Spotlight Series – Terry Shapiro
Terry Shapiro, MS, CADC – Community Relations Officer
Terry has over 25 years of experience working in addiction and behavioral health — including 12 years in executive leadership roles with three prominent companies in Illinois and Florida. Terry began his career as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. He served as an employee assistance counselor for Amtrak Railroad and then as executive director for the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services in Tennessee. He developed and implemented prevention programs in schools and provided counseling to youth and families in Bogota, Colombia. While there, he operated a baseball academy and was also a scout for the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.
Terry is fluent in Spanish and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He has presented at national and regional conferences, conducted interventions, and provided several print and broadcast interviews on addiction treatment. He received his bachelor’s degree in social work from Winona State University in Minnesota and his master’s degree in in Human Services Counseling with an emphasis on addictions from National Louis University in Evanston, IL.
After so many years in the industry, why did you choose to work at Origins?
I believe in divine intervention. I was getting frustrated and thinking about leaving the field of addiction as it seemed like treatment providers were going backwards and trying to reinvent the wheel, while getting away from solid, 12-Step processes that I know work. A situation occurred that led me to meet with Drew and Rick. I admired their amazing leadership and loved the Origins’ philosophy and direction.
If there were only one thing you could tell us about working in your area of treatment, what would it be?
We build lasting relationships to help people and families find recovery.
Do you belong to any professional organizations or activities outside of Origins that you are passionate about?
I worked in professional baseball and still stay connected through the Chicago Pitch-and-Hit Club for Baseball Executives. I’m also an advisory board member of the Chicago Jewish Center for Addiction and Recovery.
Are you in recovery yourself? If so, what do you love most about being in recovery?
I’m proud to be in recovery since May 26, 1984. Recovery is love. We have been given the blessing to live a second life in one lifetime. Helping others is what I love most.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Do you have any pets or engage in any special hobbies?
Today, I’m a “social animal!” I love being around people. My family deserves my free time since my work and program keep me busy, so I spend as much time as I can with them and our two boxers: Luna and Maya.
