Mr. Thomas began working in a recovery house as a house manager in 1994, responsible for the oversight of 45 residents in a setting to support continued attendance to treatment program and maintaining abstinence from illicit substances. In 2004, began working for Gaudenzia Inc, as a front-line staff member working in a residential inpatient treatment setting for adults living with HIV/AIDS, Co-occurring Disorders, and other traumatic issues. In 2005 enrolled into Community College of Philadelphia to continue education and in 2008 graduated Associates Degree in Behavioral Health and Human Services with high honors.
In 2012, graduated from Alvernia University magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Health Studies with a concentration of Community Mental Health Counseling for Substance Use Disorders. Simultaneously, worked as a Counselor Assistance, Counselor, Clinical Supervisor and Program Director. In 2015, graduated from Chestnut Hill College with a Master of Science degree in Administration of Human Services. Later the same year begin working as a trainer in Gaudenzia’s Inc Training Institute responsible for the training of employees in the following topics: Suicide Prevention, Program Management, Clinical Supervising, Culturally Affirming Environments for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning/Queer, Intersexed and Allies (LGBTQIA) Individuals, De-Escalation of Aggression, Conflict Resolution, Ethics, and Therapeutic Communities (TC).
In 2015 to current, begin working as an adjunct instructor for Chestnut Hill College’s Continuing and Professional Education program, Montgomery County Community College, and the Community College of Philadelphia’s Behavioral Health and Human Services program. Courses approved to teach include Theories of Counseling, Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology, Law and Ethics in Human Services, Assessment Techniques for Children/Youth, Assessment & Documentation in Human Services, Volunteer Administration, Human Development over the Life Span, and Introduction to Human Services.
Since 2015 to current, Program Director for Stop and Surrender, Inc which operates a licensed outpatient treatment program for 250 adults and five city contracted recovery houses with at total of 80 beds. Our recovery houses can accommodate the following populations men, women, and LBGTQIA individuals.
Awards/Recognitions
2011- “Clinical Excellence” Gaudenzia, Inc.
2012- “Behavioral Health Studies Director’s Award” Alvernia University
2014- “Recovery Champion” Caron Institute
2017- “Making a Difference Award” The Mayor’s Drug and Alcohol Executive Commission for the City of Philadelphia