Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Billue. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Amanda , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My journey towards discovering my purpose was not a straightforward path but rather a series of twists and turns, each contributing to my personal and professional growth. It was through confronting challenges head-on and embracing moments of profound loss and triumph that I gradually unearthed my true calling.
My initial steps towards purpose began at Purdue University, where I delved into Psychology with a yearning to make a meaningful impact. This passion led me to a career working with children grappling with behavioral complexities. However, it was a pivotal shift towards aiding adults entrenched in addiction and mental health battles that illuminated my path forward.
In 2015, my husband, kids, and I made the move from Indiana to Texas. Two years later, I found myself starting a new chapter working for a medical stabilization service in Oklahoma. This role not only provided me with valuable experience but also solidified my sense of purpose.
The trajectory of my life took a profound turn when addiction struck my family with devastating force, claiming the life of my brother. His sudden passing rocked me to my core, leaving me reeling with grief and disbelief. Yet, amidst the darkness, a spark ignited within me, fueling a fierce determination.
Despite the inevitable setbacks and heartaches along the way, it was the small victories—the reunification of families torn apart by addiction, the grateful calls from individuals whose lives had been transformed—that fueled my determination. Even in the face of tragedy, such as my brother’s untimely passing, I found the strength to persevere, knowing that his memory would live on through my unwavering dedication to helping others.
Through adversity and triumph alike, I discovered that my purpose lay in offering hope to those lost in the darkness of addiction, guiding them towards a future filled with promise and possibility. It was through overcoming my own challenges and embracing my unique journey that I found the courage to step into my purpose, determined to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In my professional journey, I’ve found myself deeply entrenched in the realm of addiction treatment, where every day presents an opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of others. Currently, I’m thrilled to spearhead a withdrawal management service at Carrolton Regional Medical Center in Carrolton, Texas. Our focus is on aiding adults aged 18 and older who are grappling with active or impending withdrawal from drugs and/or alcohol.
At our facility, we provide a lifeline to those in need through a medically supervised inpatient stabilization service. This service typically spans 3 to 5 days, offering individuals a safe and supportive environment to navigate the challenging journey of withdrawal. It’s a privilege to witness the transformative power of our interventions as individuals emerge from the depths of addiction towards a path of healing and recovery.
Moreover, I am immensely blessed to be a part of Clearfork Academy —an organization that embodies a unique and holistic approach to adolescent addiction treatment. Nestled in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas, Clearfork Academy provides a ranch-style campus for adolescent males (ages 13-18), while their Cleburne location caters to adolescent females aged 13-18. What sets Clearfork Academy apart is its fusion of Christian emphasis and evidence-based therapies, creating a nurturing environment where young individuals can heal, grow, and thrive.
But what truly makes my work special and exciting is the opportunity to witness the resilience and courage of those we serve. Each day brings new challenges, but also moments of triumph and hope. Whether it’s seeing a patient find the strength to overcome addiction or witnessing a young person reclaim their life from the clutches of addiction, these experiences reaffirm my belief in the power of compassion, perseverance, and faith.
Being able to play a role in someone’s journey towards recovery is a privilege—one that I don’t take lightly. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found. And for me, that light shines brightest when I see the lives of individuals and families transformed by the healing power of hope and love.
In the midst of my professional endeavors, my personal life is equally fulfilling and dynamic. My husband and I are in the process of adopting my brother’s two children, a decision that has expanded our family to include six wonderful kids. This journey of adoption has brought its own set of challenges and joys, reinforcing the importance of love, resilience, and family bonds.
Navigating the intricacies of adoption while balancing the demands of work has been a testament to our commitment to providing a nurturing and stable environment for our growing family. As we welcome these two additional members into our home, our hearts are filled with anticipation and gratitude for the opportunity to offer them a loving and supportive upbringing.
This blend of professional and personal fulfillment is what makes each day a rich tapestry of experiences and blessings. Whether it’s guiding individuals through the process of recovery or nurturing the growth of our expanding family, every moment is imbued with purpose and meaning. And as we embark on this new chapter of parenthood, we do so with open hearts and unwavering dedication to the well-being and happiness of all our children.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as particularly impactful: empathy, resilience, and adaptability.
Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others has been essential in my work with individuals struggling with addiction and their families. Empathy allows us to connect on a deeper level, to truly grasp the challenges faced by those we seek to help. To develop empathy, I would advise individuals to actively listen to others without judgment, seek to understand their perspectives, and put themselves in their shoes. Cultivating empathy requires openness, compassion, and a willingness to step outside of one’s own experiences.
Resilience: In the face of adversity and setbacks, resilience is what allows us to persevere and keep moving forward. Throughout my journey, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles and moments of despair, but it’s been my resilience that has enabled me to weather the storms and emerge stronger on the other side. To build resilience, it’s important to cultivate a positive mindset, practice self-care, and seek support from others. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning can also foster resilience and fortify one’s ability to bounce back from adversity.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new situations and navigate change with ease has been crucial in my professional journey, especially in an ever-evolving field like addiction treatment. Whether it’s adjusting to new treatment modalities, navigating complex family dynamics, or responding to unforeseen challenges, adaptability allows us to remain agile and effective in our work. To cultivate adaptability, I would encourage individuals to embrace uncertainty, cultivate a growth mindset, and be willing to step outside of their comfort zones. Flexibility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn from every experience are key to developing adaptability.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice would be to focus on developing these three qualities: empathy, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities will not only serve you well in your professional endeavors but also in your personal life. Cultivate empathy by actively listening to others and seeking to understand their experiences. Build resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues. And finally, nurture adaptability by remaining open-minded, flexible, and willing to embrace change. By honing these qualities, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the twists and turns of your journey and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m eager to collaborate with individuals and organizations who share a passion for addressing addiction and promoting recovery. Whether you’re directly involved in addiction treatment or have personal experience with addiction, I’m excited to explore potential partnerships.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, I’m here to offer support and guidance. Whether it’s connecting you with resources, providing information about treatment options, or simply lending a listening ear, I’m committed to helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of addiction.
Additionally, I’m interested in collaborating with hospitals and healthcare organizations that are interested in providing a withdrawal management service. I’d love to explore how we can work together to develop and implement a withdrawal management service that meets the needs of your patients and community.
If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more about how we can work together, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at amanda.miller1016@gmail.com. I’m excited to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations who are dedicated to making a difference in the field of addiction treatment and recovery. Let’s work together to create positive change and support those in need.
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-billue-a2b813184
- Other: www.crmc.health, amanda.billue@crmc.health or www.clearforkacademy.com abillue@clearforkacademy.com
