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

Our Mission

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

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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LADC-II

Vice President

Michelle Dunn

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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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LICSW, LADC-I, CADC-II

Director of Peer Services

Jackie Blanchard

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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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LADC-II

Program Director, R.O.O.T.S.

Cathy Murray

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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, Supportive Housing

Chris Jones

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CADC, NCTTP, GHS

Program Director, CBES Gardner

Nicole Vieira

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Program Director, CBES Orange

Jennifer Rolf

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Program Director, CBES Leominster

Jasmin Pires

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Director of Quality Assurance

Holly Hardy

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Clinical Supervisor

Morgan Ban-Draoi

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MA, LMHC, LADC-I

Board of Directors

Kurt Thompson

Chair

Jenna Hirons

Vice

Elizabeth Penney

Clerk

Santos Rodriguez

Treasurer

James Trudeau

Director

Laurel Ackerman

Director

Daniel Budwick

Director

Jennifer Flanagan

Director

Amy Hunter

Director

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.