Nena Messina, Ph.D.

Nena's Education:

• Ph.D. in Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 2007
• Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 2000
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health, California State University, CA, 1997

About Nena Messina Nena Messina has been volunteering in different drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers since high school. During her practice, Nena faced many cases when drug-dependent women suffered from their offenders. As a result, she devoted her life to the study of the connection between crime, mental health, and substance abuse. It is worth mentioning that Nena Messina also acquired her online Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions accredited by NASAC. The online program helped Nena to learn more about the development of addiction, recovery process, and necessary skills for case management. Additionally, Nena learned how to guide a patient in sobriety. The online program became a basis for her future work as a sobriety coach in the rehabilitation center. Having a Ph.D. in Community Health Sciences and several years of volunteering practice, Nena decided to devote her life to work in a center with the educational program. There, Nena carries on the major management work. At the same time, she regularly takes part in the educational program as a lecturer. For Nena, the patients in a rehab center must be informed enough about everything related to their health condition and opportunities for personal well-being. Additionally, she started her medical writing practice to enlighten vulnerable populations and those engaged in drug abuse. Holding the position of a medical writer at Addiction Resource, Nena aims to reach not only addicts but a wider public as well to share her knowledge. As she is working closely with addicts, Nena knows their problems from the inside and can communicate in her articles.