Seizing Opportunities: An Addiction Studies Grad Brings Her Skills to State Government
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — May 21, 2025) Kassiana Parris believes in making the most of opportunities, especially when it comes to her career.
That’s why the longtime human services professional, who holds a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in public affairs and administration, pursued certification as a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). It’s also what motivated Parris to earn her B.S. in addiction studies at Empire State University, where she received a scholarship through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
“If something comes across my desk and it’s a [chance] to better myself so I can help my community and this world, I’m going to do it,” she says.
From Jamaica, Queens but currently residing in Albany, Parris began her studies at SUNY Empire in January 2024. Now, the New Yorker—who was able to transfer numerous credits from her previously earned bachelor’s degree—has just completed her addiction studies program this May. Looking back on her time at the university, she says that her interactions with other members of the SUNY Empire community are what she found most rewarding about her experience.
“Even if it was virtually, I was able to connect with diverse individuals coming from different walks of life…[and] understand how cultural humility plays an important role in my interactions with someone to better understand their perspectives, to not become defensive, to be able to see what resonates with me and what I may need clarified for me,” Parris says. “That allowed me to think critically, and that’s what school does; it allows you to think and to be able to work with others.”
With this latest degree under her belt, Parris says she hopes to channel the new skills she’s obtained into her professional life. While attending SUNY Empire, the soon-to-be-alum has maintained a full-time job at the New York State Department of Health as part of the selective Empire State Fellows Program. There, Parris—who focuses on policy work within the Office of Health Equity and Human Rights and the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—has contributed to developing the New York State Master Plan for Aging as well as the state’s first Health Equity Plan. She says she aims to continue her service in state government after graduation.
“I hope to bring a lot of my experience that I’ve received in the field and the information I’ve received in the classroom to help support our communities that are dealing with high crime, not enough resources, and substance use. It’s an epidemic that doesn’t seem to end,” she says, noting that she strives to keep shaping policies around these issues. “All of it ties into me not just having the education and the experience, but being able to leverage my skills and best support as much as I can.”