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Our Team

Founders

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Team

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.
CLINICAL DIRECTOR

Nicole Maki, LMHC

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.
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Destinee Lucier, MSW
Assistant Clinical Director

Destinee Lucier, LC

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.
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Natalie Tincknell, MSW
Lead Clinician

Natalie Tincknell, MSW

Natalie Tincknell, MSW, is a compassionate and dedicated therapist with a passion for working with vulnerable populations in the form of client-centered and strength-based approaches of social work and psychology.

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Clinician

Christopher Swart, PhD

Chris brings a different perspective to his work as a clinician due to his history as a strength and conditioning coach and college professor, drawing on his experience to support clients with building resiliency and motivation to sustain their recovery. 

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Lead Clinician

Cassandra Bridge, LCSW

Cassie received her BSW from Anna Maria College before completing her MSW from Springfield College School of Social Work and is licensed as a clinical social worker as well as a drug and alcohol counselor in Massachusetts. 

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CLINICIAN

Kristopher Ambrozewicz, MS, LADC-1

With extensive experience in the field of substance use treatment, he has served as both a clinician and a clinical supervisor at multiple facilities, guiding individuals through the complexities of recovery and rehabilitation.

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Clinical Intake Coordinator

Amaliah Torres, MS

Amaliah Torres, MS, is a practicing master’s level mental health counselor, who holds experience working in diverse settings including residential, community, school-based, in-home, day treatment, intensive outpatient, private practice, telehealth, and outpatient.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

Jen Breeds

Jen joined the incredible team here at Lake Ave Recovery with one thing on her mind: Changing Lives.
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CLINICIAN

Brett Carpenter, MSW

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

Gina Abbott

Gina Abbott comes to Lake Ave Recovery with several years of medical office experience ranging from behavioral health to pediatrics.
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Chief Excitement Officers

A

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

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    Lake Ave Recovery is a Day Treatment Program and Intensive Outpatient Program in Massachusetts helping those with substance use and dual diagnosis disorders.

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