Dawn James, PhD(c), MSW, LCSW-C, LCADC, is an accomplished behavioral health executive with more than 30 years of experience in the behavioral health field, including over 25 years in executive leadership and clinical management. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing high-quality, evidence-based care for individuals with substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders.
Ms. James is currently a doctoral candidate (PhD(c)) at Walden University. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She is licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners as a Licensed Certified Social Worker–Clinical (LCSW-C) and is an approved clinical supervisor. She is also licensed by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), where she also serves as an approved clinical supervisor.
While Ms. James has devoted much of her career to addiction treatment, she also possesses extensive expertise in the development, administration, and clinical oversight of mental health and co-occurring disorder treatment programs. Her professional passion is improving access to integrated, person-centered care that addresses the complex needs of individuals living with substance use and mental health disorders. Ms. James has dedicated her career to empowering individuals to overcome life’s challenges through compassionate, evidence-based therapeutic interventions while recognizing the importance of spirituality and personal growth in the recovery process. She believes that lasting recovery is achieved through hope, resilience, and meaningful connections.
In recognition of her expertise and leadership, Ms. James has been appointed to the Governor’s Co-Occurring Disorders Task Force and the Governor’s Drug and Alcohol Council. She has also served the WIN Team’s Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program for more than 14 years, providing leadership that promotes clinical excellence, innovation, and positive outcomes for the individuals and communities the organization serves.
Ms. James embraces two guiding principles that have shaped both her personal and professional life and that she shares with those she mentors and serves:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
— Maya Angelou
“Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.”
— Often attributed to Jorge Luis Borges