Our Team
Vijay Dalal
MSW MBA LICSW, President/CEO
Vijay brings a diverse background in Social Work, Non-Profit Operations, Program Development, Clinical Oversight and Financial Management to Granada House. Vijay possesses over 26 years of successful experience working on multifaceted projects, leading teams of productive and motivated employees, and fostering positive relationships with a wide range of clients, colleagues, and key business partners. Vijay’s experience also spans in the areas of Information Technology, Contract Administration, Quality Assurance, and Organizational Leadership . Vijay has been consistently recognized for outstanding contributions to the bottom line and solid reputation for resolving complex issues. Commended for efficiency, priority management, communication, and presentation skills.
Prior to joining Granada House, Vijay worked for a multi-state social service agency for over 23 years, beginning his career as a social worker and ending as their Vice President of Operations. Vijay also maintained his own practice since 1997 and supported a caseload of diverse clients as their therapist.
Vijay is an active member of the Social Work Council of the Western New England University Social Work department and helps in the planning and implementation of the annual Social Work Conference. Vijay also served on the board of the Department of Children and Families area offices, was Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Caring Health Center, and a chairperson of the Southampton Housing Authority. Since 2007, Vijay has volunteered extensively in helping resettlement and empowerment of Bhutanese refugee families from Nepal.
His educational degrees include a B.S. in Accounting, Graduate Certificate in Marketing & Sales Management, Master of Social Work (MSW) from educational institute in India, Master of Business Administration (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute-RPI), a Certificate in Computer Programming and completed course work towards a Masters in Computer Science (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute-RPI).
Vijay is happily married since 1991. Vijay and his wife are very proud of their two daughters who are not only successful in their education and professional fields but are wonderful and responsible young adults.
Erik French
BA JD Program Director
Erik brings significant experience in human services, non-profit management, and general legal practice to Granada House. Erik has successfully demonstrated skills in evaluating regulatory and contract matters, client advocacy, developing client relationships and management.
Prior to joining Granada House, Erik practiced law in Connecticut and Massachusetts in a sole proprietorship and within firms. Most recently, Erik served at a residential program for persons with developmental disability, advancing that program’s quality of service and professionalism over the course of years. Having worked intermittently in human services since 2003, Erik has a proven record of commitment to upholding client rights, dignity; and furthering service coordination and support.
Erik brings a special interest in the substance use disorder field. With a deeply held belief that long-term recovery is both life-saving and attainable for our clients, Erik will bring his compassion and dedication to bear in this role.
His educational degrees include a B.A. Philosophy and a B.A. English Literature from the University of Maine Orono and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Erik has attained bar admission in Connecticut and Massachusetts
Mary Kate Jurek
Assistant Program Director
Mary-Kate comes to the Granada House with a wealth of management as well as life experience. Mary-Kate has always felt passionate about taking care of others, and spreading the knowledge of self-care. She studied nutrition at the University of UMass in Lowell, and then embarked on a 10 year journey of running some of Boston’s most well-loved restaurants. After going through the Granada House as a client in 2019 and participating in UMass Boston’s alcohol and drug counseling program, Mary-Kate decided it was time for a career change.
Mary-Kate believes in a holistic approach towards helping clients achieve long-term sobriety, and is thrilled to continue on her path in working in recovery with the Granada team.
Stephanie K Freedman
JD MEd LMHC, Clinical Director
Stephanie comes to Granada House with a wealth of diverse experience. She originally moved from New York to Boston to attend Northeastern University of Law, earning her JD and practicing law for over 20 years. For a number of reasons, her interest in treatment of those with substance use disorders grew resulting first in part-time work in a men’s recovery home, while still practicing law. This was followed by completion of the Addiction Course and certification through UMASS. After starting to work full-time in the field, she went on to obtain her Masters and LMHC in 2012. She has worked in the field of substance use treatment for over two decades, initially beginning as a counselor and moving on to becoming a Clinical Supervisor, Assistant Director and now as the Granada House Clinical Director. Stephanie brings a wealth of experience, dedication and passion to her work with this challenging population.