Mark Saunders, Who goes by Abdul is a LCDC and graduate student at Austin Community College with an AAS degree in Human Services, after attending Texas College in Tyler, Texas for 4 years. I Played basketball and got drafted by CBA (Continental Basketball Association) in 1986 and left school to pursue a professional basketball career.  I Fell short of that pursuit due to a substance abuse problem. Decided to go back to school and help people with addictions.  I Obtained a License Chemical Dependency Counselor License in 2001 and has prior work experience with the indigent population, homeless population, incarcerated population and the adolescent population. I applied for the position here at Warriors Heart because of the desire to work with a population of Warriors and First Responders which I have never done before and was overly excited to have been offered the LCDC position at Lakeside Campus. The joy I get when I see the spirit of a warrior or first responder wake up is unexplainable and makes what I have been called to do worth every day I come to work. I do not dread coming to work because I love what I do.

My why:  

As a recovering addict/alcoholic since 2-15-1996 I have dedicated my life to working with addicts and alcoholics and there is nothing else in the world that I want to do, I have learned through my own experience that “Anybody can be a sailor when the sun is shining, can you stay on the boat when the storm comes” has been my message so that everyone I work with or come into contact with needing help, guidance and/or support know that help is available.