Mike Sciandra is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at Choices Treatment Center (choicestreatmentcenter.net), and was recently named the Executive Director of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling.
Tell us a little about your business. – Choices Treatment Center is an outpatient addiction treatment facility with offices in Lincoln and Columbus. We serve individuals struggling with a variety of addiction and mental health concerns, including substance use disorder. However, we are most known for the free and confidential problem gambling treatment we offer, thanks to our affiliation with the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program.
In March, I was named Executive Director of the Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling (NeCPG). The mission of NeCPG is to increase public awareness of problem gambling, encourage availability of treatment services for problem gamblers and their families, and provide resources for education and prevention. NeCPG is also responsible for promoting and answering the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER).
How did you get started in the business? – I am a problem gambler in recovery, and have been bet-free since December 2020. Most of my previous career was in sales and management, including operating a freelance promotional marketing business. I was fortunate to receive life-saving treatment from Choices. As I entered recovery, I knew I wanted to help others avoid gambling-related harm. Since I made this commitment to serve, so many opportunities have opened up for me personally and professionally.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have a daughter, Kennedy, who will be a senior at Lincoln Southeast, and a black kitty named Krobus who is spoiled like a baby.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Days off are rare, but I like a good gym workout, hanging out with my daughter, and watching live sports.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I love to chase storms and have taken weather spotter classes.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Dedicated
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Besides NeCPG, I volunteer with RISE, doing in-prison job and business coaching. I am also passionate about food insufficiency, volunteering with FoodNet and the United Way in Columbus.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – My favorite book is The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so (phone/email/business website)? – Contact Choices 24-hour helpline at 402-476-2300 or choicestreatmentcenter.net. For more information about NeCPG, please contact me directly at 402-217-1500 or go to www.necpg.org.