WAAT Women’s Association for Addiction Treatment

Women’s Association of Addiction Treatment (WAAT)

The Women’s Association of Addiction Treatment (WAAT) is a unique membership organization of professional women working in the field of recovery. WAAT is committed to advancing and supporting women in all areas of the field. Our membership is comprised of therapists, counselors, treatment center owners, frontline staff, nutritionists, business development, yoga instructors, and more.

With chapters in several major cities in the U.S., our members come together monthly to engage in conversation, professional development, networking and support. WAAT Chapter meetings focus on topics relevant to recovery as well as issues specific to women working in the field.

WAAT MISSION STATEMENT

To advance and support women who work in the field of recovery.
To provide educational, professional development and networking opportunities that meet the needs and challenges of women working in the field.

VISION STATEMENT

To encourage and promote women’s leadership and excellence in the field of recovery.

ABOUT US

The Women’s Association of Addiction Treatment (WAAT) is a unique membership organization of professional women who work in the field of recovery. WAAT is committed to advancing and supporting women in the field. Our membership is comprised of therapists, counselors, treatment center owners, frontline staff, nutritionists, business development, yoga instructors, and more.

HISTORY OF WAAT

In 2001 founder Victoria Smart gathered six women who worked in recovery for a monthly lunch meeting to share their experience, support and knowledge with each other. As more women were invited the lunch meeting became a breakfast meeting and a few months later, in early 2002, the meeting had grown so large it was moved to conference room to accommodate everyone. The original six women formed the first Board of Directors and began to organize WAAT into a membership organization of diverse and dynamic women.

Under the leadership and vision of the founding Board, WAAT became more than a supportive networking group. Members and other leaders in the field were invited to give presentations every other month, and eventually WAAT began offering CEs. An extensive resource directory was created for members, by members, based on their direct experiences. Chapter expansion began a few years later.

At the core of every WAAT Chapter meeting is the same central purpose born from the first gathering of six women. Today with Chapters all across California and other states, WAAT members continue to uphold the mission and values established by its founders.