Brandon Ricke

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT BRANDON RICKE

Hi there! My professional journey has been driven by a commitment to helping people navigate change, first in the corporate world, and now in the deeply human work of mental health and addiction recovery. Historically, the focus of my work has been in organizational change management as well as training and development. I supported global teams at a major sportswear brand and led initiatives in the for-profit higher education and public utility sectors, always with a focus on aligning people, processes, and technology to create meaningful transformation.In 2021, I began a purposeful transition into the helping profession. I shifted my focus from organizational systems to the lives of individuals and communities, and have since worked in acute and sub-acute psychiatric hospital settings where I supported treatment and discharge planning, independent living skill development, and community reintegration. I also served as an alcohol and drug counselor in medically assisted treatment programs, where harm reduction was central to the continuum of care. These experiences have deepened my understanding of trauma, recovery, and the systemic challenges that clients face.I’m currently pursuing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and will graduate in March 2026. I currently work at Silver Hill Hospital with individuals with co-occurring disorders in a residential setting, facilitating groups (DBT skills, SMART Recovery, etc.), and providing milieu-based support. I’m also completing my clinical internship at Wheeler Clinic in a community (integrated care) mental health agency. Beyond the classroom and clinical work, I serve on the Executive and Governing Board of the Connecticut Counseling Association in the role of Secretary. I’m also a student member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and SAIGE, committed to professional development and advocacy for inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive care.I bring to this field a systems-oriented mindset, a trauma-informed lens, and a deep respect for the resilience of every individual I work with. As I move toward licensure, my goal is to continue supporting individuals, especially those navigating co-occurring challenges with authenticity, empathy, and evidence-based practice.