Meet Jacklyn Rohlik

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacklyn Rohlik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacklyn below.

Hi Jacklyn , 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?

I found my purpose through my own journey of recovery in a 12 step program. This experience not only transformed my life but also gave me a profound sense of direction and meaning. As I worked through the 12 step program I realized the power of connection, support, and the ability to help others who were struggling with similar challenges. Over the years I have witnessed first hand how individuals can change their lives with the Right support and guidance. People battling substance use in mental health issues became more than a job – it became my calling. For the past 12 years as a person working in treatment I became a drug and alcohol counselor, I’ve been able to combine my personal experience with professional skills to help others navigate their recovery. My purpose is rooted in offering hope, helping people find their strength, and empowering them to reclaim their lives, just as others once did for me.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have been working in the field of substance use in mental health for the past 12 years. I have been volunteering with different organizations mainly Tonis house, here in Las Vegas NV as that is where I went for sober living after graduating from West Care women and Children’s campus. I think the biggest thing for me is growth I was raised in a home where neither of my parents graduated high school and suffered their own demons, my father passed when I was 6 and my mother took her last breathe in front of me when I was 22. That was the only life I knew….

Once I completed treatment and moved into Tonis House and I met my mentor Monique she didn’t treat me like I was a child of dysfunction and substance use, who’s mother was crippled with mental health issues, she treated me like a human being that had the ability to grow and break the cycle. I took that opportunity and ran with it. I majored in sociology in my undergrad degree as I longed to better understand the effects my environment had on my upbringing. I bought my first home at 8 years sober, I am currently in my final 7 months of my Maters Degree in social work so that I can use my degrees to help more people and show myself that I am worthy of changing my lifes course and setting a new stage for my children.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think first and foremost would have to be empathy and compassion. Able to truly understand and connect with client struggles fosters trust and a sense of safety. Empathy allows you to meet clients individuals where they are in their journey making them feel seen, heard, and valued

Secondly would be familiarizing yourself with approach skills this could be motivational interviewing or simply building rapport… No two humans are the same.

Another main point would probably be passion where is your passion what does it drive you to do… I know for me when I start talking to someone about recovery and about changing their life my speech becomes rapid, my heart starts to beat faster, and my voice begins to project farther. This I’ve come to utilize to my advantage as this is when my passion flows through me.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

This would be my mentor Monique, she has encouraged me from the moment I walked into that soberly be home.

Contact Info:

• Other: [email protected]