Elissa Kent PhD, LMSW, CAADC, CCS, ADS-RT
Member, MCBAP Board of Directors
“My most sacred professional purpose is to ensure that individuals with SUD are given adequate, appropriate care that supports their wellbeing. Individuals with SUD have a lengthy history of experiencing both individual and institutional stigmatization and I am dedicated to preventing the continuation of these issues.”
Elissa Kent has been a dedicated member of the MCBAP Board of Directors since 2021. She currently serves as the BSW Field Director and Assistant Department Head for Northern Michigan University’s Social Work Department, where she is also an Assistant Professor. In addition to her academic role, Elissa provides consulting services to agencies in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, focusing on organizational development and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) needs. She is also a trainer for NADA, specializing in the Auricular Acu-detox protocol. Elissa serves on the Marquette County Overdose Fatality Review Team which reviews overdose fatalities in an effort to provide recommendations to local and state stakeholders and decision makers to reduce overdose deaths.
Elissa is an active contributor to MCBAP’s Ethics and Policy Committees. Her commitment to ethical standards and policy development aligns with her broader professional goal: ensuring that individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) receive appropriate, stigma-free care.
Her academic journey includes a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Adler University in Chicago, an MSW from the University of North Dakota, and a BSW from Northern Michigan University. Prior to her academic career, Elissa held various leadership roles at Great Lakes Recovery Center, including Operations Director, Director of Residential Services, and Clinical Supervisor. Her experience spans a wide range of programs, such as social detox, residential, outpatient, and crisis services.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elissa has a unique background in music. She initially pursued a choral music major at Western Michigan University before shifting to social work and remains an accomplished vocalist and guitarist.
Elissa’s passion for serving on the MCBAP Board stems from her belief in the importance of credentialing and licensing for professionals working in the SUD field. She understands that specialized training is crucial for understanding and addressing the complexities of those with SUD, ensuring that clients receive care that prioritizes their wellbeing.