Real Story: Dennis Allen Sr.
Dennis Allen Sr.
Â鶹ֱ²¥ Class of 2024, Human Services: Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Current Job Title: Behavioral health technician
My name is Dennis Allen Sr., and I’m a 48-year-old African American Navy veteran and graduate of the Â鶹ֱ²¥. I am a Desert Storm and Gulf War veteran. I am a native of St. Mary’s county and graduated from Great Mills High School, class of 1992.
My life’s calling is being a substance use disorder counselor. I am a recovering alcoholic—five years sober as of May 2024—and my recovery brought me to the Â鶹ֱ²¥.
My experience at the Â鶹ֱ²¥ was great. The professors were very patient and understanding with me. I deal with quite a few health issues that sometimes hinder me from being the best version of Dennis that I can be: cirrhosis of the liver, pancreatitis, and Type 2 diabetes. I had been on the liver transplant list for four years. Because I am such an overcomer, in 2023, I was removed from the list because the doctors could no longer find any mass.
I see great things in my future. I am currently working in the rehabilitation field as a behavioral health technician. My motto is, if I can help just one person a day, my job is complete.
Last updated: 5-9-24