With four years of experience as a dedicated Substance Use Disorder Counselor, I have successfully worked across diverse settings including residential, outpatient, and opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Passionate about fostering positive change, I excel in facilitating group, family, and individual sessions, helping clients navigate their recovery journeys. I hold a bachelor’s degree in human services leadership, which has further enriched my counseling practice. At 31, I balance my professional life with my role as a spouse and parent, along with caring for our beloved pets. As a family we enjoy spending our time outdoors. Born and raised in the picturesque Northwoods, I am committed to serving and uplifting our local community, bringing a deep sense of empathy and understanding to my work.

Over the last 10 years, Rebecca has experienced a wide variety of approaches to help people learn from their past, to develop coping skills to avoid the negative impacts of turning to substances, and to use decision-making frameworks to work through issues in a healthier way. Her training includes becoming a certified substance abuse counselor, which means she is well-versed in the clinical application of addiction counseling in addition to her hands-on work experience helping people heal.

Her passion for helping people battling addiction—and the families and communities impacted by substance abuse—comes from her own experience. She grew up in a ‘using environment,’ where family members were negatively impacted by substance abuse. She even shared that she’s pretty much the only sober one in her family.

“I enjoy when clients make positive changes in their lives and it keeps me motivated,” Rebecca said. “I’m excited for Gookomis to reopen and the impact we will make working within the community.”

There are not many nearby treatment options, she said. Many people are now traveling many hours to find treatment. Being closer to home allows for people to be closer to their support networks and their culture, she said, which is important to healing.

“When you are far away you feel alone and isolated and that can have a negative effect on people and their ability to heal,” she said.

Why did you choose to join Gookomis Endaad?

Rebecca joined Gookomis Endaad for a variety for reasons—from the location to the community to the name Gookomis Endaad, which means ‘grandmother’s house.’

“Coming out here and seeing the property is amazing!” she said. “You are surrounded by nature. People in recovery find being in touch with nature soothing and peaceful. You can see animals and nature surrounding you here. It’s a beautiful spot for people to recover and for professionals to work. People seeking treatment will have everything they need right here.”

“I feel my values align with tribal culture and traditions that respect the Earth and everyone and everything on it,” she continued. “I’ve heard the word family a lot since starting here at Gookomis. I love the connectedness within the community to each other and to nature. I’m happy and excited about this opportunity.”

She also shared that she loves the name Gookomis Endaad. “I know it means grandmother’s house. It just sounds like family to me. It portrays us as a welcoming place. It doesn’t sound sterile like a hospital system.”   

Looking Ahead

Rebecca looks forward to learning more about the community and to getting involved in the community. She’s already spent time at the Family Resource Center (FRC) and wellness court to understand the available resources.

“It’s important that we understand and spread the word about the resources available and let people know we care,” she said. “Seeing how FRC and the wellness court runs is valuable to me so that I can provide as much support to our patients as possible.”

“What’s really cool is that there are some people working at FRC who used to work at Gookomis,” she said. “I was able to talk with them and understand how we can work best together to help people heal.”

Working across the many resources available to patients throughout their healing journey, she intends to continue to build a seamless transition for people who complete their recovery at Gookomis and move into an outpatient program, after-care program, or require ongoing support within the community. 

AODA Counselor Rebecca … After Hours

In her free time, Rebecca loves to spend time with family, camp, fish, hike, listen to music and play with her dogs, a Boston Terrier named Daisy and a Shepherd-Collie-mix named George.

She moved to the Northwoods in 1998 for the peaceful living and pace of life in a rural community. She enjoys searching for agates, which are colorful rocks associated with healing properties. Her brother sparked her interest in the amateur geologist pursuit of agates along the shores of Lake Superior and other places. She laughs and hesitantly says she caught on pretty fast to digging and finding agates out of a pile of rocks.

A self-described ‘Lego nerd,’ she also enjoys assembling Legos as her own version of self-care. Her grandson loves Legos too, which is rewarding for her. He started by watching her putting the Legos together and now he is constantly digging into her sets.

Over the coming weeks and months, you likely will see Rebecca around the community. She says make sure to say hello!

Hello,

Let me introduce myself, my name is Deborah Swiader, I am the Nurse Care Coordinator for Gookomis Endaad. I have been an RN for over 11 years but have been in the medical field as an LPN and CMA for over 25 years. I am also working towards my Bachelor’s Degree as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor.  I have recently enjoyed my time working with Peter Christensen Health Center for the past year, where I have met some wonderful people.  I have transferred to working at Gookomis Endaad, as this is where my passion is serving people with addictions. My brother had a drug and alcohol addiction that ultimately led to his death in 2023. My father was also an alcohol abuser who spent most of his life inebriated until the last year of his life. My father passed away when I was thirteen years old of a massive heart attack that was linked to his alcohol abuse. When my father decided to quit drinking, his behavior changed so much it was like having a new father.  I cherished my time with both of them and I am thankful I had them in my life. I’ve seen what addiction can do to a person and family, and that is why I want to help those in need. In my spare time, I like to go fishing, camping, snowmobiling and just enjoy the outdoors. I can’t wait to meet all of the wonderful people wanting to change their lives. We are here to support you at Gookomis Endaad.