The Sobering Center is dedicated to serving our clients and rewarding the excellence of our staff who exceed the expectation of care. Rockstar of the Quarter is an opportunity for staff members to highlight their colleagues who they feel has gone above and beyond for our mission.
We are pleased to announce the Rockstar of the Quarter for Fiscal Year 2021-Quarter 2, Program Manager, Christine Hassall.
Christine Hassall has been with The Sobering Center for 2 years. She manages the direct care staff and SBIRT counselors (screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment). After clients have safely sobered, they have a screening questionnaire performed and if appropriate meet with a counselor who helps coordinate services including referral to treatment.
Christine relocated to Austin from Scotland in 2008 where she was a primary care doctor for 16 years with a special interest in substance abuse. She earned her LCDC in Texas and has worked in nonprofit and for-profit substance abuse treatment centers for 6 years before transitioning to The Sobering Center. In her spare time, Christine loves to read and walk her Labrador, Isla, on the trails. She is a proud Aggie Mom, currently serving on the local committee, and commits her spare time to raise funds for Veterans and future students attending Texas A&M. Christine is a big Formula 1 fan having attended all of the Austin races. Her dream is to visit every country where the races are held, which would combine her love of travel and history. These interests help in this work, as she is very curious about people’s culture and experiences.
John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” “I am sure this is a motivation for most of us who choose to work in the nonprofit world,” says Christine. “It is a privilege to work with such a diverse team who constantly work miracles, who are tenacious and persistent in problem solving and who above all are passionate about igniting hope and transformation. As Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I love my work!”