Episode 6: We Don’t Walk Alone: Growth, Connection, and the Lifelong Journey of Becoming
In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Dr. Meri Shadley, a Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and emeritus faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno. With over 40 years of experience in addiction recovery and family systems work, Dr. Shadley reflects on what it means to grow—both as a human and a helper.
From the early days of launching adolescent and collegiate recovery programs to decades spent mentoring future counselors, Dr. Shadley’s story is one of learning, service, and deep belief in the human capacity for change. She shares insights on knowing yourself before you serve others, how healing happens in community, and why staying open—to growth, education, and connection—is essential for this work.
In this episode, Dr. Shadley discusses:
- The power of walking alongside others instead of going it alone
- How personal growth shapes professional practice
- What she’s learned from working with youth, families, and communities
- Why things often “come back around” in unexpected and meaningful ways
- Her enduring belief in humanity, hope, and lifelong learning
Dr. Meri Shadley
Dr. Meri Shadley is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Alcohol & Drug Counselor who has worked in the addiction and recovery field for over four decades. A longtime faculty member at the University of Nevada, Reno, she served as Director of Academics for CASAT and was the founding Program Director of the NRAP collegiate recovery community. Dr. Shadley has co-founded treatment programs, maintained a clinical practice, and trained hundreds of clinicians in trauma-informed and family-centered approaches. She continues to supervise and mentor emerging professionals and remains a passionate advocate for ethical, connected, and compassionate care.
This episode features the song “My Tribe” by Ketsa, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.
