Meet Joyce Koerner, Alcohol & Drug Counselor at Common Ground

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Today, we’re proud to introduce you to another one of our staff members at Common Ground, Joyce Koerner. Joyce is a primary counselor at Common Ground in Rochester, facilitating the men’s evening group in addition to completing chemical health assessments.

Joyce first joined the Common Ground team as an LADC intern in May 2017 until November 2017, rejoining the team in June 2018 as a primary counselor. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Lawrence University and her Master’s degree in Integrated Behavioral Health at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities. She holds her license as a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC) through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT).

We sat down with Joyce to learn more about her background and passion for the field:

Why are you passionate about the field of alcohol and drug counseling?

“After I completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology, the information that kept coming to my mind was psychopharmacology, how mood-altering chemicals work. I felt drawn to learn more about addiction and found  myself drawn to work with individuals who are overcoming this disorder.”

What’s your favorite thing about Common Ground?

“My coworkers! And our commitment to serving this population.”

What advice would you give to someone struggling with addiction today?

“Seek help. You are not alone.”

What are your hobbies? 

“I love to crochet and I’m a huge nerd. I love watching Sci Fi and table-top gaming.”

Favorite words of wisdom?
“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” – Albert Einstein.

Joyce grew up in rural SE Minnesota and expresses a passion for working in this part of the state. She says, “Although I have had a variety of job titles, during my journey through school I have always found ways to support others in their journeys. I feel blessed to have found my calling.”

Common Ground provides outpatient treatment for substance use disorder in Rochester, Winona and Red Wing, MN. To schedule a chemical use assessment or learn more about our programs, contact us today.