We are thrilled to celebrate Kerry Cooper, Group Facilitator at Bimini, who officially earned his certification as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor through the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) on March 17, 2025.
Kerry’s journey into recovery began in December 2018 when he made the life-changing decision to seek help. After years of incarceration and repeated struggles, he found his way to Bimini, a residential treatment program of Social Model Recovery Systems (SMRS). As a resident, Kerry committed fully to the recovery process and gained a deeper understanding of the psychological root of his addiction. He embraced the tools of 12-step programs and laid the foundation for a new way of living. Inspired by this transformation, he set a goal to work in treatment as an Alcohol and Drug Counselor to help others who suffered from addiction as he did.
Following his completion of the program, Kerry pursued formal education in the field and earned Associate of Arts degrees in both Human Services/Addiction Studies and Social and Behavioral Science. He joined the Bimini team in 2022, and his impact has only continued to grow. Kerry now facilitates a wide range of groups, including Relapse Prevention, Helping Men Recover, Recovery Book Study, Seeking Safety, and Anger Management. His ability to lead with compassion, insight, and lived experience creates a safe and empowering space for residents to heal and grow.
Achieving certification required rigorous coursework, clinical training hours, and a strong commitment to the field. This milestone reflects Kerry’s unwavering dedication not only to his personal journey but also to inspire others. His presence at Bimini is a daily example of what is possible through recovery – transforming misery into motivation and pain into purpose.
The entire Bimini staff and the broader SMRS team are incredibly proud of Kerry. His transformation from resident to certified counselor is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the belief that healing is not only possible—it can be a platform for service and leadership.
Please join us in congratulating Kerry Cooper on this well-earned achievement and for the light, strength, and inspiration he brings to our community every day.
