L-R: ACE Program Director Linda Mullis; Patrice Muchowski, VP of Clinical Services; and Stevan Benson, a Worcester County Corrections Officer and per diem counselor at AdCare

Stevan Benson, a Worcester County Corrections Officer who works per diem as a counselor at AdCare Hospital and is an ACE Program graduate, was the keynote speaker.   “Every patient has a story,” said Mr. Benson. “As counselors, it’s critical that we truly listen to our patients.”  Dr. Patrice Muchowski, Vice President of Clinical Services, also addressed the graduating class, family, friends, instructors and administrators. “A combination of empathy, knowledge, and skill are needed by counselors working in this growing and demanding healthcare services profession,” said Dr. Muchowski. “The course work and practicum experience offered through the Addiction Counselor Program serve as a valuable introduction to all aspects of addiction treatment.”

To assist in the professional development of people employed in or seeking employment in addiction treatment, Westfield State College’s Department of Continuing Education launched the Addiction Counselor Education Program at AdCare in 2001.   This 2011-2012 academic year, the AdCare Educational Institute will administer the popular ACE program at AdCare.  “As the mission of the AdCare Educational Institute is to provide for the professional development of people in or seeking to work in the field of alcohol and drug abuse treatment, it just made sense for the Educational Institute to host the Counselor Education Program at AdCare,” said Dr. Muchowski, who also serves as President of the Board of the Adcare Educational Institute, a statewide training agency.  “The AdCare Educational Institute looks forward to working with Westfield State College to ensure the consistency and high quality of course offerings,” said Jim Gorske, Executive Director.  The ACE program classes will continue to be held one evening per week on the AdCare Hospital campus and will be taught and supervised by professionals recognized and credentialed in addiction treatment