Sally Burleson is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS) and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). For more than 25 years, she has worked in the substance abuse field, helping people with the disease of addiction. She is passionate about providing direct care as well as supervising and guiding new teammates to mentoring professionals seeking licensure in the substance use disorder field.

Sally’s passion for helping others find recovery came from her own experience getting clean and sober at the age of 16. Her personal experience not only set her on a professional course as an addiction specialist, it also gives her a unique vantage point to connect with students and families she works with.

Prior to joining The Goodale School and Recovery Community, Sally provided clinical services in a variety of settings, most recently at Four Circles Recovery Center, a wilderness-based treatment program for young adults struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues. At Four Circles, she led the clinical team, facilitated the Rites of Passage Vision Quest experience, developed and implemented the Fifth Circle Extended Care Program and coordinated a monthly three-day family seminar. Her prior experience at other therapeutic wilderness programs and therapeutic boarding schools allows Sally to use her clinical knowledge skills to creatively meet individuals where they are and support them in the process of finding recovery.

Sally earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Carolina University. Her lifelong commitment to young people facing the challenges of substance use and co-occurring disorders is rooted in the hope and knowledge that recovery is possible. She appreciates the opportunity to play one part in providing students and families with the tools they need to be successful.

Sally loves being a wife and mother. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her son, cooking or loving on the family dog, Bear.