Cassandra Ruela, MA, LPC, IAADC, has been a behavioral health practitioner for over a decade. She has worked in all levels of care for substance use and mental health treatment (Detox, Residential, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient) in nonprofit, for-profit, and private practice settings. Beginning as an unlicensed clinician, she received her first promotion to leadership within 4 years of beginning her career, including Clinical Supervisor and Program Director, leading her to Executive and Clinical Director of Paramount Wellness Retreat. Her focus has been on creating ethical and best-care settings for clients and therapists alike. She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Certification Board and is a member of the Worldwide Women's Association. She has been featured in the CIO Business Magazine edition highlighting the Most Impressive Women Leaders Leading the Healthcare Industry, 2024, and received the Health 2.0 Conference Outstanding Leadership Award 2024. Additionally, she was invited to speak on a panel titled "Let's Talk About Mental Health and Men" at the Health 2.0 Conference in Las Vegas 2024. She is the mother of 3 children (twin 3-year-old boys and a 2-year-old daughter) and currently resides in Farmington, CT with her husband, children, and two dogs.