University of St. Francis Substance Abuse Counseling Students Attend ICB Spring Conference

Students from the Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse Counseling and Postgraduate Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling programs at the University of St. Francis recently attended the annual spring conference hosted by the Illinois Certification Board in Itasca, Illinois.

Seven students participated in the three-day conference, engaging in workshops, networking events, and professional training sessions focused on substance use treatment and workforce development. Their participation, including conference lodging, was made possible through the Phase II CADC Workforce Expansion Grant from the State of Illinois, administered by the Illinois Certification Board. The grant supports the education and training of future substance use counselors across the state.

“I am incredibly proud of our students—they are an exceptional group and represent the future of this field,” said Kirsten Leininger, Program Coordinator. “Opportunities like the ICB Spring Conference allow them to build meaningful connections, deepen their knowledge, and see the real impact they can have in supporting recovery across our communities.”

Pictured are students Christopher Parra, Kimberly Huson, Digna Meloy, India Williams, Briana Kienzynski, Jacob Wilk, and Erick Guzman-Macedo, along with former Program Coordinator Larry Dunbar and current Program Coordinator Kirsten Leininger.

During the conference, it was also announced that Leininger was elected President-Elect of the Illinois Certification Board, the organization responsible for credentialing substance use counselors and accrediting training programs throughout Illinois.

The University of St. Francis extends its gratitude to the Illinois Certification Board and the State of Illinois for their continued investment in workforce development through the CADC Workforce Expansion Grant.