Jan 3, 2024
Pride Institute is excited to announce a new CEO, Al Updike (he/him), MA, LADC. Al was previously the Director of Outpatient programs for Maple Grove and Chaska clinics with Hazelden Betty Ford and has worked with his former organization for 14 years.
After earning a degree from the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School in 2009 he has worked in various roles, starting as a clinician in residential and outpatient settings before moving into Clinical Supervisor position, then became Program Manager and was most recently the Director of Outpatient Programs for both Maple Grove and Chaska locations.
Al worked with multiple departments to help launch the One counselor model of direct Intensive Outpatient Care, has been a champion for building a Spanish Virtual Intensive Outpatient program (launched in 2023) for the LatinX community, piloted and successfully launched the first PHP program, and championed Twin Cities PRIDE Festival events.
Al is bilingual (English and Spanish) from Sonora, Mexico, and moved up to Minnesota for school where he attended Carleton College and majored in Spanish and Psychology. After graduating, Al worked in the Hospitality Industry for over 20 years, as a chef, owning his own catering business, and working in the Cosmetic industry.
Through his personal journey in recovery, Al decided on a career change that would encompass his passion in recovery and his desire to help others recover and transform their lives. Al strongly believes in opening doors for people by removing any barriers to accessing treatment so that everyone has an opportunity to recover.
For the past 22 years Al has been living in St Louis Park, MN with his life partner, James. Al is an avid cook, loves to play tennis, pickleball, is a consumer of the arts, theater and loves to travel.
ABOUT PRIDE INSTITUTE
Pride Institute is a drug and alcohol treatment center that exclusively serves members of the LGBTQ+ community. They believe everyone experiencing addiction deserves quality care that is individualized to meet their needs, and understand the unique challenges the LGBTQIA+ community face and are here to provide them with the tools they need to achieve genuine, lasting recovery. They are committed to providing culturally competent care to their clients.
