Meet Kayla Wilson, BS, CPT, a mental health practitioner and drug and alcohol counselor at Choices Treatment Center (choicestreatmentcenter.com).
Tell us a little about your business. – At Choices Treatment Center, I currently work with individuals struggling with substance use, grief, identity, trauma, relationship concerns, anxiety and depression.
How did you get started in the business? – I never expected to be in the counseling profession until I started seeing a counselor myself. My counselor at the time and my husband were the ones who encouraged me to consider the idea of entering the profession. I would not be here without the prompting of some important people in my life who saw something in me that I did not see in myself.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I have had to work through my own trauma while going to school and working. The challenge of managing myself and tending to my own needs while also completing homework and effectively helping others was and still is sometimes overwhelming.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – To my knowledge, I am the first in my family to start and complete an undergraduate and graduate program. I am really thankful to have the support and resources to pursue and complete such a big task.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a husband, Art Wilson. We have been married for almost five years.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – My husband and I enjoy biking, working out and fishing.
Who inspires you? – My husband. He has been through hell and has experienced a lot of bummer things, but today he is eight years sober, finished his MBA, completed multiple certifications and is about to start a PhD program. On top of all that, he is an amazing husband that loves me well. I don’t think I could ask for a better inspiration than him.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – I’m not sure I want to be remembered… I would describe myself as Christian and as a Christ follower, I don’t think my job is to be remembered. Plus, memories fade and do not last. People will eventually forget me or simply not know me generations later. Rather, I want people to know and experience Christ through me. This is what matters, and this is what lasts.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – In addition to working at Choices, I also work as a personal trainer. The combination of both is helpful for my wellness. Plus, I’m a big advocate for overall wellness including mind, body, and spirit, so I think having the knowledge of each area is helpful for clients. I also hope to be a mom someday and I would love for that venture to be successful.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I am on the board of directors for Transformations Thrift Store. In short, Transformations seeks to transform the community by loving their neighbors. Not only do they provide quality goods at a decent price for people in the neighborhood, but they also have a relational approach to service and provide a place for people to feel safe and belong. It’s something worth being a part of.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Right now, Rendang.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – kwilson.choices@outlook.com; (402) 413-9848; choicestreatmentcenter.com.