Richard Edgley
Saint Charles
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record at Lighthouse Recovery Inc, excelling in substance use counseling and group facilitation. Expert in client-centered planning and creative therapy integration, I have successfully developed personalized treatment plans and facilitated impactful recovery groups, enhancing client engagement and support in diverse recovery journeys. Dynamic CADC Counselor Intern specializing in substance use counseling, crisis de-escalation, and trauma-informed care. Committed to developing personalized treatment plans and facilitating group sessions to promote recovery.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intake Counselor
Lighthouse Recovery Inc
St. Charles
03.2025 - Current
- Provided direct support and counseling to individuals in recovery, addressing diverse needs.
- Facilitated recovery groups focused on relapse prevention and emotional regulation.
- Supported co-occurring mental health challenges using a recovery-informed approach.
- Integrated art-based therapeutic practices to enhance client engagement.
- Engaged in case management, offering referrals for housing, legal aid, and vocational services.
- Developed personalized treatment plans tailored to individual client requirements.
- Conducted one-on-one counseling sessions to bolster emotional and psychological support.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions and progress notes.
Counselor
SMART Recovery
01.2006 - Current
- Facilitated support group sessions to promote open communication among participants.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress in the system.
- Collaborated with community resources to improve available client support services.
- Conducted intake assessments for individuals seeking support in recovery.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to clients during initial consultations.
- Facilitated workshops on various recovery topics for community engagement.
- Collaborated with treatment teams to develop personalized recovery plans.
- Educated clients about SMART Recovery principles and resources available.
- Coordinated referrals to additional services based on client needs.
- Participated in ongoing training to enhance counseling skills and knowledge.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate client care and ensure continuity of services.
- Ensured safety protocols were followed during transport of high-risk patients from emergency departments.
- Created an environment that was safe, supportive, nonjudgmental, and affirming for all clients served by the program.
- Facilitated support groups for individuals coping with substance use disorders or mental health issues.
- Conducted comprehensive intake assessments to evaluate clients' mental health needs and develop treatment plans.
- Maintained accurate clinical records of client progress in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Conducted follow-up calls with discharged patients to monitor their status post-treatment.
- Performed outreach activities including public speaking engagements at schools or local organizations related to mental health topics.
- Monitored clients' medication compliance, side effects, and effectiveness of treatments; adjusted medications as necessary.
- Actively participated in case reviews and conferences to share information about client's progress towards recovery goals.
Founder / Owner
Gasketmax
St. Charles
01.2006 - Current
- Founded and operated a custom gasket business serving the motorsports industry.
- Led all aspects of business development, from design to marketing and logistics.
Art Educator / Special Education Instructor / Department Head
York High School
Elmhurst
01.2001 - 05.2026
- Directed nationally recognized digital and traditional arts program, benefiting over 2,500 students.
- Developed inclusive curricula for general education and students with IEPs.
- Managed $30K departmental budget, organizing bi-annual exhibits featuring over 1,000 student artworks.
- Facilitated professional development and evaluations for more than 20 faculty in arts and consumer sciences.
Design Instructor
Lake County Community College
Grayslake
- Taught design and digital identity through print, web, and branding projects.
Education
Master of Science - CADC
Aurora University
Aurora, ILMS - Educational Administration & Leadership
University of Illinois
Chicago, ILMA - Interdisciplinary Arts in Teaching
Columbia College
Chicago, ILBA - Graphic Design & Advertising
Columbia College
Chicago, ILSkills
- Substance use counseling
- Group facilitation
- Client-centered planning
- Crisis de-escalation
- SMART recovery techniques
- Motivational interviewing
- Trauma-informed care
- Family systems therapy
- Special needs education
- Curriculum design
- Strategic planning
- Creative therapy integration
- Adobe Creative Suite proficiency
- Learning management systems
- Microsoft Office suite
- CRM management
Websites
Certification
• Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
• K-12 Art Education
• LBS1 Special Education
• Type 75 School Leadership License
• US Rowing Coaching Level 2
• K-12 Art Education
• LBS1 Special Education
• Type 75 School Leadership License
• US Rowing Coaching Level 2
Writing And Volunteer Experience
- Brighter Prospects for a Better Future, 01/01/22
- SMART Recovery, IL, Counselor
Other Professional Experience
- Founder / Owner, Gasketmax, St. Charles, IL, 01/01/06, Present, Founded and operated a custom gasket business serving the motorsports industry., Led all aspects of business development, from design to marketing and logistics.
- Marketing Director, Capitol EMI Records, Chicago, IL, Designed marketing campaigns, club events, and album visuals for major musical acts.
- Marketing and Sales Manager, Wax Trax! Records, Chicago, IL, Managed a $2M product catalog and implemented customer engagement strategies.
- Design Instructor, Lake County Community College, Grayslake, IL, Taught design and digital identity through print, web, and branding projects.
Education Experience
Art Educator / Special Education Instructor / Department Head, York High School, Elmhurst, IL, 01/01/01, Present, Led a nationally recognized digital and traditional arts program serving over 2,500 students., Designed inclusive curricula that served both general education and students with IEPs., Managed a $30K department budget and organized bi-annual exhibits of 1,000+ student artworks., Conducted professional development and evaluated 20+ faculty across arts and consumer sciences., Established Advanced Placement courses and college credit pathways in art production and history.
Timeline
Intake Counselor
Lighthouse Recovery Inc
03.2025 - Current
Counselor
SMART Recovery
01.2006 - Current
Founder / Owner
Gasketmax
01.2006 - Current
Art Educator / Special Education Instructor / Department Head
York High School
01.2001 - 05.2026
Design Instructor
Lake County Community College
Master of Science - CADC
Aurora University
MS - Educational Administration & Leadership
University of Illinois
MA - Interdisciplinary Arts in Teaching
Columbia College
BA - Graphic Design & Advertising
Columbia College