Dr. Ciuinal Lewis
Sr. Executive Director
Dr. Ciuinal Lewis has 30 years of professional experience where she continues to lead at organizations focused on addictions treatment, behavioral health and recover support services for adults. Driven by her desire to have all individuals treated with respect, integrity, care and compassion, she takes pride in her years of service and the opportunities she has had to serve those most at risk.
After receiving her master’s degree from Western Illinois University, Dr. Lewis returned home to the near west suburbs of Chicago where she began working in three roles to “change the world, one kid at a time”. As a Prevention Specialist with a small nonprofit, she dedicated her days to educating the community about the dangers of smoking and illicit drug use. Also, serving as a volunteer at the Bellwood Youth Center and finally tutoring kids in the evenings.
Out of the gate, Dr. Lewis had a passion to reach youth and those struggling with addictions. Subsequently, she became a Program Coordinator at the American Red Cross, where she was able to travel the city and state training professionals on how to impart culturally sensitive and bias free HIV & AIDS prevention education messages. Since that time, Dr. Lewis has held progressively responsible roles as Program Administrator, Regional Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, at various nonprofit organizations.
Dr. Lewis holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Western Illinois University in Community Health Education and she earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Community Psychology from National Louis University, Chicago, Ill., in 2011. She was the two-time recipient of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences Doctoral Academic Scholarship.
Dr. Lewis is currently a member of the Illinois Public Health Association and serves on the National Board of Directors for We Raise Foundation and is a member of the Trustee Board for the Bensenville Community Public Library.