Students attend 2025 Illinois Certification Board Conference, Erick Guzman-Macedo was chosen as ICB Student Advisor.
Joliet, Ill. – Students Amanda Dutkiewicz, Briana Kienzynski, Christopher Parra, and Erick Guzman-Macedo from the Substance Abuse Counseling Program recently attended the 2025 Illinois Certification Board (ICB) Spring Conference. They were joined by our current SAC Program Coordinator, Kirsten Leininger, and our recently retired Coordinator, Larry Dunbar.
This annual event brought together human service professionals, educators, and students from across the state for a dynamic series of workshops, networking opportunities, and presentations focused on best practices in substance use counseling and behavioral health care.
This year’s conference provided students with an immersive professional development experience and underscored the university’s commitment to preparing competent, compassionate, and credentialed professionals ready to serve individuals and families impacted by substance use.
The University of St. Francis recognizes the continued leadership of its Substance Abuse Counseling Program Coordinator, Kirsten Leininger, who was re-elected as Treasurer of the Illinois Certification Board during the conference.
ICB sets and upholds professional standards by evaluating education and experience, publishing credentialing guidelines, and ensuring that credentialing for addiction professionals in Illinois meets or exceeds international standards.
The University of St. Francis (USF) is proud to announce that Erick Guzman-Macedo, a junior majoring in Substance Use Counseling and Psychology, has been officially selected as the next Student Advisor to the Illinois Certification Board (ICB). Following a nomination process, Erick was chosen for his academic achievements, dedication to the field of substance use counseling, and commitment to professional excellence.
Left: Junior Erick Guzman-Macedo with Chris Boyster, Executive Director of ICB.
Erick will begin his two-year term on July 1, 2025, where he will serve as a voice for students in the field, providing insight into their educational experiences and perspectives on the evolving landscape of substance use counseling. As a bilingual second-generation Mexican-American and a highly engaged student, Erick brings a unique and valuable perspective to the board. His selection underscores his leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to advancing the field of human services.
“Erick has demonstrated a level of engagement, professionalism, and dedication that is truly exceptional,” said Kirsten Leininger, the Substance Abuse Counseling Program Coordinator at USF. “His contributions will undoubtedly enrich the Illinois Certification Board, and we are incredibly proud of his achievements.”
The Illinois Certification Board is responsible for credentialing and supporting professionals in substance use and behavioral health services across the state. As Student Advisor, Erick will play a key role in shaping policies and initiatives that impact future professionals in the field.
Please join us in congratulating Erick Guzman on this well-earned achievement!
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The University of St. Francis, in Joliet, Ill., serves close to 3,300 students nationwide and offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs in the arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and social work. There are over 53,000 USF alumni across the globe. For information, call 800-735-7500 or visit https://www.stfrancis.edu/.
University of St. Francis: Bigger thinking. Brighter purpose.
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