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February 25th, 2014 Guest: Patricia Reihl Pat has worked in the addiction field since 1977. After securing a nursing license, she began a career as a counselor in a social setting detox, and next worked as a nurse in a 28 day residential program. In 1980 she went to work in a hospital based outpatient program where she developed and directed a special outpatient track for female clients.
In 1981 Pat became Director of Spring House, a female halfway house in Paramus, New Jersey. During her tenure, the program was taken from the brink of closing to the largest female halfway house in the State. Spring House serves today as a national and international model. Ms. Reihl has returned many women to the community as sober, productive members of society and has become a role model for the women she serves.
Throughout the years she returned to college to complete both a Bachelor and Master Degree. This schooling qualified Pat to serve on numerous national committees and boards. In addition, she represented halfway houses on a sub-committee of the American Society of Addictive Medicine and become a member of the faculty at the Rutger’s Summer School of Alcohol and Drug Studies. She has instructed professionals across the Country and Europe.
Pat served as President of the New Jersey Association of Halfway Houses for six years. In 1995 she was elected to a two year term as President of the National Association of Halfway Houses. During her tenure as National President, she brought the National Convention to New Jersey, assisted five states in creating associations, and raised membership in the association to an all-time high.
Because of a personal recovery starting in 1970, she organized a non-profit group with a mission to memorialize the building at 17 William Street where the book “Alcoholics Anonymous” was written. In October of 1998 she was awarded the “Employer of the Year Achievement Award” by the Bergen County Department of Health presented by the County Administration, and again in 2006 accepted the Wynona M. Lipman Award for Community Service presented by the Governor and State Department of Community Affairs, Division on Women for The Family Afterward. Pat Reihl became Executive Director of The Family Afterward, A Freedom House Program, on March 1, 1999.
Pat has recently become a published author with the writing of her book Two Lives, One Lifetime, a story of generational addiction. In addition, more information can be found about Pat and her book at patreihl.com.
Pat’s interests include sunning, daily exercise and workout as well as improving her golf game. She has raised 3 children and she and her husband enjoy their grandchildren.
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