On this episode of Airing Addiction:

We are joined by Rose Gage and Lynn LeBlanc-Marrone to dive head-first into why family engagement is so important for cultivating a foundation of support for loved ones in active recovery. Join us as we explore how impactful family support is, as Jesse and Lisa tap into Rose and Lynn’s extensive clinical experience on this week's special Recovery Month episode.

Rose Gage, LMHC, is the Family Engagement Specialist at New England Recovery Center (NERC) in Westborough, MA.

She began her career at NERC over three years ago as a clinician in their inpatient CSS. She took on her new role in March of 2023 and has really enjoyed working with clients and their family members/ support systems. She has witnessed the value that family engagement has on both patients and their loved ones. She strives to create a safe environment that fosters open communication, validation of thoughts and feelings, and education about addiction and the recovery process.

Lynn LeBlanc-Marrone is the Executive Director of Inpatient & Outpatient Clinical Services for Spectrum Health Systems. Lynn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor with 40 years of clinical and supervisory experience in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders.

She is a member of Spectrum’s FAST Magnolia team, which provides virtual family-focused education and support meetings for the loved ones of individuals navigating addiction/recovery.

Lynn holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Assumption College.

Hear Lynn and Rose, with your hosts Lisa and Jesse. Only on Airing Addiction!

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

Rachel Sasseville, LICSW, LADC-I, is the Director of Corporate Training at Spectrum Health Systems, where she leads organization-wide efforts to improve clinical quality and support professional development across the continuum of substance use treatment.

A licensed independent clinical social worker and alcohol and drug counselor, Rachel brings over 15 years of experience in behavioral health to her work. She specializes in designing and delivering practical, evidence-based training that equips clinicians and treatment teams with the skills needed to provide effective, compassionate, and outcomes-driven care.

And her favorite flavor of ice cream is cookies and cream.

Join Lisa and Jesse for Recovery Month! Only on Airing Addiction.

Aileen Lovejoy is the mom of a son who suffered with the disease of addiction for 20+yrs and died on May 12th, 2013, Mother's Day, from an overdose 2 days following his birthday.

She co-facilitates the HALO 18 Grief Group in Worcester. Aileen volunteers as a group leader for grief support at the Carriage House, Worcester, and is a member of Team Sharing-MA. She is a Peer Grief Support Specialist and a Peer Grief Ally, providing one on one support to those who have loved one to the disease of addiction. Aileen is also a member of the Worcester DA's Opioid Task Force.

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Aileen's story on this episode of Airing Addiction.

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

William Powers is a dedicated Recovery Coach at the Bridge to Hope peer recovery support center in Southbridge, Massachusetts, bringing over 18 years of experience in recovery-based programming—and a powerful foundation of lived experience—to his role.

His personal journey through recovery deeply informs his approach, allowing him to connect with individuals on a meaningful level and offer authentic, empathetic support.

William is trained in Restorative Justice, Recovery Coaching, Alternatives to Violence, Nurturing Fathers, and at-risk youth engagement. His lived experience, combined with professional training, enables him to guide others with insight, compassion, and credibility—helping them navigate the complexities of recovery and personal transformation.

In addition to his coaching work, William is a published author and committed community advocate. He is the founder and president of Crossing the Rubicon, a self-development program designed to help individuals overcome personal barriers and achieve lasting growth. He also serves as a board member for two nonprofit organizations, reflecting his ongoing dedication to creating positive change in the lives of others.

Join Athena and Lisa to hear of William's powerful experience. Only on Airing Addiction.

On this episode of Airing Addiction,

Associate Pastor James McGowan of New Life Community Church in Concord, MA, is driven by a passion to help people say “Yes!” to Jesus. With over 15 years of ministry experience, James has earned a reputation for providing compassionate care and biblically grounded guidance. As the founder and director of True Treasure Ministries, he leads a biblical counseling and training center dedicated to equipping individuals and churches to make disciples for Christ.

James’ journey was not without struggle. Growing up, he faced confusion and pain from his parents’ divorce and sexual abuse, which led him to become a “relational escape artist” and battle an addiction to prescription painkillers. Despite repeated attempts to change, it wasn’t until 2007, when a friend asked him if he understood his relationship with Jesus, that James embraced God’s gift of life, finding true freedom.

Before his current roles, James served as a Chaplain at the Springfield Rescue Mission in Massachusetts for eight years. In 2016, he earned certification from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), with a specialty in addiction counseling, further deepening his ability to minister to those in need.

In his free time, James enjoys tinkering with new and vintage wristwatches, learning the piano, and cheering for Boston sports teams. He lives in Marlborough with his wife, Amy, and their three young daughters.

Connect with James at www.awakendiscipleship.com to learn more about his ministry and how he can help you grow in Christ.

Join Lisa and Jesse to hear James's story and triumph over substance use, only on Airing Addiction.

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

Kirsten Puccio and Keri McCallum founded M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Mamas lead and empower mothers in recovery, to advocate for systematic change with support through a peer-led initiative in order to promote family reunification.

Their passion was to help other mothers who are struggling with substance use disorder as they once did. As they once suffered in isolation out of fear from the judgement and stigma people with SUD often face especially being a mother, they knew they wanted to help another mother never to have to feel that way. When they looked around their community, they saw there was a lack of spaces for mothers to go comfortably to discuss issues they were experiencing such as substance use during pregnancy, involvement with the department of children & families, losing custody of their children, etc. They decided then and there to create that space, which they did at Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Support Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

You can visit their website at https://miracle-mamas.com/

Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction.

Brittany Alene Jimenez started her sobriety journey on July 15, 2020.

She is a mother, friend, and outdoor enthusiast who finds solace in exercise and mountain therapy. An aspiring pilot with a passion for nursing, currently pursuing a fast-tracked DNP program. With three years of experience as a pulmonary triage nurse and Med-Surg bedside medicine at UMass, she's committed to developing skills that will shape her future in healthcare. She takes pride in the relationships she's built through recovery, showing up with compassion and authenticity in both personal and professional life.

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” -Sophocles

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Brittany's story. Only on Airing Addiction!

On this episode of Airing Addiction, John Marhefka and Matt Gear share details on their nonprofit GAAP Recovery:

G.A.A.P Recovery is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with individuals and families who suffer from mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. They provide individuals with financial resources for the barriers they may face in paying for sober living.

G.A.A.P Recovery has given out 10 scholarships in 2024 and we are seeking to expand that with your help...

All proceeds will benefit GAAP recovery's mission to create a community where men and fathers impacted by opioid use disorder, and the criminal justice system, are empowered to rebuild their lives, achieve lasting recovery, and reconnect with their families, through compassionate support, innovative programs, and a commitment to equity and inclusivity.

Visit https://gaaprecovery.org/ to learn more.

Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction to hear more of the amazing work John and Matt are doing in the recovery community.