Read all about our 100th Graduate from Megan’s House. We congratulate her and the 99 graduates who came before her.
We look back on a year of many satisfying accomplishments and many new and steep challenges. Read the annual letter from our Executive Director and our Board Chair. Included is a link to a new video that features the voices of two of our residents talking about their recovery at Megan’s House. These success stories are possible because of your support. Please consider donating today.
Megan’s House is a therapeutic community for young women suffering from Substance Use Disorder. The residents participate in a long-term, comprehensive treatment program for up to six months (or longer if needed) to forge a personalized path to sustained, long-term recovery.
Erin’s House is a “Success Home” for graduates of Megan’s House and other similar treatment programs. The culture at Erin’s House is one of family, friendship, support and recovery.
The Megan House Foundation is a 501 (C) (3) public charity
The Megan House Foundation
(fundraising, administration)
Ph: 978-606-9955
Location: Dracut, MA.
Email: Info@TheMeganHouse.org
Megan’s House
(referrals, program services)
ph: 978-455-6973
Carleen recently joined the Megan House Foundation after several years of experience in the corporate world. She is a graduate of Rivier College with a degree in Office Administration. Carleen was born and raised in Lowell and now lives in Dracut with her husband. She has two children and five grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and extended family.
Shaun was born and raised in Lowell. Growing up in the Lower Highlands of Lowell, Shaun understands the choices and challenges facing youth of today. Shaun was a member of the Lowell YMCA, Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club, and an active member in area CYO.
Starting a career with the City Of Lowell in 2000 in the DPW, Shaun became the Solid Waste and Recycling Enforcement Inspector and eventually was hired as a Building Inspector for the City in 2010. He later moved on to become the Building Commissioner for Lowell and then Chelmsford.
In 2012 Shaun and his wife Teri founded RAD Racing, a program to help youth in Lowell learn respect, work ethic, and mechanical skills by building, designing, and racing 1/24 slot cars. All participants must build, design, and race a car completely by themselves. Shaun gives credit to the YMCA, and Boys and Girls Club for passing these skills on to him as a youth and feels that nurturing young minds in a world of skill and competitive activities is greatly missed today.
Why Shaun supports Megan’s House:
“My eagerness to be a part of Megan’s House grew while in Lowell as Building Commissioner, working with developers to build and open Megan’s House and seeing the grateful participants of the program be able to enter a house that was a home and not just a program. It is one of my most memorable moments and continuing with the other projects initiated to help start this great organization. Working with many of Megan’s House staff and family in the City, whether it be voting aids to the clerks or any other great working opportunities given, one can surely see the energy and excitement in all who participate.”
A New Hampshire native born and raised, who attended local schools and graduating with a bachelor’s in Communication and Business from the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. With over 10 years of experience in the financial industry, Alison is a trusted business advisor who understands the unique needs of local businesses. As Commercial Lender, Alison provides personalized lending solutions to businesses, professionals, and non-profits throughout the greater area.
Alison has a huge community heart through her involvement on local art related, young professional and other non-profit boards of directors and steering committees to enhance the vibrancy of her community. In November 2018, Alison worked closely with Positive Street Art on the unveiling of the “Take Courage” mural located in downtown Nashua, NH. The mural is meant to inspire people seeking recovery and honor those who have lost family and loved ones. The mural depicts the best out of a bad day and having the courage in tough situations to ask for help. As the song Live Forever goes, “Take Courage when the road is long, don’t ever forget you are never alone”
In her spare time, Alison enjoys being active by running and hiking, traveling, and photography. Most importantly, she loves to spend quality time with her Husband, family and friends.
Why Alison supports Megan’s House
“I support the Megan’s House as a first stop on the road to recovery of addiction. Unfortunately, my personal life and many of my close friends has been impacted by the deep losses of close family members due to addiction. Sadly, I wasn’t able to save my family member, so my fight is to help save someone else’s life through building awareness and offering support. In recovery, you don’t need to walk alone as there is hope and hope is a wonderful thing.”
Sue is a senior financial executive with over 30 years of experience in corporate development, acquisitions and company re-engineering.
Sue is currently the Director of Finance for Water Analytics a local manufacturer located in Andover. Sue started her business career at Price Waterhouse Coopers in their Boston office. From there she joined United Asset Management Corporation last serving as Vice-President. While at UAM, Sue was an officer in their Corporate Development Group and a member their Operations Team. Sue received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business, magna cum laude, from Merrimack College. She continues to hold her CPA license in the state of Massachusetts.
Sue grew up in Holyoke where her volunteerism took root. She logged in hundreds of hours volunteering at the Holyoke Hospital. Since leaving Holyoke, her devotion to volunteering has stayed with her. She has donated her time and energy to many local non-profit organizations. She currently serves as a Corporator for The Savings Bank, based in Wakefield. She was a past member of Analytics Investors’ Board of Directors. She also served as PTO Treasurer in the Andover Public Schools and volunteered as a CCD teacher at St. Augustine Church.
Sue currently resides in Andover with her husband Mike. They have two adult sons, Jon and James. She loves yoga, golf, traveling and time laughing with family and friends.
Why Sue supports Megan’s House:
“The road to recovery is not easy – Megan’s House gives women the opportunity to take those first steps and undergo formative change. I am excited and humbled to lend a helping hand in their journey.”
Pamela Huntley was named Executive Director of The Megan House Foundation on July 1, 2019, after serving in the role on an interim basis since January of the same year. She first became involved with the organization by attending their annual Gala, a fundraising event which raises funds to help with the program and services provided to the residents of Megan’s House and Erin’s house. She served on the board of Directors for over two years until accepting her current role.
In May of 2019 Pamela completed her Bachelors of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. She worked at Lowell General Hospital for ten years, her last role as the Director of Community Relations and the Center for Community Health & Wellness, developing relationships with corporate and community partners to generate a climate of understanding and support for the health system, its mission, accomplishments and challenges. The center of Community Health & Wellness provides over 400 programs annually to non-profit organizations and corporate clients.
Pamela began her healthcare career at Saints Medical Center in 2008. Over four years she worked with employers and municipalities throughout the Merrimack Valley educating them on the Occupational Health services, including preventative health, injury treatment and management for work related injuries, on-site health screenings, and created a program for travel medicine. Beginning in 2012 Pamela transitioned to the External Affairs division to work collaboratively with the VP of External Affairs, Philanthropy and Marketing.
Prior to healthcare Pamela worked in the insurance industry as a licensed broker for Colonial Life and Accident. From there, she transitioned into Managed Care, joining a privately-owned company as the Director of Business Development. Pamela also held a management position at CorVel Corporation a national managed care company, responsible for managing the New England Medical Bill review division, and overseeing the growth of the workers compensation PPO network in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont.
Pamela is involved in several community organizations, boards and committees. As a corporator for the Lowell Boys & Girls Club she has co-chaired their Holiday Auction for two years and has served on the golf committee five years. Pamela is a past Board member of the Westford Business Association and past Chair of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. She served three years as co-chair of SEGL part of the United Way, which raises money for local non-profit organizations so that children of Greater Lowell can enjoy a safe summer of fun, learning, and employment.
Pamela lives in Hampton, New Hampshire with her husband Dana, they have two grown children, Michaela who lives in London and Brett who lives in Boston. Away from work Pamela enjoys the ocean, traveling, golf and spending time with family and friends.
Anthony “A.J.” Villandry is an Account Executive with Clark Insurance in Lowell, MA. He lives in Chelmsford with his wife Carly, 6 month old daughter Ever, and their 2 year old golden doodle Aries.
Anthony is originally from Biddeford, ME and attended Bentley University in Waltham, MA where he graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Law. He has worked at Clark Insurance since 2011, starting in the Portland, ME HQ before relocating to Lowell in 2015 when Clark purchased the James L Cooney Insurance Agency. A.J.’s role within Clark Insurance has him working directly with business owners throughout the Merrimack Valley to help mitigate/manage risk, specifically in the non-profit, construction, and property management industries.
Although he has known of the Megan House Foundation for a few years, Anthony became interested in working with the organization in late 2019 when he became their insurance agent and gained a greater understanding of the services they provide and appreciation for the need that they fill in the community.
In addition to helping his customers navigate their risk management programs, A.J. has taken an active role within the community holding board positions on Lowell Rotary, Loading Dock Arts, as well as committee positions on the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, and volunteering with a number of local non-profits. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and golf in addition to working and volunteering.
Why AJ Supports Megan’s House:
“Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate and it is important to work together to help combat this devastating problem. The services that the Megan House provides have helped improve this crisis in our community and I am excited to do my part to help!”
Steven has over 30 years of management experience in various entrepreneurial ventures, with a primary focus on growing technology and service related businesses. Most recently Steve was President of AMD Global Telemedicine in Chelmsford, a pioneer in the remote healthcare market. Steve founded AMD in 1991. At that time, he saw the enormous potential benefits telemedicine could serve for the healthcare industry such as providing greater access to healthcare in rural areas, schools, prisons and the military.
Steve is an active member in telemedicine associations and organizations around the globe and has presented at numerous telemedicine forums throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Steve has authored many articles on telemedicine technology and the growth and acceptance of the remote healthcare industry.
He has served as: VP and member of the Board of Directors at the International Society for Telemedicine and e-Health based out of Switzerland, Board of Directors at Canadian Society of Telehealth, and the American Telemedicine Association. In 2006 Steve was the first recipient of the annual “Award for Leadership in the Advancement of Telemedicine” by the American Telemedicine Association. In 2011, Steve was elected into the American Telemedicine Association College of Fellows.
Locally, Steve serves on the Board of Governors of Lowell General Hospital where he was chairperson of the LGH TeamWalk for Cancer Care for several years. Steve is Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence MA and member of the boards of Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Megan’s House and a Trustee of the Merrimack Repertory Theater.
Steve and his wife, Sue live in Chelmsford and have 3 children.
Why Steve supports Megan’s House:
“We have lost too many good people to this terrible addiction. Working in the healthcare industry as I travel the country I see firsthand the devastation the opioid epidemic has caused. In both big cities, small towns, urban and rural settings its effects are felt everywhere. Megan’s House provides a safe place that gives its residents time to recover.”
Dennis Mercier is a lifelong Lowell resident and is currently a Property Manager for the Lowell Housing Authority.
Dennis is also a supporter of many non-profits throughout the Lowell area, volunteering for the Kazanjian Foundation. He is also a former Board Member for Community Teamwork Inc (CTI) and is currently on the City of Lowell Cemetery Commission, as well as being a member of the Lowell Opioid Task Force.
Dennis has worked 22 years for the Lowell Housing Authority in various positions. He is currently the Property Manager for the North Common Village housing. Dennis knows first hand the devastation substance abuse and addiction causes the individual, family and friends and is looking forward to helping people overcome substance abuse and addiction in the Lowell community.
Dennis is married to Brenda Mercier and they have one daughter.
Why Dennis supports Megan’s House:
“I have always tried to take an active role in the community. I currently have the time and energy and am looking forward to helping the Megan House treat substance abuse and treatment in the Lowell community.”
The common theme throughout Dan’s 33-year business career has been one of driving growth for technology based, telecommunications related companies with high value product propositions.
He is currently a retained consultant as Vice President of Business Development for Visual Clinic. Visual Clinic is a Massachusetts based Company specializing in LEAN methodologies and products for Hospitals, Surgical Centers and Physician practices. Previous to Visual Clinic Dan was Vice President of Global Sales and Corporate Development at
AMD Global Telemedicine Inc. (AMD). Dan’s vision, creativity and leadership inspired the development of the industry leading, browser based clinical telemedicine platform with true, real time communications and medical device aggregation; AGNES Interactive®. Additionally, he has conceptualized and has the lead the rollout of the first product to combine Lean, Six Sigma methodologies, patient/doctor workflows and clinical telemedicine; ExamFlow.
In his nine years at AMD Dan managed AMD’s worldwide sales efforts which included a direct sales force and a global network of over 40 resale partners. Since joining AMD the company’s footprint expanded into 98 countries including several nationwide deployments. Under Dan’s guidance AMD saw increased penetration into the traditional clinical telemedicine markets as well as significant entry points into the emerging retail pharmacy,
concierge, medical tourism, EMS, and skilled nursing markets.
Dan also sits as an Incorporator for the Lowell MA Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors. His alma mater is the University of Massachusetts at Lowell – Business Administration.
Why Dan supports Megan’s House:
“Everyone knows what addiction does to the individual, their families and to our society in general. What sets the Megan House Foundation apart and makes them an organization worthy of all the support we can muster is the ‘whole person’ approach to their programs and the talented, dedicated staff who who execute it.”
A 22-year veteran of the Lowell Fire Department, Lieutenant David Keene currently serves on Branch Street Engine 2. He is a past President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM) Local 853 and currently serves as Vice President of PFFM for District 4.
In 2014, David was instrumental in the effort to have fire fighters carry Narcan in Lowell, which has helped save countless lives and slow down the death rate from opiate overdose. In 2015, he helped identify a federal grant opportunity that helped Lowell land nearly $2-million, money that was used to hire 12 new fire fighters and avoid fire station shutdowns that had plagued the city.
A graduate of Lowell High School, David began serving on the Megan House Foundation Board of Directors since its early days in 2015. He also serves on the Retirement Boards for the City of Lowell and Marlbrorough, Massachusetts.
Why David supports Megan’s House:
“Serving as a firefighter, I work on the front lines of this opiate crisis and see up close and personal the toll it exacts on those addicted and their loved ones. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of young women in treatment and in their journey to recovery from this deadly disease.”
Martha Crowe Hyslip was born and raised in Lowell, where she currently resides. She has a passion for volunteering and has donated endless hours to non-profit organizations, as she enjoys helping others.
After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Salem State College with her Master’s degree in Education, Martha began her teaching career in the Lowell Public Schools, as a K-5 grade art specialist. After starting her family, she took time of to raise her 3 children, Suzanne, John and Mariah. During this time Martha devoted herself to volunteering in the Andover School System as the PTO President, where she raised awareness for cultural diversity in the classroom. In addition, Martha was a member of the Andona Society and is an advocate for the Monastery of Poor Claire. For the past 14 years, she has worked in the field of Special Education at Wood Hill Middle School.
In her spare time, Martha is a talented interior designer and loves helping family and friends create spaces that reflect their personal needs and budgets. Martha enjoys her daily runs, knitting and traveling. She and her husband, Rick, own Griffin Greenhouse Supplies, Inc. in Tewksbury, where she is a Special Events Coordinator, responsible for the successful implementation of domestic trade shows.
Why Martha supports Megan’s House:
“I’m looking forward to spending time thinking about the needs of our community. I’m excited to be an integral part of solving a problem that is too wide spread in Lowell and other cities and towns. I hope to contribute to the improvement of the social culture in our city.”
Paul Belley joined the Megan House Foundation Board of Directors in January of 2017, but has been involved with the organization since its grand opening. As is the case with many families, Paul has witnessed the devastating effects of the opioid crisis within his own family.
While he is very busy professionally working as a truck driver, professional musician and fishing boat captain, Paul stills find time to give back to his community. A tireless community advocate, Paul has served as the past President and Vice President of the Pawtucketville Citizen Council and is the Founder of the Rosemont Terrace neighborhood group.
Paul is also a strong supporter of many non-profits throughout the Merrimack Valley, serving as the Entertainment Director for the Salvation Army radiothon, which helps so many families in need in the region.
Why Paul supports Megan’s House:
“I am extremely proud to be part of this organization’s Board of Directors, having seen first-hand the growth and tremendous success of The Megan House Foundation and the dedication of staff and fellow board members.”
Shaun grew up in Dracut, MA and has lived in Lowell since 2005. He completed the Lowell higher education circuit; beginning at Middlesex Community College and transferring to UMass Lowell where he studied Sociology and Regional Economics and Social Development.
Shaun is currently the Director of the Working Cities Lowell Initiative which is funded through the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s Working Cities Challenge grant program. Working Cities Lowell is a cross-sector coalition of 13 core institutions working with residents and business owners in the Acre neighborhood of Lowell to develop and implement inclusive community engagement strategies and create equitable access to economic opportunities.
Before joining Working Cities Lowell, Shaun worked for several years as the Grant Writer and eventually the Senior Program Manager for the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board. He also served as Grant Writer for the Angkor Dance Troupe.
Why Shaun supports Megan’s House
“The opioid addiction crisis is the issue of our times. After losing friends and family, and watching others fight through the battle of addiction, I wanted to be part of the solution. Megan House gives these young woman a chance to change the narrative. I am grateful for the opportunity to play a role in that, even if it’s a small one.”
Born and raised in the city of Lowell, Robert has been active in fighting the Opiate Epidemic in the Lowell area for a number of years.
In 2011, Robert was elected as a member of the Lowell School Committee. At 21 years old, Robert was one of the youngest elected officials in the city’s history. Soon after being sworn into office, Robert worked with local and state leaders to kickoff Opiate Abuse Prevention & Awareness Programs throughout the Lowell Public Schools. Robert has served on the Lowell Taxi & Livery Commission, Immigration Assistance Commission, Lowell Youth Development Collaborative, Lowell Telecommunications Corporation Board of Directors.
Robert was educated in the Lowell Public Schools and University of Massachusetts. He was previously employed by the Career Center of Lowell/City of Lowell for a number of years and later as a Director of Finance & Operations at an independent school in Cambridge, MA. Robert is currently employed as the Chief Operating Officer of a large urban K-8 Public Charter School in Lowell.
Why Robert supports Megan’s House:
“I’ve lost friends, family members, neighbors and colleagues to this epidemic. It’s my turn to step forward and do whatever I can to help fight this battle.”
A former Success Coach at Megan’s House, Kylee is now the House Director of Erin’s Success Home. She loves her job and could not be happier to work with such incredible young women as they continue their journey through recovery.
It took Kylee a while to embark on this career path. After years of working in various jobs, Kylee decided to attend Middlesex Community College to better her life. In 2008, she graduated with an Associate’s Degree and full scholarship to the state school of her choosing. Kylee chose UMASS Boston where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Earth and Ocean Sciences.
After some personal hardships, Kylee became passionate about something different; addiction and recovery. In 2012 while working at a residential treatment program for young women she enrolled in Middlesex Community College’s Drug and Alcohol Counseling Program. From this point forward she knew what she wanted to do with her life. In 2014, Kylee completed school and a year later became a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC II).
Since then, she has realized her passion by working with individuals who suffer from substance abuse disorders by offering hope and helping break the stigma of addiction.
After graduating in 2013 with her B.S. in Business Administration from Southern New Hampshire University, Tanya was searching for full time, meaningful work–a place where her administrative and organizational skills would be used to make a difference in the lives of others. When the opportunity came to work for The Megan House Foundation, Tanya knew immediately that this was the job for her. Her background in business administration, combined with her interest in recovery, made it the perfect fit.
Tanya joined us in January 2017 as our first ever Executive Assistant. Tanya’s role quickly expanded to Office Manager. Tanya very much enjoys being in a supportive role and combines her creative problem solving and organization skills with everything-is-possible attitude to support our Executive Director and The Megan House Foundation.
Tanya’s passion for recovery largely came from her support of The Herren Project. After hearing former NBA player, Chris Herren speak about his recovery at her local high school in 2013, she decided to help raise funds for treatment navigation by running her first every 5k. Running for THP provided Tanya the opportunity to meet many beautiful people, including those in recovery, people who have lost loved ones to addiction, mental health counselors, and spouses of people in recovery and active addiction to name a few. In addition, she has served on the Board of Westford Against Substance Abuse from 2017 to present.
Tanya is the proud mother of three grown children. Outside of work, Tanya is passionate about many things including yoga, interior design, gardening, self-improvement and mental health awareness.
Why Tanya supports Megan’s House:
“I feel honored and privileged to help support an organization that brings hope and healing to young women.”
Teddy Panos is a Morning Talk Show host for Lowell, MA radio station 980 WCAP-AM. He’s been with the station since November 2007, focusing his program on local news, politics, sports and entertainment.
Previously, Teddy was a Sports Reporter and Anchor for WNDS-TV Channel 50 in Derry, NH, covering everything from Patriots Super Bowl victories and the Red Sox first World Series win in 86-years, to the legendary Ward-Gatti boxing matches and high school sports. He won the 2003 and 2005 “Golden Mike Award” for Best Sports Feature, presented by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters and was also awarded the 2009 Peter Gammons Award by the Lowell Spinners.
Teddy began his broadcasting career as a Sports Producer at WDH-TV Channel 7 in Boston and also wrote for the Lowell Sun. When not working at the radio station, Teddy helps run his family restaurant in Lowell. He is a graduate of Dracut High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell and a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication/Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College.
Why Teddy Supports Megan’s House:
“The opioid epidemic is the most important issue facing our communities today and anything than can be done to alleviate the problem or save even a single life is worth the effort.”
As much as Kim enjoyed being a stay at home mother to my three sons, she had a calling to help others in need.
She began her career sixteen years ago working with homeless families. During that time, it became abundantly clear there was a tremendous need for treatment for women who suffer from addiction, which led to a decision in 2009 to pursue a career in the substance abuse treatment field and help women recover.
Kim received her Masters of Ed. from Cambridge College in 2010, and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in 2013. At that time, she made the transition from family work to individual therapy. Although benefiting tremendously for her work in an outpatient setting, Kim’s passion lies with residential treatment.
While completing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Umass Lowell in 2011, Kirolann began her journey at a substance use treatment facility for adolescent girls in Lawrence. She was new to the field of addiction; however, she had a strong desire to help people who suffer from the disease. Kirolann began her career as a Recovery Specialist and soon moved into the position as a Success Coach.
In 2015 Kirolann made the move to Megan’s House and was part of the initial team members who contributed to the grand opening.
Kirolann decided to further her education and is in the process of achieving her LADC II (Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor) and has recently acquired the position as the Megan’s House Program Manager.
On a personal Level, Kirolann is family oriented and loves spending time with her extended family members. She has an amazing son and a supportive partner. It is Kirolann’s dedication and compassion that has contributed to the success of many young ladies.
Over and eighteen year career in the field, MaryBeth has worked in clinical settings supporting and guiding individuals who present with various inner challenges. Her passion and mission is to promote independence while addressing and processing underlying sensitive issues such as trauma, life changes, and stressors.
She is a graduate of St. Columbkille’s High School and earned Master’s Degrees from both UMASS Lowell and Cambridge College, where her studies concentrated in human services and counseling. MaryBeth recently received her LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) and is also an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching in the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor curriculum.
MaryBeth was born and raised in Boston and now lives in Haverhill, MA with her many pets. In her “spare” time, MaryBeth loves to relax at the beach and watch the Patriots.
Why Mary Beth supports Megan’s House:
For more info about the referral process, the Home and Program and services offered, please call 978-455-6973.
To apply for our Residential Treatment Program fax a referral to Kathy at (978) 677-6939.
To learn more about the Megan House Foundation or to contribute, please call 978-606-9955.
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