Nick Riefner is one of our beloved Recovery Mentors. He has been with Visions since 2011. 
Nick spends his time at our Residential and Outpatient facilities, carrying with him a sincere, honest dedication to working with teens. Coupled with his passion for being of service, his genuine kindness and a commitment to quality care, Nick is someone to celebrate. He’s playful when he needs to be; he’s serious when he needs to be, and he has a keen ability to relate to the clients in a way that they can genuinely relate to. Working with teens is an adventure; Nick is skillful at navigating the terrain with a sense of humor and relatability. Nick not only cares for the teens he works with, he shows the same level of compassion for those he works with every day. For Nick Riefner, helping others is more than a job; it’s lifestyle.
Check out what some of the staff had to say when I asked them about Nick:
“It is an absolute honor working with Nick. I met him when I walked into Latigo for my first night shift and he immediately made me feel comfortable. There’s just something about him- everyone loves him. I’ve learned a lot from Nick and so have the clients. He’s a prime example of what recovery looks like.” Ashley Harris
Nick is an amazing recovery mentor because of his passion for his work and ability to relate to clients. He openly acknowledges that recovery is a day by day process, which helps clients see the silver lining of their storm cloud. – Corinn McWhinnie
The moment I met Nick I knew he was special. He is a calming, kind, and supportive soul. One of Nick’s best qualities is his ability to level a room with his passion and sincerity. Nick truly has what it takes to work with teens. Every day when I get to work, Nick is right there checking in to see if I need any help. I feel honored to work with such a great guy whom I trust and depend on. – Noelle Rodriguez, Psy.D
“Dude… that’s gnarly bro”!! When talking to the kids about an issue that they are having a rough time with in their lives. And that language the kids get, they 100% relate to what Nick is saying and he is being genuine and real. – Koreema J. Walden, MA., MFTI
And last, but certainly not least are Nick’s answers to Visions 10 questions:
1: Sand, Sea, or Surf?
Sand.
2: What made you decide to work with adolescents?
I decided to work with adolescents because my journey and experience began when I was an adolescent.
3: Would you rather be Gonzo or the Cookie Monster?
Cookie Monster all the way.
4: What is your favorite way to give back?
My favorite way to give back is listening to someone who needs to be heard or who wants to be heard.
5: Who inspires you and how are you like them?
Who I am inspired by would definitely be my co-workers. I strive to carry out the same love and compassion given to both myself and the residents in my personal life on a daily basis.
6: Would you rather have Morgan Freeman narrate your life or have Chuck Norris narrate your life?
Morgan Freeman.
7: A nice cuppa tea or a locally sourced pour-over?
Locally sourced coffee for sure.
8: What superhero power do you have?
My secret super power is I can instantly make roller skates appear on whomever I want.
9: What piece of advice would you offer someone scared and newly sober?
I would suggest they embrace the possibility that change might be a good thing and to learn how to start embracing love. Especially for themselves.
10: Why do you choose to work for Visions?
I choose to work at Visions because I feel the care given to clients and the dedication to seeing they are set up for a successful life are amazing. Most of all, the care for given to each other not only as coworkers but as family can’t be found anywhere else.
Originally posted on June 30, 2014 @ 7:14 pm
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