Meet the NYS CASAC Association Team

A Message from the Founder and CEO

Welcome to the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals! It is with deep pride and a strong commitment that I welcome you to this vibrant community.

As A PROUD CASAC-Advanced, I have spent decades in the field of substance use disorder treatment. Despite my accomplishments and leadership roles, one thing has remained constant: The undervaluing of the “CASAC.” And I’m here to say, enough is enough. CASACs are not secondary. We are seasoned professionals, required in every treatment modality, and we bring unmatched expertise to the clinical team.

We already carry the credentials that reflect our dedication, skill, and the impact we have. I have had the honor of sitting at many tables representing the OASAS outpatient treatment field. However, my mission now is to sit at the table and advocate for you, the CASAC. Through this Association, we will stay informed about changes in the SUD field, provide professional development and peer support, and ensure that the CASAC voice is heard in every conversation that shapes our work.

Together, we will stand united, raise our profile, and claim the recognition we have long deserved.
In solidarity and service,

A. Maria Mendez, CASAC-Advanced, BS,
Founder & CEO NYS Association of CASAC Professionals

A Message from the President of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals

On behalf of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals, I extend our deepest appreciation and respect to the dedicated individuals who have earned and upheld the CASAC credential.

This association is proudly dedicated to you! A cadre of professionals whose commitment to the field of substance use disorder services has shaped lives and communities across New York State.

The history of the CASAC credential is significant and must not be forgotten. As we honor its legacy, we recognize the urgent need to preserve and elevate the credential in ways that reflect its historical impact and enduring relevance. At the heart of the CASAC designation lies a deep well of expertise, knowledge, skills, and core competencies that are critical to the effective delivery of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

While we acknowledge the tireless efforts of OASAS and its longstanding support of the CASAC credential, we must also recognize the need for greater advocacy. The value and visibility of the CASAC have been challenged in recent years, and without organized representation, we risk further erosion of its influence. Institutions and organizations that provide substance use disorder services, whether directly or indirectly, would benefit from the presence of a unified body representing CASAC professionals at every decision-making table.

We hope to seize this moment to advocate for the strength, upliftment, and preservation of the CASAC’s dignity, not merely as an occupation but as a respected and essential profession. For these reasons, among many others, we are asking for your unwavering support in our association. Your voice, your experience, and your leadership are needed now more than ever as we work together to secure the future of our profession.

As an association, we believe it is time for collective action. Our mission is not only to protect the integrity of the CASAC credential but to enhance its status as a vital component of the behavioral health workforce. Let us move forward with purpose and unity, ensuring that the CASAC continues to grow in recognition, respect, and merit for generations to come.

–Lawrence Lang

A Message from the Vice President

Welcome everyone.
I’m incredibly passionate about our work with individuals affected by substance use disorder, and I want to highlight the vital role the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals plays in our clinical community.

My 25+ years as a CASAC have been a journey of personal and professional growth. When I first started, the field was different—there were no official “Trainees” or “Provisionals.” I am a testament to how the CASAC credential can truly change your life. It opened doors I never thought possible, allowing me to build a career from the ground up.

My experience extended to leadership roles as Director, Vice President, and Chief Operations Officer, where I helped establish both for-profit and nonprofit organizations dedicated to clinical CASAC counseling, professional development, and recovery certifications. I’ve had the privilege of serving on numerous recognized boards across New York State.
This extensive background has fueled a personal mission: to mentor and guide both new and seasoned CASACs. I believe in this profession and its ability to create real change. The NYS Association of CASAC Professionals respects you, your voice, and your commitment to the professional CASAC role.

We are committed to promoting growth, connection, and resilience within our rapidly evolving field.
I’m excited to work alongside all of you, in solidarity and service. Let us raise our presence.

–Dona Pagan
NYS Association of CASAC Professionals

Message from the Chief Marketing Officer

Greetings.

I am deeply honored to serve as the Chief Marketing Officer of the NYS Association of CASAC Professionals. My journey began on the frontlines of substance use treatment, working in outpatient methadone programs and promoting harm reduction. In IOP, I witnessed firsthand the resilience of clients and the dedication of counselors; those experiences shaped my commitment to elevating this profession and ensuring CASAC voices are never overlooked.

The CASAC credential was life-changing. It created opportunities to lead, to make, and to help shape and promote organizations committed to advancing the field. I started my CASAC journey homeless. A. Maria Mendez took a chance on me, and through her compassion and mentoring, I have grown into the professional I am today.  I’ve built a career rooted in service, integrity, and innovation. Over the years, I’ve created 700+ hours of NAADAC–and OASAS-approved training content to prepare and support the next generation of CASACs across New York State.

As a content creator, COO, and CMO of Educational Enhancement, my mission has always been to bridge education with encouragement and empowerment. Through thoughtful messaging, professional development opportunities, and advocacy, I aim to amplify the role of CASACs in every system where substance use and recovery intersect.

This Association stands for something bigger than any one of us. It’s about unity, advancement, and recognition for every counselor who shows up each day to change lives. Whether you’re just starting your CASAC pathway or you’ve been in the field for decades, know that your work matters, your credential matters, and your voice matters.

Together, we will grow stronger, build connections, and advocate for the future of our profession. I’m excited to stand with you—in solidarity, in service, and in the unwavering belief that CASACs are essential to New York’s behavioral health system.

John Makohen CMO

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