Meet Deannie Choiselat: Open Doors Advisory Group Member

We are excited to introduce Deannie Choiselat, a dedicated advocate for youth and a valued member of the Open Doors Advisory Group.

In this Q&A, Deannie shares her motivations for joining the advisory group, the importance of youth-centered approaches in behavioral health, and her vision for recovery.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to get involved in behavioral health and substance use disorder training?

Hi my name is Deannie Choiselat, I’m currently working with CCY as an External Affairs Coordinator. Graduated from California State University, Sacramento with a B.S. in Political Science and a Minor in Human Resources. I’m from Southern California, I’m an older sister, a lover of animals, and I enjoy downtime with any indoor activity.

What inspired me to get involved in behavioral health and substance use disorder training is that I’m an advocate for youth needs, resources, public policy, and the well-being of our community.

What unique perspectives or expertise do you bring to the advisory group?

I bring a youth perspective to the advisory group, a youth perspective that has grown up around adult substance use and wants to provide youth with solutions that aren't substances like their adult peers.

What is your current role, and how does it relate to the goals of the HCAI SUD Training Program, "Open Doors"?

My current role is External Affairs Coordinator, for the California Coalition for Youth, which relates to Open Doors because it allows me to gain a perspective from all counties of California by listening to our members that are throughout the state.

Finish this sentence: "Recovery is . . ."

Recovery is patience, kindness, and grace—it’s about creating space for people to heal, grow, and fully embrace who they are.