Celebrity Recovery Spotlight: Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, a beloved actress and talk show host, has captured audiences' hearts worldwide with charm and infectious energy. However, beneath the bright smiles and successful career lies a long and challenging journey of battling alcohol and drug addiction. Barrymore's openness about her struggles has inspired many, offering hope and resilience to those facing similar ...
Recognizing Pride Month at Spectrum Health Systems
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledge their struggles, and recognize the progress toward equality. While it's a month filled with joy and celebration, it's also crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with addiction and the importance of providing specialized support. Unique Challenges and the Importance ...
Rebuilding Financial Freedom in Addiction Recovery
Recovering from substance misuse is a journey that encompasses all facets of life, including finances. The path to recovery often intersects with financial challenges, making it essential to address both aspects simultaneously for a holistic recovery. Rebuilding financial freedom after addiction is not only possible but can significantly contribute to long-term recovery and overall wellbeing. ...
Spectrum’s Ondrea Hilts on Helping People Find Recovery
Before she began working with Spectrum Health Systems, Ondrea Hilts was in college, pursuing a degree in psychology with a minor in justice studies. She knew she wanted to help people but hadn’t decided on a specific career path. Soon, though, a family tragedy would shape her plans for the future when she lost her ...
Making a Difference with Stefania Cunningham, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Stefania Cunningham’s tenure at Spectrum began 10 years ago. Originally joining as a per diem nurse, she now works as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based out of Spectrum’s Weymouth location, providing psychiatric services to clients throughout Massachusetts. In her time with Spectrum, she’s seen many changes and developments, both in the organization and in the ...
Breaking the Addiction Stigma
While cultural awareness around substance and alcohol use disorder have improved in recent years, there is still a substantial amount of stigma surrounding these topics. Despite well-established research identifying addiction as a disease, some still see it as a moral failing instead. The negative attitudes and stereotypes that stem from this belief create barriers to ...
Spectrum Health Systems Unveils Scholarship Program with Assumption University
Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment and behavioral health services throughout Massachusetts, announced today its partnership with Assumption University to create a scholarship program for its employees to complete the university’s clinical counseling psychology master’s program. “We continue to see an increased need for both representation and ...
Celebrity Recovery Spotlight: Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore, a beloved actress and talk show host, has captured audiences' hearts worldwide with charm and infectious energy. However, beneath the bright smiles and successful career lies a long and challenging journey of battling alcohol and drug addiction. Barrymore's openness about her struggles has inspired many, offering hope and resilience to those facing similar ...
Recognizing Pride Month at Spectrum Health Systems
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledge their struggles, and recognize the progress toward equality. While it's a month filled with joy and celebration, it's also crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with addiction and the importance of providing specialized support. Unique Challenges and the Importance ...
Rebuilding Financial Freedom in Addiction Recovery
Recovering from substance misuse is a journey that encompasses all facets of life, including finances. The path to recovery often intersects with financial challenges, making it essential to address both aspects simultaneously for a holistic recovery. Rebuilding financial freedom after addiction is not only possible but can significantly contribute to long-term recovery and overall wellbeing. ...
Spectrum Health Systems Appoints Alicia Hashey and Athena Haddon to Key Leadership Roles
Spectrum Health Systems, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment throughout Massachusetts, announced two new hires today, continuing the growth of its leadership team. Athena Haddon re-joins the team as Executive Director of Peer Services and Recovery Support, and Alicia Hashey comes on board as Controller for the accounting department. “I’m ...
Jeannie Saunders Reflects on Leaving—and Coming Back—to Spectrum
Coming from a billing background in the healthcare industry, Jeannie Saunders first joined Spectrum Health Systems in 2016. She had been unsatisfied with her previous position and a friend that worked at Spectrum had encouraged her to apply. Jeannie followed the recommendation, and the next thing she knew, she was starting at Spectrum as a ...
Get to Know Jonathan Miller, Chief Information Officer
For the last two decades, Jonathan Miller has worked to develop IT systems for nonprofits in the healthcare space. Now serving as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Spectrum Health Systems, Jonathan’s critical role has been to oversee the management and execution of the organization's information technology strategy. Before joining the Spectrum team, Jonathan worked for ...
Get to Know Damaris Diaz, Spectrum’s Credentialing Manager
Based in Worcester, MA, Damaris Diaz has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She’s a diligent worker and life-long learner, but her most defining characteristic is her genuine interest in helping people find the help they need. It’s this combination of traits that makes her such a great fit for our Compliance ...
From Medical Records Clerk to Rising Licensed Practical Nurse
We’re proud to introduce Carmen Villanueva, a Skilled Nursing Facility Recovery Support Navigator with Spectrum Health Systems. A Worcester resident, Carmen worked as a personal care assistant for years, visiting clients, mostly seniors, in their homes to administer care. Personal care assistants play an important role in healthcare, but work schedules can be inconsistent for ...
National Recovery Month: Rapid Access Treatment Program
This year’s National Recovery Month theme is recovery is for all. While there are still several barriers to treatment access for those battling addiction, one of the most prevalent might just be the inability to access help precisely when an individual is ready to pursue recovery - a window of willingness that can be fleeting. ...

