialist (2014-2015)
NARA NW • 1310 SW 17th Portland, OR 97201
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Population management/building databases
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Creating/standardizing forms
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Policies and Procedures
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Grants/Evaluations
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Internal investigations
Outpatient Program Manager (2013-2014)
NARA NW Outpatient • 1631 SW Columbia Portland, OR 97201
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Program Development
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Creating and maintaining community partnerships
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Managing a program with approximately 40 staff
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Interviewing and hiring
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Clinical supervision for CADC staff
Addictions Counselor (2010-2013)
NARA NW Outpatient • 1631 SW Columbia Portland, OR 97201
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Case Management/Documentation
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Multidimensional assessments/ISSP treatment planning
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Resource referral and case management
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Group facilitation
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Client advocacy/community partner collaboration
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Individual therapy
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Discharges
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Curriculum Development
Volunteer Experience
Internship (2016-2017) MWRS Outpatient Mental Health ▪ 58147 Columbia River Highway, Suite C, St. Helens, OR 97051
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Assessments/ISSP treatment planning
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Individual therapy (focus on historical trauma/grief and loss)
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Developing staff training regarding the role of historical trauma in mental health
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Creating hybrid, co-occurring curriculum for sessions that incorporated DBT skills and Relapse Prevention skills
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Developed a way to use Talking Circle as a mental health process group and skills training group
Internship (2009 & 2013)
NARA NW Outpatient Mental Health ▪ 1631 SW Columbia Portland, OR 97201
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Assessments/ISSP treatment planning
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Individual therapy (focus on historical trauma/grief and loss)
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Group facilitation
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Discharges
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Census data entry
Crisis Line Operator (2010-2011)
Oregon Partnership ▪ 5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 400 Portland, OR 97239
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56 hours of specialized training
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) Certificate
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225-hour commitment to service
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Immediate assistance, referral services, and follow up
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Specialized support for military service persons and their families
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Assist callers in crisis, assess suicidal ideation, and provide unbiased support and validation of feelings.
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Access alcohol, drug and mental health referral information from data base while engaging in conversation with caller.
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Use listening skills and reflect feelings to invite self-disclosure.
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Research internet for information to supplement referral information.
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Document nature of call and follow up activities
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Participate in monthly trainings to increase knowledge of special populations and alcohol, drug and mental health concerns.
Veteran's Advocate (2013)
Columbia County Veteran’s Stand Down
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Assisting Veterans to access services during the Columbia County Veterans Stand Down
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Assisting with setup and break down of the service facility
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Assisted with fundraisers leading up to the Stand Down
Special Projects
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PPE for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (2020)
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Collaborative Member of the Columbia County JRI Team (2020)
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Member of the Rules Advisory Committee for OAR 309-019-0195 DUII Provider Rules (2017)
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Member of the Columbia County Substance Abuse Steering Committee (2017)
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The MWRS Participant Workbook (2017)
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Cultural consultant for research collaboration between OHSU and Columbia University (using technology to deliver Relapse Prevention Modules to Outpatient service recipients (2013-2014)