Substance use disorder professional (SUDP) Illyana Davis knows what it’s like to be in her clients’ shoes. Having just celebrated 12 years of being substance-free, her experience helps build trust with others beginning their recovery journeys.
“Addiction is a big giant storm,” Illyana explains. “I always say, ‘We’re in the same storm, just different boats.’”
She never imagined that her boat would arrive back at the MultiCare Behavioral Health SUD program —supported by generous donations through MultiCare Behavioral Health Foundation — where she now works and once sought treatment herself.
Rediscovering joy
Illyana still remembers her motivation to start on the path toward recovery. During an inpatient stay for a methamphetamine use disorder that began at age 18, an impromptu karaoke session with her roommates dissolved into silliness.
“We sounded like dying dogs,” Illyana recalls. “I laughed so hard that my belly hurt. Then I started crying because I was laughing so hard … which was a weird feeling that I hadn’t felt in a very long time.
“When you’re in addiction, your capacity for joy is gone,” she continues. “One of the many reasons why I can’t go back to using is because I love feeling happy.”
Illyana’s epiphany led her to enroll in MultiCare Behavioral Health SUD outpatient treatment, where she met SUDP Dave Kraut.
Transformative bonds
From the moment Illyana attended group sessions and individual counseling with Dave, they clicked.
“He was a phenomenal counselor,” she says. “He was just very comforting and honest, and it kept me coming back.”
Dave noticed Illyana’s commitment to recovery early on as she developed a support system and started embracing new coping skills.
“Illyana came in with a very positive outlook and very high energy,” Dave says. “She was ready to take action.”
As Illyana progressed, Dave connected her with housing and health care resources, as well as financial assistance to regain stability.
After graduating, Illyana returned at Dave’s invitation to assist with new support groups. In this setting, he saw her passion for helping others, and he encouraged Illyana to consider pursuing a career in the field.
Four years later, after completing her degree and supervised experience requirements, she became certified as a recovery professional.
From client to colleague
In 2023, Illyana accepted a job with donor-supported Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare, which — along with MultiCare Behavioral Health — comprises MultiCare’s South Sound SUD program.
“When I started, I asked, ‘Hey, does that guy Dave still work here?’” she says. “Now, we work right across the hall from each other.”
In her current role, Illyana conducts walk-in assessments to help new clients get started with services. Dave is now the program’s clinical supervisor, and they collaborate often.
“He’s been a wonderful person to work with and learn from,” Illyana says. “It’s a really cool roundabout moment that I don’t think happens for a lot of people.”
Having Illyana as a colleague not only reminds Dave of the enduring hope in recovery, but she also inspires him with her heart for everyone they serve.
“She’s eager to see people recover,” Dave says. “She genuinely wants to meet people where they are, build them up, encourage them and open the door for them to walk through. We’re lucky to have her as part of the team.”
Illyana is grateful to be providing the same welcoming, person-centered care that she experienced years ago.
“Programs like ours that offer that door to hope are so essential,” she shares. “The beauty is they’re there for you when you’re ready.”
Stepping up for those in need
Amid high nationwide rates of mental health challenges and SUD, the need for compassionate behavioral health care has never been greater. Championing programs and services that lead to recovery begins with recognizing the humanity in everyone.
“We always want to come with that lens of seeing the person and not the addiction,” Dave explains.
Donors play an important part. MultiCare South Sound SUD is supported by community generosity through MultiCare Behavioral Health Foundation, which helps expand clients’ access to care and sustain life-changing treatment options.
“It’s so important we have these services so that when people are ready, there’s somewhere for them to turn to,” Illyana shares. “Every gift we receive is vital and much appreciated.”
