Dr. Santos’s professional background spans over a decade of work in addiction treatment and multicultural counseling, shaped by practice in both Brazil and the United States. Her work bridges the gap between theory and practice, focusing on social justice and liberation psychology to help those who have been marginalized live a freer and more authentic life.
Prior to joining Adler, Dr. Santos worked in community mental health agencies and taught in various schools, both online and in-person. She is a passionate advocate for people in recovery from substance use disorders and groups who have been historically disempowered. At Adler, she teaches courses on skills, addiction counseling and group counseling, and serves as an advisor for student-led recovery advocacy projects. Her current research explores the intersection of oppression, racial cultural identity, and addiction recovery.
MEMBERSHIPS + ASSOCIATIONS
2022 – Present: The Association of Addictions Professionals (NAADAC)
2022 – Present: Faces and Voices of Recovery
2019 – Present: Illinois Counseling Association (ICA)
2019 – Present: Chi Sigma Iota
2018 – Present: American Counseling Association (ACA), Division CSJ, ACES and IAAOC
PRESENTATIONS
Presentations
Multicultural and Social Justice Supervision
2024
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Professional Presentation – Synchronous Virtual Training
Author(s):
Santos, R.
Recovery, Rest, Rejoice
2024
2024 ICA Pre-Conference Panel – Chicago, IL
Author(s):
Santos, R., Sandhu, N., Metivier, R., & Marasco, M.
Social Justice Addiction Counseling
2023
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Professional Presentation – Synchronous Virtual Training
Author(s):
Santos, R.
Hope Approach to Addiction Treatment
2023
75th Annual Conference of Illinois Counseling Association (ICA) – Chicago, IL
Author(s):
Santos, R.
Hope for Change in People of Color Mandated to Addictions Treatment
2019
Illinois Counseling Association (ICA) 71st Annual Conference – Chicago, IL
Author(s):
Santos, R., & Chow, T.
The Interdependence of Dependence
2019
Bridge/Work Annual Conference – Valparaiso, IN
Author(s):
Santos, R.
An Alternative Program for Intellectually Disabled Offenders
2015
Mental Health in Corrections Conference – Springfield, MO (Poster Presentation)
Author(s):
Santos, R.
LEADERSHIP + ENGAGEMENT
2025 – Chi Sigma Iota, Faculty Advisor
2025 – ACA-AAOC, Multicultural Committee
2025 – ICA Webinar Committee, Member
2019-2020 – International Association of Addictions and Offenders Counseling (IAAOC), IL, Chair of the addiction committee
2018-2019 – Restorative Justice Committee, Chair
CURRENT RESEARCH + OPPORTUNITIES
I am especially interested in researching topics that liberate people in marginalized positions, such as groups that have been historically oppressed or those in positions of lesser power. Some examples include addiction in marginalized communities, the role of hope, strategies for increasing connection and friendship in adult life, social interest, liberation psychology, transformative pedagogy, and the supervisory relationship.
