Our Apprentices say it best!
Elizabeth’s Success Story
Elizabeth Napoleon, a mom, cycle breaker, and Suquamish Tribal member, is a Substance Use Disorder Professional Apprentice at the Suquamish Tribal Wellness Center.
Elizabeth chose to work in behavioral health because she knows firsthand how deeply addiction impacts every generation.
“I wanted to break that cycle, not just for myself and my child, but for others who are still struggling. Becoming a counselor allows me to turn my lived experience into a tool for healing, showing others that recovery is possible and that they are not alone.”
Overcoming her own challenges with addiction and the weight of generational trauma and self-doubt, Elizabeth is walking a new path. She learned about the apprenticeship program through her tribe’s network of support services and Brian Burwell, instructor and Clinical Supervisor at the Suquamish Tribal Wellness Center.
“As soon as I learned it was an opportunity to earn-while-you-learn and grow within my own community, I knew it was the path I wanted to take. Balancing school, work, and family hasn’t been easy, but the apprenticeship program has given me structure, financial support, and hands-on experience that made it possible to keep moving forward instead of giving up.”
The apprenticeship program offers wrap-around support and is structured to help apprentices succeed through the apprenticeship and beyond. They get paid through their training and earn college credit. The cohort model also creates a built-in community. Having a supportive community has been essential in Elizabeth’s success. She continues to push herself and follow her purpose in helping others.
“My biggest motivation has been my child, who reminds me daily why I chose to break generational cycles. I’ve also been inspired by tribal elders, mentors, and counselors who believed in me even when I doubted myself. Their encouragement showed me that healing doesn’t just happen individually—it happens collectively, when we lift each other up.”
Elizabeth is using her training and lived experience to lift others up and to continue learning and serving her tribal community. The apprenticeship program is giving her the knowledge and clinical skills to become a fully credentialed SUDP.
“Beyond that, I want to continue serving my tribal community, building programs for youth and families, and helping others reconnect to culture as part of recovery. It means everything to me. It’s more than just a job, it’s about giving back to the very people and community that shaped me. Working for my tribe is an honor and a responsibility. It allows me to bring culturally grounded healing, acknowledge our shared history, and help create a healthier future for the next generation. Long-term, I hope to mentor the next generation of counselors from our tribe, so this healing work continues to grow.”
The SUDP apprenticeship program is a pathway for growth. Elizabeth continues to grow professionally and personally with the support of this program. She encourages others to consider this path too.
“If you have a heart for helping others and you want to make a difference, this program is an incredible opportunity. It won’t always be easy, but it’s worth it. You’ll gain not just skills and education, but also a sense of purpose, connection, and strength. The apprenticeship opens doors—not only to a career, but to personal growth and healing.”