The beginning of a new chapter must come at the close of another.
We’re fortunate to have a staff comprised of compassionate, people-first professionals who never lose sight of our mission. As we prepare for a new chapter of care at our ninth annual Roots of Recovery gala, we also bid four of these incredible experts farewell as they turn the page on their time at ETS.
Please join us in celebrating four retirees who have shaped our organization as we know it: Dr. Paul Grekin, Kelley Craig, Carol Davidson, and Sue Bailey. Read on as they share their takeaways, lessons learned and hopes for the future of ETS.
Sue Bailey started at ETS more than forty years ago as a counselor and led in various positions throughout our clinics. Her most recent role was as an intake coordinator and engagement specialist.
Kelley Craig is a founding member of REACH, ETS’s street-based outreach and case management program. Since its founding, Kelley has served at REACH’s helm — most recently as the vice president of programs.
Carol Davidson is ETS’s longest-tenured staff member. She joined ETS as a counselor in 1981 and will close her chapter as clinical care supervisor. As Carol described in her 2023 blog, her person-centered work spans a lifetime.
Dr. Paul Grekin joined ETS in 1990 and has served as our organization’s medical director since 2013. You can read more about Paul in his blog reflecting on ETS’s 50th anniversary.
What stands out to you from your time at ETS? What are your lessons learned?
Sue Bailey: I have learned how to improve my listening skills and meet people where they are. Our patients are resilient, kind, and grateful. Connection is a key element to our patients’ success and building a strong and supportive team is essential in the services we provide.
Kelley Craig: I’d worked in drug and alcohol treatment for 10 years before coming to REACH, and this role was different from the start. People did not have to stop drinking or using drugs to get services, and I came directly to them. I got into this work because I wanted to help people, and I learned through experience just how important showing up and making a connection is over telling someone what to do.
What do you wish people knew about your work and our clients?
Kelley Craig: One client experience sticks with me to this day. I worked with a man named Russell who was 60 years old, Irish Cherokee, and a Korean War veteran. Russell used to sit on the same bench every day, drinking wine and telling stories. I would meet Russell on his bench and ask him to come with me to appointments, or to tour an apartment. Each time, Russell told me a story instead. In my exasperation, I told him, “Russell, I’m worried about you.” He replied, “We worry about you, too.”
His words rang in my head and reminded me of a time when I was struggling, and the people who supported me allowed me to make my own decisions in a time of need. Russell helped me learn to spend time with those around me exactly as they were, and offer support while respecting their need to move forward on their own terms.
Carol Davidson: Recovery is a long-term commitment, and treatment is voluntary. It’s my hope that patients continue to see our clinics as a resource, even if and when people cycle out. As for our staff, it’s important that people know we are not in the business of “quick fixing” people. Throughout my tenure, I’ve seen people get jobs, achieve educational goals, reconnect with family, have children, break cycles of trauma, and more. That takes time and care and does not just happen overnight.
Paul Grekin: Our participants are people of great resilience, surviving in the face of trauma and other disadvantages. They come to us seeking a better way forward. They stay with us because we provide a safe place with a minimum of judgment, tailoring treatment to meet their needs.
The next chapter of care is bound to be full of excitement, challenges, and an opportunity to serve our community. What do you envision for the future of ETS? What’s in your next chapter?
Carol Davidson: I envision ETS will continue to provide evidence-based care that we know has impact. With the new health and recovery campus, I know ETS will continue to be a home base for our clients. Substance use disorder is only one part of our clients’ lives. I look forward to seeing how the new campus brings together case management, healthcare provider coordination, mobile services, counselling, and all the parts of treatment at ETS that complement each other in one place.
As for my next chapter, I’ll enjoy having a break and exploring other interests, like music. I was recently gifted a guitar, so I might spend some time learning. I am confident I’ll return to serving my community before too long.
Sue Bailey: My wishes for ETS’s future are to provide increased staffing so patients can more quickly connect with necessary support like counselors and cultivate an even more welcoming and inviting new Seattle clinic environment for patients and staff. I also hope we continue to improve our processes and policies to meet the needs of our patients.
For my next chapter, I’m still adjusting to what retirement means to me. Some things that come to mind are continuing to build on friendships and work relationships I have developed over time, spending more time with family, getting good sleep, breathing the ocean air, and living a simple life!
Paul Grekin: I expect ETS will fulfill the goal of bringing more comprehensive services to our participants by developing on-site primary care and a mental health program.
Join us in honoring these wonderful staff members at this year’s Roots of Recovery: A New Chapter of Care on May 16.
