By Puyallup Tribal News Staff
Name: Dave McLeod
Tribal Affiliation: First-generation descendant of the Salish-Kootenai Tribes
in Montana.
Department: Reentry & Community Family Services
Position: Executive Director
When did you start working for PTOI?
May 12
Where did you previously work?
I was the Sober Housing Manager for the Nisqually Indian Tribe. For a year and a half prior to that, I was at Muckleshoot as the clinical supervisor for a staff of 14. I was there for 12 years. I have been in the field for 34 years.
What does your role involve?
I’m overseeing a team of substance use disorder professionals, certified peers and navigators. Our primary thing we do for people is we get them to inpatient treatment, step down care which is called partial hospitalization and get them set up with intensive outpatient programs all as a continuum of care. We help them find housing, we help with getting driver’s licenses and jobs.
What steps will you take to ensure the success of individuals in the program?
I will follow up with the program that Mona Miller (former executive director) built to the best of my ability. I will only seek to add options and use my experience in the field to just help grow the program in a positive fashion as best I can.
What resources make the biggest difference for people battling addiction?
Without question, it’s referrals to inpatient treatment and the continuum of care. It’s definitely getting them to treatment drug free, alcohol free first, as well as addressing any mental health issues and then right up there with that is sober living and safe housing.
What do you foresee being the favorite part of your job?
The same thing that has been the favorite part of my job in any capacity I’ve had and that is helping people. Helping people and being part of their recovery process.
How do you measure success in your position?
Whether or not the person is clean and sober still, whether or not they are still actively involved or located in clean and sober housing in a healthy environment and whether they’ve gained any life skills. To me, what is just as important is to have an environment of work here that is healthy, inclusive and to make sure that the groups we offer here continue to grow and develop.
