The strength of our Recovery Care Services (RCS) team lies in the incredible people behind the work. To wrap up National Recovery Month, we’re proud to highlight Gretchen Derewicz, Recovery Care Services Supervisor. With 25 years of experience in the field, including the past 1-2 years at HCAM, Gretchen brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and lived experience to her leadership role.
When asked what drew her to HCAM, Gretchen explains that our mission deeply resonated with her. “HCAM’s mission is congruent with my values as it aligns with my personal beliefs and priorities. As a leader in public health, I have worked my entire career to advocate for equal access to healthcare for all people.” She also values the collective purpose of the RCS team, noting, “Every day, my colleagues and I get to provide critical life-changing resources to those who are in treatment for substance use disorder. We care as much about the client as we do each other. We are part of transforming people’s lives. And, as someone in recovery, I know firsthand how these resources can transform someone’s life.”
As a supervisor, Gretchen focuses on building healthy support systems for her staff, just as they do for clients. She recognizes the emotional challenges of this work and sees her role as providing consistent leadership, open communication, and useful tools that help her team thrive. “Just like our clients depend on our team for helpful resources, it is integral that my team know they can depend on me for developing smart strategies and protocols, providing useful tools, and responding with sound guidance to support their client relationships.”
For Gretchen, recovery is not about moral failure but about healing and transformation. “Addiction is a treatable condition,” she emphasizes. “Recovery is more than just sobriety. It’s about rebuilding a life with purpose and meaning. It involves healing on multiple levels including physical, emotional, psychological, and also spiritual. This is possible through fostering relationships with people who understand, encourage, inspire, and those who walk the journey with you.”
She recalls knowing she had found the right path early in her career, when she saw how sharing her lived experience as someone in recovery brought comfort to clients. “Human beings are wired for connection, and isolation can often be one of the greatest barriers to healing. When people feel seen, heard, understood, and valued, they are more likely to remain committed to their recovery journey. Knowing that someone else has walked a similar path and found healing inspires hope and perseverance.”
Gretchen’s dedication not only supports clients in their recovery but also strengthens the RCS team, fostering a community of care, resilience, and hope.
Thank you, Gretchen! We are so grateful to have you at HCAM!
