David A. Washington is an advocate, trauma specialist, person in long-term recovery and a survivor of adverse childhood experiences. He has been in the field of substance use disorder treatment since 1989. Mr. Washington has worked to advance the field of trauma services in the criminal justice system and has been a presenter with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. He completed a post-graduate trauma certificate program with Bessel van der Kolk PhD. Mr. Washington has specialized in collaborating with males involved with criminal justice system. He has presented at conferences across the United States and recently completed the train-the-trainer program “How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses at SAMHSA’S GAINS Center for Behavioral Health and Justice Transformation. His story of resilience after abuse is an indicator of how appropriate assistance for males with a history of trauma and substance use disorder can live a life of recovery.