The Multifaceted Leader with a Heart for Change
In the world of social services and behavioral health, few names resonate as powerfully as Dawn Belamarich. A native of New Jersey, now flourishing in Cape Coral, Dawn is the epitome of a multifaceted professional, having navigated an adventurous journey marked by significant educational and career milestones.
Educational Foundations: A Bedrock for Success
Dawn’s academic achievements are nothing short of impressive. She holds a doctorate in business administration and leadership, complemented by dual master’s degrees in sociology/criminology and mental health counseling. These qualifications have not just shaped her career path but have also deeply influenced her approach to leadership and social service.
A Career Spanning Two Decades: Impacting Lives and Communities
With a career spanning over fifteen years, Dawn has emerged as a pivotal figure in the social services and behavioral health sectors. Her ability to lead effectively in both profit-driven and nonprofit organizations has been evident through her roles, including the senior vice president of clinical and operational excellence and CEO at Recovery Centers of America. Her leadership journey was recently highlighted in a candid conversation with Cornell Bunting, where she reflected on her life and career.
Licensed Professional: A Commitment to Healing and Support
Dawn’s expertise isn’t confined to administration alone. She is a licensed mental health counselor and a master’s clinical addiction professional in Florida, with credentials in New Jersey as a professional and clinical alcohol and drug counselor. Her specializations in gambling addiction and trauma treatment underscore her commitment to addressing complex challenges within behavioral health.
Giving Back: A Role Beyond the Office
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Dawn is a dedicated board member of the ARCHway Institute. Her role involves providing invaluable resources and support for those battling addiction, demonstrating her commitment to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Personal Insights: The Power of Experience
Dawn’s early life in New Jersey, her experiences as the eldest of four siblings, and her role as a big sister have profoundly shaped her. These personal stories, including her journey as a college soccer player on a full scholarship, offer a glimpse into the experiences that have honed her resilience and leadership skills.
Lessons from Life: The Influences that Shape a Leader
Perhaps most intriguing are the lessons Dawn learned from a lifelong prisoner, experiences that have evidently contributed to her deep understanding of human behavior and rehabilitation. Her move to Florida to join the Lee Health System marked a significant transition, leading to her current role as CEO at the Collaboratory.
A Vision for the Future: Transforming the Collaboratory
As the CEO, succeeding Sarah Owen, Dawn’s vision is ambitious and transformational. She aims to address a broad spectrum of social issues in Southwest Florida, including homelessness, poverty, mental health, racism, and illiteracy, all within an 18-year timeframe. Her approach combines data-driven strategies, a team-oriented culture, and a commitment to sustainable community systems.
Tune In: Hear from the Leader Herself
To truly understand the depth and breadth of Dawn’s journey and her vision for the future, listening to her speak is essential. Her insights on leadership, her strategies for organizational transformation, and her passion for societal change are not just inspiring but also a call to action for current and future leaders.
Dawn Belamarich’s story is more than just a tale of professional success. It’s a narrative of passion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. As she continues to lead and inspire, her journey serves as a beacon, illuminating the path for those who aspire to create meaningful change in the world. Listen Stories to Create Podcast to dive deeper into her inspiring story.
