Social Work Breaks Barriers

Every March we celebrate the contributions made by our social workers at Hudson along with social workers nationwide. The theme this year focuses on breaking barriers: social work breaks barriers that prevent people and communities from thriving. Clinical Director Michele Sterling, LCSW-C, CAC-AD acknowledges that the theme this year highlights the challenges our social workers regularly face and overcome. “Our team of social workers are dedicated to helping our patients overcome challenges, whether they are mental, physical or financial barriers. Being a social worker requires a great deal of compassion, and it’s rewarding to see the huge impact we have on patients in recovery at our facilities.”

The team of social workers at Hudson work in a variety of roles. Case managers work with patients nearing the end of treatment to arrange housing and aftercare. Our counselors specialize in the field of addiction and provide individual counseling sessions, treatment plans and oversee support and education groups. We also have social workers that provide mental health therapy, which is separate from counseling.  

Among our team of social workers is Katie Cleaver, CSC-AD, who has been interning as an admissions counselor for the last year as she completes her bachelor’s degree in social work. “I work in the admissions department so often I see patients when they’re not the best versions of themselves. The best part of my job is seeing how much patients change in 30-45 days. Both physically and mentally, there are a lot of changes they go through during those first 30 days of being clean and sober,” said Katie.

At the other end of the spectrum, residential aftercare coordinator and case manager Jason Burroughs, BASW, CSC-AD helps Hudson patients navigate the complex network of recovery providers and arranges housing and aftercare treatment. “My favorite thing about working with patients is helping them understand how their maladaptive thoughts and behaviors lead them to repeat use/misuse cycles,” said Jason. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in social work, a field he was inspired to work in by his own therapist at Charles County Health Department. “My therapist Tina helped me find a path to sustained recovery, and after our interaction I wanted to spend the rest of my life passing on the same message she gave me: hope that recovery is possible and that I can have a successful life on my terms by believing in my abilities.”

Jessica Rickels, LMSW, CAC-AD is a residential counselor at Hudson and works one-on-one with patients to aid in recovery. “Often times we get people at their worst and the most broken they’ve ever been. Through our assistance and their devotion to bettering their lives, we get to witness real change happening,” said Jessica. “Overall, I really feel like I’m making a difference in the lives of such an incredible population that ultimately carries out into the greater community.”

“Social workers have helped drive significant, positive change in our nation, our local community, and right here at Hudson,” said Clinical Director Michele Sterling. “I’m honored to oversee and guide such a dedicated and hard-working team of social workers, and it gives me great pride to know that we’re all making a difference.”