About NYS Association of CASAC Professionals
Our Story
The NYS Association of CASAC Professionals was born from a simple but powerful truth: Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) are the backbone of New York’s addiction treatment system—and they deserve to be heard, valued, and supported. For years, CASAC professionals in NY have worked tirelessly on the front lines, helping individuals and families navigate recovery, often without the recognition, resources, or career advancement opportunities they deserve.
Many CASAC professionals in NY felt isolated, underpaid, and overlooked in larger systems that depend on their expertise. We saw CASACs fighting stigma, delivering trauma-informed care, and doing life-saving work—while struggling to access affordable CASAC training in NYS or a unified professional space to grow and connect.
That’s why we formed this CASAC Association in New York—to give CASAC professionals in NY a home for education, professional development, and advocacy.
Founded by CASACs who have walked this path, the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals was created to advocate for CASACs, amplify their collective voice, and strengthen CASAC professional development. This is more than a network; it’s a movement to elevate the profession and ensure CASAC professionals in NY are recognized as essential contributors to the state’s behavioral health workforce.
Through reduced-rate CASAC continuing education in NY, statewide conferences, networking events, and CASAC advocacy in New York, we are building a future where every CASAC has access to the tools, community, and respect they deserve.
We are CASACs. We support CASACs. And together, we are building something powerful for all CASAC professionals in NY.
Our Vision
To be the leading professional force elevating the value, voice, and visibility of Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) across New York State—empowering a workforce that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and advances the future of behavioral health.
The Story Behind the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals
A. Maria Mendez, CASAC, founded the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals as a tribute to the credential that launched and shaped her career. Maria began her work in substance use counseling during the oral board phase of the CASAC certification process in New York—before formalized coursework was widely available. Without a traditional academic background at the time, the CASAC credential gave her the foundation, credibility, and access she needed to grow in the behavioral health field.
Her story is proof of what CASAC professionals in NY can achieve when given opportunity and recognition. Maria began as a front-line counselor and advanced through leadership roles across New York City. From 2002 to 2020, she served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The PAC Program. In 2021, she co-founded Under Angel’s Wings Recovery Center, an OASAS-certified outpatient program, where she continues to serve as COO.
She is also the founder of Educational Enhancement, an OASAS-approved CASAC training provider in NYS since 2002, which has helped thousands of aspiring professionals earn their CASAC credentials and advance their careers. Each step of her journey has been rooted in the CASAC credential in New York, empowering her to lead with experience, vision, and impact.
This realization led to the formation of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals, a statewide membership organization committed to advancing recognition, workforce development, and advocacy for CASACs. The Association exists to provide education, certification guidance, and professional support for CASAC professionals in NY, ensuring their contributions to behavioral health are acknowledged, valued, and elevated across the state.
Strengthening CASAC Professionals
Advance
Advance your professional growth through education, certification, and ongoing support. The NYS Association of CASAC Professionals provides members with access to CEU-approved trainings, leadership opportunities, and resources that strengthen skills and expand career pathways in New York’s behavioral health workforce.
Unify
Unify with peers across New York State to build a stronger, more connected profession. Membership creates opportunities to collaborate, network, and share expertise while fostering solidarity among CASACs who are committed to ethical standards and excellence in addiction counseling.
Advocate
Advocate for recognition, fair compensation, and workforce protections. Through collective action, the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals amplifies the voice of CASACs, engages with policymakers, and works to ensure every counselor is valued as an essential contributor to New York’s behavioral health system.
Join the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals.
Advance your career. Unify with peers. Advocate for the profession. Gain access to training, certification support, and a statewide network that strengthens both you and the CASAC workforce
