At the University of Alaska Southeast, an inspiring father-son duo is taking their education to new heights—together. Shane Williams and his father, Joseph Williams, have embarked on the journey of earning their Behavioral Health Assistant Occupational Endorsement, a program designed to equip students with essential skills in mental health support and advocacy.
For Shane, the decision to pursue behavioral health was deeply personal and driven by a desire to help others understand and overcome challenges. “I know many people who struggle with mental health challenges, and I want to be better equipped to help,” he said. Through the program, he has gained a deeper understanding of addiction and the root causes of harmful behaviors. “One of the biggest insights I’ve gained is the idea that even people who struggle with addiction or harmful behaviors can transform,” he said. “Addiction often stems from unresolved pain, and it ultimately leads back to pain. Whether someone is addicted to alcohol, food, drugs (legal or illegal), or even a person, they are often using that as a way to cover up their deeper suffering. Understanding this has given me a new perspective on how to approach healing and support.”
Shane encouraged his father to take classes in the endorsement, believing he would be a great fit for the field. Joseph, who has spent years listening to people’s struggles as both a hairdresser and a bartender, had long considered a career in peer support. “People have encouraged me to get involved in behavioral health for years,” he explained. “This endorsement will open doors for me in the field and give me the skills to help people in a more structured way.”
What started as a spontaneous decision has turned into a meaningful experience for both. Taking courses together has strengthened their bond and enhanced their learning. “Having a family member in the same class is excellent because we call each other after class and talk about it in ways only family can,” explained Joseph. “I also get to see my son in a different light. I’m really impressed with his feedback in class and his ability to open up and share what he has learned,” he said. Shane echoed this sentiment, appreciating the extra layer of support. “Taking a class with my father makes me look forward to learning because we get to share ideas, discuss what we’ve learned, and encourage each other along the way,” he said.
Both father and son see this endorsement as a steppingstone to impactful careers. Shane plans to integrate his training into his massage therapy practice, ensuring he can better recognize when clients may need professional mental health support. His long-term goal is to become a doctor, whether as a chiropractor, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or psychiatrist. His father, on the other hand, hopes to use his training in peer support, applying his newfound knowledge to help others navigate life’s challenges.
Beyond personal growth, both are motivated by the broader impact this education can have on their community. “This education will help reduce stigma and encourage more people to prioritize their mental well-being,” Shane said. Joseph added, “Anything I can do to make myself a more knowledgeable individual and help in my ability to understand others is important. It may make me a more productive member of society, and that is a good thing.”
As they continue their studies, Shane and Joseph are proving that education is not just about gaining knowledge—it’s about connection, growth, and making a difference. And for them, the journey is all the more meaningful because they’re taking it together.
