Our Team

Meet the Founders

Lake Ave Recovery was founded by a group of committed and passionate people, many who have had firsthand encounters with the current drug epidemic. The team came together to open a drug and alcohol treatment center in Worcester, MA, to provide the highest quality of dignified, discrete, and compassionate services to individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction.
Jack Maroney

Jack Maroney

Jack is the president and CEO of Creative Addiction Recovery Estates, a company dedicated to providing dignified environments of care to those suffering from substance use disorders.
Dr. James DiReda

Dr. James DiReda

Dr. James DiReda earned a dual Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Work from Boston University, and a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.
Elizabeth Belliveau

Elizabeth Belliveau

Elizabeth Belliveau, MSW, LICSW is a practicing clinical social worker and has experience in a wide variety of settings, including residential programs with adolescents, juvenile justice.
Shaun Wallace

Shaun Wallace

Shaun was born and raised in the Worcester area with strong family ties to the local community.  He is committed to his own recovery and actively works a 12-step program.  During this time, he has become a driving force in the recovery community working tirelessly with various fellowships, agencies, programs and non-profits.
Mike Hurley

Mike Hurley

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science from Bridgewater State University and continues to lead by example working and living side by side with those in early recovery. Being a person in long-term recovery, he has dedicated his life to helping other addicts and alcoholics in recovery.

Meet the Team

Lake Avenue Recovery providers are licensed, clinical treatment professionals committed to compassionate, cutting-edge, evidence-based practice shared in a vibrant exchange between client and clinician. At Lake Avenue Recovery, no one is a passive recipient of our expertise. Our clinical team highly values the experiences of loved ones as well, incorporating family sessions as part of the individual’s treatment.
Melissa Petrillo, LMHC

Melissa Petrillo, LMHC

Executive Director
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Melissa brings years of experience as a mental health professional and educator to her leadership role at Lake Avenue Recovery.
Ashley Maroney, LMHC

Ashley Maroney, LMHC

Program Director
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Ashley Maroney, MA, LMHC is a client-centered therapist that brings her experience working with substance use in adolescents, adults, and families of all walks of life.
Gina Abbott

Gina Abbott

Office Manager
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Gina Abbott comes to Lake Ave Recovery with several years of medical office experience ranging from behavioral health to pediatrics.
Cassandra Bridge, MSW, LCSW

Cassandra Bridge, MSW, LCSW

Clinician
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Cassandra Bridge, MSW, LCSW, is a person-centered, solution-focused clinician with a passion for substance abuse treatment and dual diagnosis treatment.
Nicole Maki, MA

Nicole Maki, MA

Clinician
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Nicole brings passion and commitment to her work as a therapist. She has experience working in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders through various settings.
Destinee Lucier, MSW

Destinee Lucier, MSW

Clinician
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Destinee is a client-centered therapist that has a passion for substance abuse treatment. She has experience working with diverse populations and cultures over the years.
Brett Carpenter, MSW

Brett Carpenter, MSW

Clinician
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Brett comes to Lake Ave Recovery bringing a myriad of experiences of working with many different populations struggling with substance use disorders.
Liz Cormier

Liz Cormier

Community Service Representative
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Liz is our wonderful and committed business development representative. With years of experience working in substance use disorders, she brings bright ideas and passion to Lake Ave Recovery.
Jen Breeds

Jen Breeds

Community Service Representative
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Jen joined the incredible team here at Lake Ave Recovery with one thing on her mind: Changing Lives.
Sophia Farooqui

Sophia Farooqui

Web Development
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Sophia joined the team at Lake Ave Recovery with almost 10 years experience in the healthcare field.
Sammy Maroney

Sammy Maroney

Therapy Dog
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Sammy is our lovable, caring professional therapy dog. She brings a level of warmth and empathy to Lake Ave Recovery that is unmatched.

Chief Excitement Officers

Accredited Internship Program

The Lake Ave Recovery Internship Program introduces both bachelor’s and master’s level students to the integral role licensed clinicians play in drug and alcohol recovery. As America’s addiction crisis rages on, our goal is to show students how their work can make a meaningful and noticeable impact by providing experience in a broad range of clinical skills. We aim to offer students a broad understanding of the field of social work, to recognize and apply learned skills and principles firsthand. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and providing a professional work environment that is beneficial to both interns as well as clients.
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508-794-4400

We have a longstanding foundation in the treatment and recovery community

Lake Avenue Recovery is a state licensed and Joint Commission accredited organization committed to promoting, maintaining, and restoring the dignity, well-being and mental health for those with substance use disorders and their families serving greater Worcester county and beyond.

  • 132 Years Clinical Excellence
  • 105 Years Recovery Experience
  • 8:1 Ratio Client to Staff
  • 12 Publications on Alcohol and Drug Use
  • 132 Years Clinical Excellence
  • 105 Years Recovery Experience
  • 8:1 Ratio Client to Staff
  • 12 Publications on Alcohol and Drug Use

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