About Us

We work to restore dignity and choice to everyone who needs support.

No one should have their needs overlooked. We belong to the communities we serve - that’s why we’re innovating as a resource, partner, and employer to make sure nobody’s left behind.

Values, Mission & Vision

Respect, Humility, Integrity, 
Empathy, and Persistence

These are the Values that drive our Mission & Vision

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Our Mission

GAAMHA exists to create a world where people can access help when they ask for it, no matter 
who they are.

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Our Vision

To be the human services organization that’s unafraid to explore uncharted ways to better support the communities we serve.

Our Partners

“Our Activation Fund grant program has supported several GAAMHA initiatives, most recently the opening of the Sunrise Ridge recovery home in Athol… We are proud to contribute to this vital initiative that offers hope and healing to women on their recovery journey.”

– Amie Shei, Ph.D., President & CEO, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts
Our Partners

“We take great pleasure in supporting the R.O.O.T.S. program and any other program that helps improve the well being of the people in Winchendon.”

- Robinson Broadhurst Foundation
Our Partners

“North Central Massachusetts benefits immensely from the work of Shawn and his exceptional team. Their professionalism, unwavering compassion, and deep expertise transform lives daily. Our investments in GAAMHA, particularly the Dahl House program, are among our most impactful in the region.”

- Steve Adams, President, CFNCM
Our Partners

“Their approach not only addresses the pressing needs of some of the most vulnerable kids in our community, but it also resonates with our mission to fund programs which improve the health and well-being of individuals of all ages.”

-  Kelsa Zereski, President, Reliant Foundation

Serving with vision,
leading with heart.

President/Chief Executive Officer
Shawn P. Hayden
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Certifications:
LADC-II
Vice President
Michelle Dunn
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Certifications:
LADC-II, CARC
Director of Operations
Joseph Mercer
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Director of Communications & Development
James Hunt
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Director of Human Resources
Laurel Miller
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Director of Administrative Services
Allysha Jess
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Director of Developmental Services
Greg LaFreniere
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Business Manager
Nicole Aldrich
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Clinical Director
Emanuel Aaron
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Certifications:
LICSW, LADC-I, CADC-II
Director of Peer Services
Jackie Blanchard
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Certifications:
CARC
Program Director, Pathway House
Kevin Waterman
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CADC
Program Director, Greenwich House
Eileen Foley
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Program Director, Sunrise Ridge
Rachel Winget
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Program Director, Carl E. Dahl House
Thomas Andrews
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Certifications:
LADC-II
Program Director, R.O.O.T.S.
Cathy Murray
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Certifications:
MS, LADC-I
Program Director, Alyssa’s Place
Brady Wagoner
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Program Director, Ripple Effect
Lynn Hebert
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CARC
Program Director, CBES Gardner
Nicole Vieira
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Program Director, CBES Orange
Jennifer Rolf
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Director of Quality Assurance
Holly Hardy
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Program Director, Supportive Housing
Chris Jones
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Certifications:
CADC, NCTTP, GHS
Clinical Supervisor
Morgan Ban-Draoi
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Certifications:
MA, LMHC, LADC-I

Board of Directors

Chair
Kurt Thompson
Vice
Jenna Hirons
Clerk
Elizabeth Penney
Treasurer
Santos Rodriguez
Director
Joseph Potvin
Director
James Trudeau
Director
Laurel Ackerman
Director
Daniel Budwick
Director
Jennifer Flanagan
Director
Cary Cote
Director
Amy Hunter
Join Our Team

Reimagine impact and innovate with purpose.

We’re passionate, proud people dedicated to supporting our communities at a higher standard.

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Contact Us

Let’s have a conversation.

At GAAMHA, we understand how hard it can be to navigate the community support systems you need. We’re here to help - reach out to talk to a real person.

Get in touch