William Gates

Frontline Future Scholarship Recipient

I am excited to start the Master’s in Social Work program at UCCS and am honored to be a scholarship recipient from Lokiten Behavioral Health. I look forward to working with the fantastic team at Lokiten Behavioral Health.
 
I bring a unique blend of military and firefighting experience to my future role as a counselor. With over 25 years as a first responder—serving as an active-duty Air Force firefighter, federal firefighter, and municipal firefighter—I have worked with individuals from diverse social and economic backgrounds. 
 
This extensive experience has given me valuable insights into the various challenges people face and equipped me with the skills to support and assist those in need effectively. 
 
I have been trained and am an active peer supporter in the Fire Department. I am blessed to help fellow firefighters with family, work, and financial challenges, gaining deep insights into the mental health issues of high-stress professions.
I hold advanced degrees in Homeland Security, Psychology, Fire Service Management, and Technical Writing. This opportunity, combined with my extensive experience and education, uniquely positions me to excel as a licensed clinical social worker specializing in addiction recovery.