Find a Certified ARISE® Interventionist (CAI) or ARISE® Intern

Bio coming soon.

My personal recovery journey allowed me to operate women's and LGBTQ+ aftercare facilities for eight years. I worked directly with clients on life skills, goal setting, relapse prevention, crisis management, family communication, shame resiliency, Substance Use, Mental Health and Co-occurring Disorders. I attended the University of Minnesota with a focus in psychology and a specialization in Addiction Counseling. I became a Certified Professional Coach and a Certified ARISE® Interventionist.

Charisse Czaja is a Certified ARISE® Interventionist, (CAl), Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) and a Trauma Informed Coach. She has successfully helped countless families and their loved ones break the cycle of addiction and find recovery. Charisse leads with compassion, understanding, and an unwavering dedication to helping others achieve sobriety and reclaim their lives.

Heather is triple board certified in three clinical specialties; intervention, family dynamics, and relapse prevention.  In her private practice she conducts screenings, assessments, interventions, corrective coaching and serves as an expert witness in the areas of addiction and co-occurring mental illness.  She is known for successful outcomes in the most complicated cases.  As a leading authority in negotiating change and recovery, she incorporates motivational techniques such as tactical empathy and emotional intelligence combined with enthusiasm, humor and warmth while preserving the privacy, dignity, and respect of her clients.  She has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with substance and behavioral addictions, mood disorders, family legacy and burnout.  Her success comes from a strong belief that it’s not just about getting someone into treatment.  It’s about getting the family back on the same page.

As a person in long term recovery & a licensed professional I bring experience, wisdom & knowledge to families affected by substance use & other process disorders.. Additionally as a Certified Daring Way Facilitator I am able to quickly help reduce shame & assist families move into solution. Passion for this work, the knowing that people can and DO get better and the opportunity to serve is what drives me to continue doing this work after 30 plus years.

I am currently employed at a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Center as a Director of the Mental Health Business Development, and I hold a position as a voluntary Guardian ad litem. I have experience working with Adults, Children, and families with Mental Health and Substance Abuse disorders. I have experience working with the courts, jails, and hospitals.