Some of the people who make a difference in what we do.
Chelsia Williams
Few people are as bubbly, outgoing, and lively as Chelsia Williams. She is the hospitality queen for LifeNet, acting as greeter, people person, refreshment coordinator, and enthusiasm generator among clients and employees.
But for 22 years, alcohol addiction and bipolar disorder ruled her day-to-day existence.
In 2003, after time at Nexus Recovery Center in Dallas, she found a new life at LifeNet as a client. From anger management classes to budgeting lessons and meetings with doctors, Williams totally committed herself to getting better. “I was so fresh—I would do anything they told me to do if it would help my recovery,” she said. “I learned that it was a disease and that opened my eyes. I learned not to fight people, to live and let live.” After 4 years with LifeNet and great positive progress, she became an employee, enthusiastically sharing her experience and zeal with all those around.
What would she say to people who have a hard time believing that a former addict and bipolar patient can lead a new life with purpose, dedication, meaning, and faith? “I could tell them that it is possible with proper care and proper knowledge of oneself,” she said. “When I make my appointment to see my caseworker, I am taking care of myself; when I come here, I take care of myself.” But Williams is not one to toot her own horn—she takes each day as it comes to her and remains grounded in her faith. “I keep myself humble and I get up every morning by His grace and His wisdom,” she said. Her time working at LifeNet continues to aid her recovery.
“I look back on those times and it boggles my mind that I did those things. People come here and have my same issues as me and I love talking recovery with them,” she said. “That is the best part of my job!”
— Leah Shafer
WAHIDA ELSAIE
Dr. Elsaie received her medical training at the University of Cairo in Egypt. She immigrated to the United States in 1979 for a residency in New York and moved to Texas in 1980 for a residency in psychiatry at Southwestern Medical School at Dallas. She decided to enter the field of psychiatry because of her people skills. “I was the head of a medical center in a small town in Egypt and I got to know people—I like hearing what they had to say,” she explained.
When she’s not at LifeNet, Dr. Elsaie likes to listen to music, take walks, and watch romantic movies. One of her favorite American ones is Gone With the Wind.
Her two cats Romeo and Alexander the Greatest are also a source of entertainment and happiness. “They love me!” she said.
— Leah Shafer
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