Tierra is a single mother who, while working full time, completed her college degree.
Please join us in congratulating Tierra Austin-Madyun, the July Staff on the Rise. Tierra, PSAP Recovery Counselor, joined RISE in November 2020. Tierra is a single mother who, while working full time, completed her college degree – graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from SUNY Plattsburg in May 2022. Her ambition and determination as well as her other qualities – excelling on the job, being a team player, and being an inspiration to others – make her a Staff on the Rise.
“Tierra has been a dedicated and valued staff member.”
Matt Durham, PSAP Program Director, says, “Tierra has been a dedicated and valued staff member. She has managed many difficult situations and has always done so professionally. It has been a pleasure to watch her grow professionally and reach her academic goals personally.”
As a PSAP Recovery Counselor, Tierra is the primary counselor to individuals in the Progressive Steps Apartment Program (PSAP) with co-occurring mental health and substance use diagnoses. She provides them the supports necessary to live independently while maintaining their recovery. This includes working with them to create individual goals in managing their mental health, developing substance use recovery strategies, and developing the life skills needed to move into more independent living situations – whether it is living independently in the community, or with minimal supports in a supportive housing program such as RISE Supported Housing.
“It is very rewarding to see the people I work with make progress.”
Tierra shares that it is very rewarding to work with the individuals in PSAP, “It is very rewarding to see the people I work with make progress, whether it be becoming more independent in managing their medications, having less crises in their day to day lives, or moving on from our program into a more independent living situation. It is especially rewarding to receive positive feedback from their service providers which makes me feel as if I did help make a difference in their lives.”
Tierra started working in the mental health field because of her own personal experiences. “I greatly appreciated the mental health professionals who helped me through tough times as I was transitioning from adolescence into early adulthood,” she explains. “Their compassion and help inspired me to seek a career where I can help others through similar experiences.”
She enjoys working in PSAP because of the comradery between her coworkers and feeling valued by the PSAP leadership – Matt Durham and Vita Nemeyer, the PSAP Program Supervisor. “It is an enjoyable work atmosphere. We all seem to have similar personalities and just seem to click. Everyone one is helpful and supportive of each other. I also appreciate the positive feedback and guidance we receive from Matt and Vita.”
“I matured as a professional , I started developing my own strong work ethic.”
Prior to RISE, Tierra worked in a nursing home as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), for Hospice, and as a Med Tec in an assisted living facility. Now that she has her degree in psychology, her plans are to earn her master’s degree in either Social Work or Mental Health Counseling, and eventually become a therapist. In the meanwhile, she plans to put her education to good use in her work at PSAP to continue to assist and enrich the lives of others. She shares that her strong work ethic is a result of her upbringing, “my mom set a good example, but it was not until I matured as a professional that I appreciated her example and started developing my own strong work ethic.”
To help her relax and recharge, Tierra enjoys spending time with her 4 year old daughter. Together they enjoy watching moves, going to the beach at Lake George, and going on fun outings including the Great Escape. Tierra also enjoys visiting with her friends – going out to dinner or dancing – traveling, camping, and spending time with her family. She is the oldest of six siblings, and an aunt to one nephew and another on the way. “I really appreciate the support of my family,” she shares, “it is because of my parents’ and siblings’ help that I’ve been to accomplish my educational and professional goals.”
RISE administration appreciates all that Tierra does for the agency and for the individuals we serve. She is highly motivated, compassionate, and dedicated – all the qualities of a Staff on the Rise. Please join us in congratulating her as our July Staff on the Rise and for graduating with her bachelor’s degree!