Mark Montgomery’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to giving back. Now 37 years in recovery, Mark has not only transformed his own life but has also become a beacon of hope for many others struggling with addiction. 

Mark’s professional journey began in the maritime industry, where he started as an entry-level accountant and eventually rose to the position of CEO. His career took him from New Jersey to Maryland, where he worked in the Port of Baltimore. It was during this time that Mark’s path intersected with Ashley. 

Mark’s introduction to Ashley came through his involvement in bringing messages of hope and his own personal recovery story to addiction treatment centers and prisons. He began visiting Ashley once a month on Wednesday nights, delivering talks and supporting those in treatment. This commitment continued for over a decade, during which time Mark developed a deep respect for the premier quality of care provided at Ashley. 

A pivotal moment for Mark was meeting Father Martin, who was “larger than life,” as Mark recalls. Father Martin’s powerful “Chalk Talks” and sense of humor left a lasting impression on Mark, cementing his fondness and affinity for Ashley. Over the years, Mark has seen firsthand the positive outcomes of Ashley’s programs, witnessing many individuals’ transitions from treatment at Ashley to long-term recovery. 

Mark’s connection to Ashley remained strong even after he moved to Vermont more than a decade ago. He continued to support the organization, both financially and through personal involvement. One notable instance was when Mark reached out to Ashley’s Co-CEO, Alex Denstman, whom he has known for many years, to help a young man in Vermont who was struggling with addiction. Ashley’s swift response and willingness to provide a scholarship to the individual reaffirmed Mark’s faith in the organization’s dedication to helping those in need. 

When asked why he chooses to generously donate to Ashley, Mark’s answer is simple: he believes in second chances. As an employer, he understands the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives. Mark says that he is grateful that his business successes have enabled him to give back, and he views his support for Ashley as a way to change lives and offer hope to those who need it most. 

By sharing his story, Mark hopes to encourage others to consider supporting Ashley, ensuring that more individuals have the chance to find recovery and reclaim their lives. 

Ashley is deeply grateful to Mark for supporting our mission to transform and save lives and for his leadership gift to the Unlocking Ashley’s Future Campaign. 

Did you know that Ashley invests more than $2 million annually in charity care? These funds from our endowment are vital to ensuring patients can access the treatment they need when they need it. But even with this amount, we still cannot accommodate the ever-growing number of individuals that require full or partial scholarships to cover the cost of their care.  

Many individuals seeking recovery face significant financial barriers, as insurance coverage for addiction treatment can be inconsistent and often insufficient. This uncertainty can deter individuals from pursuing the help they need, leading to prolonged suffering and potential relapse.  

Through the Unlocking Ashley’s Future Campaign, we are raising $2.5 million to grow our scholarship fund and increase Ashley’s impact on individuals, families, and communities. By providing a larger number of scholarships, Ashley can ensure that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from accessing life-saving treatment. These funds offer a safety net, enabling more people to embark on their recovery journey with the confidence that their treatment will be supported, regardless of insurance limitations.  

Scholarships can make a profound difference in the lives of those battling addiction, offering them hope and a path to a healthier future. 

Welcome New Staff Member, Jackie Hryncewich 

Ashley is pleased to introduce Jackie Hryncewich, Donor Relations Manager, who joined the development team in December. With a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management and extensive fundraising experience, Jackie brings a wealth of expertise to Ashley. Previously, she served as a Senior Consultant at The Athena Advisors where she directed donor data analysis and provided technical assistance to clients. Jackie has also held key fundraising roles at the University of Baltimore, St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore, and The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence.  

Jackie says, “I am thrilled to join Ashley’s development team, especially at this moment—as Ashley’s innovative vision becomes a reality through the Unlocking Ashley’s Future Campaign. Ashley’s history is a powerful one, and I hold deep reverence for Father Martin and Mae’s legacy. It is an honor to be part of this next chapter, where scientific research meets the compassionate care we provide to transform and save lives.” 

Please join us in welcoming Jackie to Ashley! She can be reached at JHryncewich@AshleyTreatment.Org or 410-273-2234.  

Nick Balducci

Nan Bender

Liz Bonner

Bryan Davis

Dave Dworsky

Jimmy Fragoyannis

Dev Ganesan

Toni Griswold

Betsey Hobelmann 

John Hoel

Joe Jackson

Jessie Nance

Phyllis Raskin-Hadley

Terry Smith

Rachael Teacher

Marot Williamson