-Tim Brustad
PEASE Academy Celebrates 25 years
In 1995, I did my first of two internships to become a “Certified” Chemical Dependency Counselor (yes, this was pre-licensure). The concept of a sober high school was pretty new at the time. Times at PEASE were different back then; it was truly the holistic environment that many can envision. We would sit in our circles and pass the candle around. I think we were even using bean-bag chairs at the time. It was a wonderful experience for me, a true foundation for what my career would behold. Later, I was asked by Steve Massey, director at the time, to sit on the board of PEASE. This was another invaluable experience. This was also the first time that I met Michael Durchslag, in passing, who is now the current Director of PEASE Academy.
I attended the PEASE 25th celebration this past week. While some things have changed it was also clear that many things had not. The feeling of family was apparent everywhere you went and with everyone you talked to. It didn’t matter if they were current students or family or alumni, there was a clear bond, the unspoken thoughts that “I understand where you’re coming from, I know why we are here, and thank the stars that PEASE is part of our journey.” It was a beautiful evening and clear that, once again, PEASE staff had put heart and soul into making it a success.
Isn’t it funny how things sometimes come around full-circle? Who would have thought that 20 years later I am once again offered the gift of working with PEASE students. As one of the StepUP chemical dependency counselors, I am afforded the opportunity to work with so many PEASE graduates that have taken the next step by enrolling here at Augsburg College. Recovery and quality of life go hand-in-hand. What better way to answer the often-asked question, “If I’m not using what am I supposed to do?” than to offer the answer of education. Complementing a recovery program with the depth and breadth of an education is the perfect answer and PEASE Academy clearly has demonstrated an ability to make that work.
I have seen a lot of agencies and programs come and go in the past 20 years. The quality ones are still around, like PEASE. I think it’s a reflection of the good “family” that exists there.
Here is to another 25 years!