brian fischer
Anderson,IN
Summary
I am a compassionate and resourceful professional with over two decades of experience working directly with people in diverse and often high-pressure environments. Currently completing my bachelors in Addiction Counseling, I bring a unique blend of lived experience, academic training, and professional practice to support individuals in recovery. My work as a recovery coach at Aspire Indiana Health allowed me to foster trust, facilitate group therapy, coordinate aftercare, and guide clients through critical life needs such as housing, employment, and legal issues. Prior to that, I owned and operated a tattoo studio for 14 years, where I built lasting relationships, mentored staff, and created a safe space for clients from all walks of life. I also served as an account manager at Rent-A-Center, where I developed problem-solving and conflict resolution skills by working with customers facing financial hardship. Across all of these rolls, I have consistently demonstrated empathy, resilience, and the ability to help people navigate challenges - qualities that I now bring into the counseling field. My goal is to inspire hope, empower individuals to take ownership of their recovery, and contribute meaningfully to the success of the practicum site.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Tattoo Artist / Shop Owner
Studio X Tattoo Co.
10.2002 - 12.2024
- Built long-term client relationships by fostering trust, active listening, and empathy.
- Created a safe, welcoming environment for diverse populations, ensuring dignity and respect.
- Managed high-pressure situations with professionalism and calm, demonstrating crisis management and problem solving abilities transferable to clinical settings.
- Guided clients through decision-making processes by helping them clarify goals, explore options, and commit to meaningful choices, mirroring motivational interviewing techniques.
- Oversaw business operations including scheduling, budgeting, and compliance, reflecting organizational skills needed for case management and treatment planning.
- Mentored apprentices and staff, providing constructive feedback, accountability, and encouragement, parallel to coaching clients through recovery milestones.
- Adapted communication styles to meet the needs of individuals from varied backgrounds, Strengthening cultural competence in client-centered care.
- Balanced creativity with responsibility, ensuring client safety and satisfaction while honoring personal expression, a skill aligned with supporting recovery journeys.
Recovery Coach
Aspire Indiana Health
09.2022 - 11.2023
- Fostered a supportive environment for group therapy sessions, encouraging open communication and mutual respect among participants.
- Established trust and rapport with clients, creating a strong foundation for open communication and collaboration throughout the recovery process.
- Served as an advocate for clients within the healthcare system by communicating effectively with medical professionals regarding treatment plans and concerns.
- Increased clients'' self-awareness by conducting regular assessments and facilitating reflective exercises.
- Supported clients in post-treatment recovery planning by helping them organize and prioritize critical life needs, including legal issues, housing, and employment.
- Assisted clients in obtaining essential documentation (e.g., identification cards, birth certificates) to remove barriers to reintegration and independence.
- Coordinated appropriate aftercare and treatment plans, ensuring clients had access to ongoing support services and resources for sustained recovery.
Account Manager
Rent-A-Center
11.2000 - 06.2002
- Managed a portfolio of customer accounts, reviewing payment schedules daily and maintaining consistent communication to ensure accountability and trust.
- Developed creative solutions for clients facing financial hardship, negotiating payment arrangements and offering alternatives to support stability, demonstrating empathy and problem solving skills.
- Built rapport with diverse customers, practicing active listening and conflict resolution to de-escalate tense situations and maintain professional relationships.
- Handled high stress responsibilities including repossession and recovery of merchandise, requiring persistence, discretion, and adherence to company policy.
- Delivered and retrieved merchandise directly from customers homes, reinforcing reliability, professionalism, and respect for client circumstances.
- Balanced enforcement with compassion, striving to understand client challenges while upholding organizational standards, a skill directly transferable to counseling and advocacy roles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Addiction Counseling
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN07-2027
High School Diploma -
Pendleton Heights High School
Pendleton, IN05-1999
Skills
- Illustration and design
- Human anatomy knowledge
- Sanitization protocols
- Sanitation procedures
- Adaptability and versatility
- Professionalism and ethics
- Money handling
- Customer relations
- Client consultation
- Appointment scheduling
- Patience and perseverance
- Design skills
- Portfolio development
- Industry trends awareness
- Social media presence
- Marketing and promotion
- Certified Tattoo and Body Modification Artist
- Hygiene and sterilization
- Custom tattoo creation
- Aftercare advice
- Collaboration with clients
- Color theory
- Creativity and imagination
- Teamwork
- Strong work ethic
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Compassionate care
- Excellent communication
- Attention to detail
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creative thinking
- Time management abilities
- Infection control
- Physical strength
- Heavy lifting
- First aid certification
- Decision-making
- Safety protocols
- Team collaboration
- Emotional support
- Verbal and written communication
- Bedside manner
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal skills
- Record keeping
- Analytical thinking
- Behavioral management
- Crisis intervention
- Motivational Interviewing
Certification
- CPR
- Blood Born Pathogens
- Defensive driving
Timeline
Recovery Coach
Aspire Indiana Health
09.2022 - 11.2023
Tattoo Artist / Shop Owner
Studio X Tattoo Co.
10.2002 - 12.2024
Account Manager
Rent-A-Center
11.2000 - 06.2002
Bachelor of Science - Addiction Counseling
Indiana Wesleyan University
High School Diploma -
Pendleton Heights High School