Employee Spotlight Series is back with more of Footprints to Recovery’s Rockstars!
Beyond our degrees and titles, we’re also real humans endlessly passionate about the fight for those struggling with addiction. Our DreamTeam is made up of many hard working talented individuals with interesting stories to tell. In our Employee Spotlight series, you’ll meet some of these people, learn what they do (on and perhaps off the clock), and how they keep Footprints to Recovery growing and flowing — just the way we like it.
This month’s Employee Spotlight Series features Lisa Musialowicz, (Lisa M for short!) Director of Alumni, the A+ Employee who developed and leads Footprints to Recovery’s Alumni Program. She proudly works day and night to ensure that our alumni have a supportive, inviting and fun (yes, fun!) community. With a background in mental health, operations and the beauty industry Lisa brings a unique set of skills and experience to an ever-growing and oh so important program.
In your opinion, what do you think individuals biggest barrier to treatment is?
Your biggest barrier will always be your inner voice. It’s hard to tune yourself out. If you are continually telling yourself, “I can’t” or, “It’s too hard”, it will be. Your goal can be a lifetime of sobriety but, your focus has to be right here and right now, telling yourself that you can.
What makes Footprints to Recovery stand out?
I believe our treatment centers have some of the finest staff in the industry. The dedication and compassion that I see is truly moving. Every patient is treated with respect and kindness. We don’t just hope you will succeed in recovery. We believe in the patient and will do whatever it takes to make sure they have sustained sobriety.
What message do you wish you could provide family, friends, or addicts around the world?
Never give up hope. I once saw a quote that said, “Every night we go to bed and set our alarm with no promise of waking up the next day. That’s called hope.” In the darkest of times and in the moments you feel as though you are about to break, hope is there in your heart. You just have to believe it.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as a mentor?
I already have a mentor, my mom. She has worked for 42 years as the Director of HR for a law firm that she helped start. In those 42 years, she has put every ounce of herself into that position. Not only does she go above and beyond to be the best at what she does from a professional standpoint but, she genuinely cares about everyone in the firm and, everyone knows that no matter how busy she is, her door is always open. Compassion, empathy, and kindness are things you can’t teach.
What’s your motto or personal mantra?
People may not remember what you did but, they will always remember how you treated them.
I always try to be kind and take an interest in everyone I come across. I once found myself in an uber and the driver was talking to me about his divorce and how hard it was. My friends laughed at me for continuing on the conversation with him but, sometimes people just need someone to be kind.
Why do you think being involved in the alumni program is an important part of recovery?
It provides a sense of community, support, and we have had a great time at our events. Just because a patient completes treatment doesn’t mean they have to stop being a part of the FTR community. You can’t maintain sobriety if you go back to old places, people, and things. Being in the alumni program gives you that chance to be around people who are walking that same road to recovery.
What has been the most gratifying part of your job?
Well, every day is gratifying. Whether an alumni is having a bad day and needs someone to lend an ear or, making sure they are having a great time at one of our events, that means something to me. They mean something to me. If I had to pick at stand out moment, it would be when I helped one of our alumni find a job just before Christmas. He is still working for the company and doing well. It’s moments like that that make it all worthwhile.
Learn more about our Alumni Program here
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