Show Notes
In this episode of Lena’s Lens, host Lena Jackson‑Eckert sits down with Dr. Troy Melendez, Clinical Manager for Journey to Recovery, and Dr. Nate Velez, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at HHS, to take a closer look at the Community’s approach to substance use treatment, recovery, and long‑term healing. Together, they discuss the “culture of stickiness” at Journey to Recovery, the importance of relationships and hope in the healing process, and how the program’s continuum of care supports individuals for up to a year or more.
Lena, Dr. Melendez, and Dr. Velez also explore trends they are currently seeing in the Community, the growing strength of the local recovery network, the role families play in treatment, and the stigma that programs like JTR are working to break. The conversation highlights the challenges, innovations, and inspiring stories that make recovery possible — and the work that still lies ahead. Questions? Comments? Send an email to [email protected]
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More from Lena's Lens
In this episode of Lena’s Lens, Lena Jackson Eckert sits down with Patricia Tate, the first woman, and the first Community member, to serve as CEO of Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. Patricia reflects on her journey within SRPMIC Gaming Enterprises, sharing the pivotal experiences that shaped her leadership and the historic significance of her new role. Questions or comments? Email [email protected]
In this final episode of this five‑part Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens shares the last roundtable discussion recorded inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This conversation features Brian Butler and Andrew Carlisle, who reflect on breaking cycles, personal growth, responsibility, and their hopes for the future. This episode also includes two special closing pieces. Councilwoman Su:k Fulwilder shares a poem she wrote for the clients, and Eric Wood delivers the reading that the entire class asked him to share as their final message for the series. These moments bring the mini‑series to a thoughtful and meaningful close. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
In Episode 4 of this 5‑part Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens shares the second roundtable discussion recorded inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This conversation features Nathan Antone and Edgar Carlyle, joined by Re‑Entry Services Supervisor Nicolette Parrish, who helps guide the session. Nathan and Edgar speak openly about recurring themes from the therapeutic writing program, including grief, anger, trauma, emotional suppression, breaking cycles, and the challenges of learning to care for themselves and their families. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
In Episode 3 of this 5‑part Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, Lena’s Lens transitions from individual readings into the first of three roundtable discussions recorded inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This conversation features Adam Jackson, Wayne Butler, and Eric Wood, who speak openly about themes explored in their writings, which include grief, addiction, identity, and the cycles they hope to break. During this session, Lena observes while Councilwoman Su:k Fulwilder guides the discussion, allowing the clients to speak naturally in the environment they are familiar with. Their reflections highlight shared experiences, the importance of connection, and the courage it takes to express long‑held emotions. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].
In Part II of the Therapeutic Writing mini‑series, here on Lena’s Lens, Lena continues sharing the writings created during a 12‑week therapeutic program inside the Salt River Department of Corrections. This episode features emotional and deeply personal readings from Adam Jackson, Wayne Butler, and Brian Butler. Their writings explore themes of addiction, grief, breaking cycles, accountability, and the desire to change their futures. At the end of this episode, all seven client readings are complete. The mini‑series will now move into three roundtable discussions, where the clients speak openly about the experiences, emotions, and realizations connected to their writing.