USF Student Elected to the ICB Board of Directors

Joliet, Ill. – University of St. Francis (USF) recently announced that student Monika Gomez has been elected to a two-year term on the Illinois Certification Board (ICB). Gomez, who began her term earlier this month, will be filling a newly created Board seat and will be representing students enrolled in ICB-accredited training programs in the State of Illinois. This past May, Gomez graduated Cum Laude from USF with a bachelor’s degree in substance abuse counseling. At that time, Gomez also began coursework at USF toward a master’s degree in social work in pursuit of plans to become a licensed clinical social worker where she can apply her tremendous passion for the field of mental health and substance abuse counseling. “As student advisor of the Illinois Certification Board, I am thrilled to help in not only ensuring that students are getting the most out of their education/training program but ensuring that the population we serve is getting the best quality treatment. I am so excited to have been provided this opportunity and I look forward to what the next year will bring,” Gomez said. Jessica Hayes, ICB Executive Director, offered that Gomez presents many positives in her new role with the organization. “It is with great pleasure the ICB announces the addition of Monika Gomez to the Board of Directors. Ms. Gomez was seated, by unanimous vote, as the Student Advisor for this term. Passion and energy are the words that come to mind within the first few minutes of interacting with Ms. Gomez. A breath of fresh air, coupled with a sound knowledge base, Ms. Gomez will serve as a voice for students in the ICB Accredited Training Programs,” said Hayes. Lawrence (Larry) Dunbar, USF Substance Abuse Counseling Program coordinator and instructor, believes Gomez’s preparation and passion will have wide-reaching impact. “I am so excited for Monika and very proud of all she has accomplished in her coursework and in her internships. I am confident that she is going to bring her passion and dedication to helping other individuals, and their families, rebuild their lives. She will be a wonderful asset to the ICB Board,” Dunbar said. About the ICB Board of Directors The ICB Board of Directors is responsible for the workings of the ICB, which serves as the certification organization for human service professionals such as substance abuse counselors, prevention specialists and recovery specialists. The ICB Board of Directors also oversees the executive director of ICB, maintains the organization’s code of ethics, develops new certifications, and ensures that certification exams are up-to-date, reliable and defensible. Visit iaodapca.org for more information. : : The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 4,000 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 52,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit stfrancis.edu. University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose. # # #