John began his journey with Granada House in early February of 2020 and immediately joined the Fundraising Committee. He would like to see the establishment of a strong alumni group. “I have been an active sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 38 years. Although I am not a graduate of Granada house, I was fortunate enough to be in a sober facility for 30 days, I know the importance of a structured environment that embraces all 12 step programs. A structured environment that embraces residents to live productive lives while focusing on a physical, mental and spiritual journey is key to achieving sobriety.” John has worked in the hospitality industry for over 35 years. Currently, he is in sales and sells to large conventions looking to host their meetings in Boston. John is looking to contribute to the dynamic and committed board to bring great energy to the house. John assumed the role of Chair of the Board in January 2021.

Cathy was appointed to the Board in May 2021. Cathy has a passion for volunteering and fundraising and has worked with a number of non-profit organizations. She wanted to join the Granada House Board because of it’s positive reputation and long history in the Boston area. “The Granada House is special because of what is behind the clinical aspect of it’s program.” Cathy hopes to increase the house’s presence on social media and help raise money for it’s most pressing initiatives. She currently does outreach for Spectrum Health Systems Inc./New England Recovery Center and has been a member of the recovery community since 1998.

Toby’s work on the Board started in 2005, and he has served in many capacities. Once dedicated to fundraising, he became a member of the Transition Committee during the search for a new CEO, which started in 2019. “Granada House has always been a local community program in which it’s residents have been integrated into the larger 12-step communities. I am proud that Granada House has worked with different communities. They were the first to house HIV-positive residents and clients with head injuries. Granada House has also taken the lead in some areas such as becoming a non-smoking house.” He currently owns his own real estate business after working in the non-profit sector for many years. There is no doubt that Toby will help propel Granada House into its new chapter as a prominent and well-respected facility in the Greater Boston area.

Prior to her board appointment in 2016, Cindy volunteered at the Granada House helping women residents get involved in recovery. She has served on the Executive Director Search Committee and is currently on the Clinical Committee. “I believe recovery from substance use disorders requires the building of community. The community that is Granada House has always made it special for me. Residents form bonds with each other, with staff, with the local recovery community and with their employers. These relationships help them to recover and build a fulfilling life as a sober person.” Cindy would like to see Granada House focus efforts on building a women’s program with strong trauma informed services. Cindy works for the Department of Developmental Services in the Northeast Region, and has a strong connection to nonprofits that provide services to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She has also been a school volunteer in Melrose for many years. She is also involved in the Farm Direct Coop and recently began volunteering with Bread of Life in Malden.

Melissa is a Professor of the Practice in the Music Industry Department at Northeastern University. She is also a Professional Songwriter and wants residents to feel supported to express themselves creatively. “I would love to see a “Granada House Press” – maybe a quarterly magazine that showcases residents' work or even a scalable newspaper for the recovery community. The Granada House has served the Boston area for decades; it is a home for recovery not a place to recover.” Since joining the board, Melissa has been a member of the Fundraising Committee.

Monica, a writer, joined the board in May 2020 and will help Granada House with grant writing and fundraising. She is not new to the grant writing process as she has worked with Catholic Charities in the past. Monica is currently working as an Application Support Engineer for a tech company. She feels the house is in an ideal location for people in early sobriety to build a new life. She would like Granada House to bring in new donors through creative outreach initiatives. “I am grateful for the chance to give back by lending my skills to an organization with a mission to help people live free from addiction.” Monica has wasted no time and is working on a project to capture the success stories of former residents for the website.

Aria is the Senior Manager of Institutional Giving at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law) and joined the board in 2023. As someone who has worked in Development for many years, she joined the board with a particular interest in enhancing fundraising efforts. She is also personally invested in ensuring that BIPOC and LGBTQ residents receive the necessary support for their sobriety. She is grateful to Granada House for providing a supportive environment where everyone can embark on their journey to recovery.