New Year, New Beginnings from Rebecca Flood
It is quite the cliché to speak about new beginnings as we turn our calendars over to a new year. But clichés become clichés for a reason, and this year, it is especially apropos. I am thrilled to share that on January 2nd, 2018, I officially joined Ashley Addiction Treatment in the role of President and CEO.
For me, working at Ashley is like coming home in many ways. I got treatment in Bel Air, Maryland at a place called Hidden Brook (which no longer exists) and had the good fortune to meet Father Joseph Martin, who was a guest lecturer there many times. He impressed me with his quick wit, he touched me personally with his kind mentorship, and he made an indelible impression with the easy way he touched so many hearts. As a friend of Ashley, you also have been influenced by Father Martin – even if you’ve never met him.
Additionally, I lived in Maryland for many years and my family’s home church is Saint Mary Anne’s in northeast Maryland, which is also where I attended my first AA meeting after treatment. A meeting that was held on a Thursday evening and which still exists today. The church is where folks will be able to find me on Sunday mornings if they need me.
Am I excited to take on this new role? Absolutely. Am I blessed to be able to carry on the ideals brought to light by this iconic figure in the crusade to have more individuals and families find their path to recovery than ever before? Even more so.
For me, life has come full circle and this seems to be the right place for my next and final chapter of my professional life, since it was so much a part of the beginning.
I could not be more delighted to begin this new journey, and to share it with the many friends, supporters and partners that make what we do here possible. I believe with my whole heart that we do “everything for recovery because recovery is everything.”
With peace, joy and warmest wishes for a wonderful New Year,
Rebecca J. Flood
President & CEO
Staff Spotlight: Erin Knight, Referral Relations Coordinator
This month, we cast the Staff Spotlight on newly named Referral Relations Coordinator, Erin Knight. Erin joined Ashley in September 2016 as a Counselor in our Admissions Department. On December 18th, Erin joined the Business Development Department, supporting the efforts of the entire Clinical Outreach team.
We sat down with Erin and talked with her about her new role:
What drew you to work in this field?
I was drawn to work in the substance use treatment field because it allows me to interact with, and help, a diverse group of people. While every person suffering from a substance use disorder comes from a unique set of circumstances, the common thread of powerlessness unites them all. In the field of treatment, we are able to smash the walls of isolation that addiction builds and connect people so they can thrive in a new sober life.
What drew you to work at Ashley?
For me, Ashley is a place filled with hope and compassion. People who walk through our doors are desperate to feel better, and to find the relief that alcohol and drugs are no longer providing. The staff at Ashley provides support for people and families in recovery from the moment of the first phone call and well beyond the 28 days. Along with the staff, the awe-inspiring landscape provides patients and staff with peace and serenity. For myself, it is a reminder of a greater purpose and interconnectedness between people.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is watching patients transform in 28 days. At Ashley, we do not change the essence of people, but help them take the steps they need to become the person they are meant to be. Families grow as well. Parents get their children back and children get their parents back. Hearing the desperation in people’s voices from the first call transform to hope and understanding throughout treatment is the most rewarding part of my job.
What makes Ashley special to you?
Ashley is special because of the history and the people. Ashley is well established in the field of substance use treatment, with 35 years of history. There is an aura around campus that is not only a reminder of the past and tradition, but also a feeling of hope for the future. Treatment and recovery are at the forefront here. Patients form a community of support amongst themselves, and are surrounded by a team of people who give them the tools. We treat the person as a whole, and provide a network and tools for continued success in recovery.
Outreach Events
The new year is beginning with a bang, as the Clinical Outreach team is busy planning a number of CEU events to Elevate Your Practice and enhance your professional education.
On Friday, January 26th, we’ll be in Elkton to celebrate the one year anniversary of the IOP’s opening. Since we opened our doors last year, we have served more than 450 individuals suffering from substance use disorders. This event is open to all and will include tours, Q&A and an introduction of Becky Flood, Ashley President and CEO. The open house will run from 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm.
Our focus shifts to Ellicott City on Friday, February 9th, as we help to Elevate Your Practice. We’ll be at Eggspectations Restaurant at 6010 University Blvd, where Bruce S. Rosenbaum, MD PC, will speak on Recent Advances in Medications for Addictions. This will be followed by Schema Therapy, Presented by Ashley Clinical Psychologist, David Crone, PsyD.
Following lunch, Litsa Williams, LCSW-C, from Columbia Addictions Center, will speak on Ambiguous Grief. Eileen Dewey, LCSW-C, also from Columbia Addictions Center, will join Don Sloan, MS, and Roger Hoff, both from Recovery Care Partner, for a presentation on Falling Forward: Helping Parents.
The event will conclude at 2:30pm with closing remarks.
Additionally, Ashley’s popular Recovery Enrichment Day will be held on Saturday, January 20th on the Ashley campus. In this edition of RED you’ll learn to Connect. Release. Rejoice! A revolutionary approach to recovery through mindfulness movement. Owner of Studio Q Pilates in Sea Girt, NJ, Linda Carden, will discuss how to use best practices such as breathing, meditation and Pilates to expand awareness of, and connect to, our higher selves.
For more information about all of our events (and to sponsor/register), check out the Ashley website here.
The Annual Washington, DC Gala
Ashley’s first major fundraising event of the year is fast approaching. On February 22nd, 2018, come join us for our 4th Annual DC Gala hosted by the Ashley Washington DC Leadership Council, held at the beautiful DC Four Seasons Hotel.
This year’s event will feature a private reception with the Leadership Council and Ashley executive staff, and a sumptuous, full course seated dinner. Proceeds will benefit the new Women’s Solarium at Ashley!
Women face different challenges during their treatment experience, and the Women’s Solarium will help meet many of those needs. For more information about the Women’s Solarium, click here.
Our event will be emceed by award-winning author, Susan Cheever, and will include our public introduction of new Ashley President & CEO, Rebecca J. Flood. In addition, we will honor philanthropist and friend of Ashley, Ginny Grenham with the Michael K. Deaver Service Award.
Don’t miss this special annual event – sponsorships and tickets are still available! For more information, click here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]