Footprints to Recovery appreciates all of the work our leadership team puts in to ensure that our facilities run smoothly and provide the best care for our clients. Our leadership team consists of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization. We sat down with the executive director of Footprints to Recovery’s alcohol and drug rehab center in New Jersey to get his perspective on treatment and recovery.
Footprints' Executive Director in New Jersey
David Szarka, MA, LCADC, is the Executive Director of Footprints to Recovery in New Jersey. David has been working in the field of addiction treatment for years, bringing with him a unique blend of clinical knowledge and leadership skills to his role.
In this video, David Szarka discusses his background and shares insights on the challenges and rewards of working in the substance abuse treatment industry.
Video Transcript
Hi, my name is David Szarka. I’m the executive director here at Footprints in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. My education is in human resource management, business, and also in mental health and addiction and I’ve been with Footprints for about four years now.
My favorite thing with working with Footprints definitely is the people. I am so lucky to have the team that I have and, you know, the support that I have.
It’s amazing because I feel like I’m able to kind of do my thing, have my flavor to every day, but yet still have like that Footprints structure, so I have a little—a lot of—autonomy but also part of like a bigger picture which is Footprints.
To be in this field, to do this work, you have to be passionate about these things and, I can tell you myself, starting with me, I care, you know, and everyone is building cares about our clients and do the best that
we can for them. Everyday we show up and we will sometimes work harder than the clients do but that’s okay as well. So a lot of passion. I think it’s important.
The Importance of Compassionate Leadership in Addiction Treatment
From executive director to behavioral health tech, Footprints to Recovery team members are dedicated to providing the best possible care for their clients. This passion is what sets Footprints apart and drives them to constantly improve and evolve in their approach to addiction treatment.
Our compassionate leadership starts at the top, with David leading by example. He understands the struggles of addiction and empathizes with clients while guiding them on their recovery journey. But it doesn’t stop there – every member of our team shares this commitment to compassionate care.
We take pride in staffing individuals who understand SUD as an illness rather than a moral failing or willpower issue and understand the severity of its impact. This mindset allows our team to help you access evidence-based treatments and support for your treatment needs without judgment.
At Footprints, our dedication to empathy and understanding creates a strong foundation for effective treatment. All of our efforts help us to connect with clients on a deeper level, building trust and rapport that is crucial for successful recovery. Through our caring and compassionate approach, you can feel heard, understood, and supported as you navigate early recovery.
