Stepheni Bourov

Stepheni Bourov, RN, BSN, is the Director of Nursing at Footprints to Recovery’s addiction treatment center in Elgin, Illinois. She leads the nursing team for inpatient detox, residential treatment, and the new mental health unit. Stepheni enjoys mentoring Footprints’ nursing staff to provide compassionate care for this unique population.

Stepheni earned her BSN in 2017 from Chamberlain College of Nursing with Magna Cum Laude honors. She previously held certifications in ACLS, PALS, and ECRN as an ER nurse. Her career in behavioral health began in her early 20s when she worked as an EMT in a medical detox unit.

Before joining Footprints, Stepheni worked as an EMT, RN, and nursing supervisor for an inpatient substance abuse program. She later transitioned to ER nursing, including during the COVID pandemic, and gained experience in a psychiatric emergency room. She also worked as a Ketamine Infusion nurse, helping patients with MDD and PTSD. In 2024, Stepheni found her place at Footprints to Recovery, where she feels at home.

Her ER experience has shaped her ability to assess and triage effectively, particularly with patients facing acute psychiatric emergencies, overdoses, or severe intoxication. Her time working in corrections gave her a deeper understanding of inmates, seeing them as individuals with medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse challenges. She learned about intergenerational trauma and the struggles that lead many into cycles of crime and substance use. Stepheni often spoke with young inmates who wanted to turn their lives around.

Stepheni’s dedication to her field is deeply personal. In her early 20s, she lost a close friend to a heroin overdose, inspiring her to work in a detox unit. She has also faced her own struggles with substance abuse and has a family history of alcoholism. These experiences drive her commitment to helping others achieve sobriety and build better lives, as she continues to live a sober lifestyle herself.

At Footprints, Stepheni finds joy in being part of the healing process, providing support and hope to those who need it most. She takes pride in helping individuals navigate relapses and encourages them not to give up. She looks forward to growing in her role and making Footprints to Recovery her long-term professional home.

In her free time, Stepheni enjoys spending time with her two kids. She is also passionate about music and loves attending live shows whenever possible.

• Hometown: I was born and raised in the Chicagoland suburbs. I have lived in the Elgin area now for the greater part of my life. 
• Interests & Passions: I love being with my two kids. They are my everything. Aside from them, music is what feeds my soul, and I will see live music whenever I can squeeze it in!
• What do you like most about your job: Watching the transition from when the patient first comes in detox and then goes to residential treatment and beyond – it is beautiful.