InBusiness Magazine article on Shelly Dutch

Connections Counseling: A chief executive heals herself

Article Date:

June 21, 2011

Shelly Dutch has come a long way in life, but she’d be the first to tell you she didn’t do it alone.

A recovering cocaine addict, Dutch knows better than most the importance of a support system, and so when she started Connections Counseling, an outpatient substance abuse and mental health clinic, in 2003, it was clear that it would be a commitment, not just a business.

“I’m in recovery myself, and that’s part of the reason I started this clinic,” said Dutch. “I needed someone to believe in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I was in my 20s when I went through this, and know that people, both the counseling staff and community support, is how I kept working on my life, and that’s the kind of direction we’ve gone here.”

Connections Counseling, which recently won a Dane County Small Business Award in the “woman-owned” category, employs a “strength-based” approach that relies on a caring, supportive environment “where growth is fostered and recovery becomes reality.”

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Connections Counseling receives Dane County Small Business Award

The Dane County Small Business Awards (DCSBA) is now in its 29th year. The DCSBA celebrate small businesses and the contributions they make to our communities and economy. The 2011 awards breakfast was held June 10, 2011 at the Sheraton Madison Hotel.

Connections Counseling was one of 10 Companies Recognized in 2011
Each year in early June, we recognize ten Dane County businesses that have excelled at meeting our award criteria. The award is given to the business, including all of the employees, not just the owners. We recognize the owner(s) have the vision and take the risk, but is the teamwork of all the employees that makes a successful company.

 

Award winning companies are honored at a breakfast program attended by an average of more than 250 people. In addition to recognizing the companies for their achievements, the awards breakfast has a keynote speaker, panel discussion or other informative and entertaining program. During the awards presentation each winner will share a life or business success tip with the audience. Each winning company receives an award that they will proud to display for their employees and customers.