Caroline Ridout Stewart

Caroline Ridout Stewart, LCSW, Class of 1966, earned her BA and MA at McGill University in Montreal, and her MSW at San Diego State University.

She trained in fine arts in addition to earning a degree in social anthropology. At San Diego High School, her favorite subjects were art and science.

She was in the biology club, Demoiselles Community Service Club, and was on the women’s gymnastic team, 1964-66. She combined her skills as writer and artist as the editor of the 1966 year book.

Carolyn’s parents and siblings graduated from SDHS, too, and Caroline married Donald A. Stewart, SDHS class of 1965.

Caroline continues to pursue science, writing and art in her life: as a clinician and clinical instructor at UCSD; as president of A New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing); and in her company, Owl and Mouse Designs, which creates adult coloring books and note cards featuring Caroline’s drawings and travel photography. Caroline taught college anthropology for ten years before becoming a clinical social worker and psychotherapist.

She is co-leader of Moms United to End the War on Drugs, an international organization under the auspices of A New PATH. In 2016, the two groups, Moms United and A New PATH, met with the federal drug czar Michael Botticelli to promote a more clinically-informed federal approach to addictive illness.

Caroline has worked as a volunteer in Donovan State Prison. Her articles on substance abuse and addictive disorders appear frequently in professional publications, and she is a frequent participant on professional conference panels on infertility, bereavement, addiction and recovery. She is a prolific essayist and poet.

Caroline’s work has been recognized by a San Diego Business Journal Award (2008), Soroptomist International’s “Making a Difference for Women Award” (2008), and the Certificate of Appreciation for Advocacy for Persons with Addictive Illness (presented by Senator Barbara Boxer in 2006).