River Oaks Announces New Client Care Coordinator

River Oaks staff are excited to name Mattie Velasco as their new Client Care Coordinator. Mattie has personal experience with the disease of addiction and is in long-term recovery, making her an understanding and compassionate advocate for all River Oaks clientele.

Before taking on the role of Client Care Coordinator at River Oaks in Tampa, FL, Velasco acted as a treatment advocate at the facility, working closely with patients and boosting the connection and community between them. Velasco’s desire to increase communication and support amongst all River Oaks patients comes from the personal knowledge she has that connection to a sober community is crucial to sustained recovery from addiction. In her time as treatment advocate, Velasco:

• Implemented an alumni group.
• Began a program wherein speakers came bimonthly to share their recovery journeys.
• Contacted potential sponsors for patients leaving treatment to ensure they had support after their time at River Oaks.

For Velasco, working with patients who struggle with the disease of addiction isn’t just a job; it’s her passion. “I am living the gift of recovery every day, and it’s truly a blessing to be able to help our patients build the foundation of their recovery while they’re here,” she said of her experiences at River Oaks Treatment Center. “Staying in recovery and helping others are my two primary purposes, and the encouragement I receive from patients, clinical staff and leadership really motivates me every day.”

Of Velasco’s dedication to the patients with whom she works, CEO Jeff Turiczek said, “We’re very lucky to have Mattie on our team, her dedication and devotion to our patients is palpable.”

Continuing to work toward her mission of helping those living with addiction as well as victims of exploitation and human trafficking, Velasco is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration at St. Petersburg College and training to become a peer support specialist.