As part of SCADD’s 60th anniversary, we salute 60 individually that have dramatically impacted our organization.
As part of SCADD’s 60th anniversary, we salute 60 individually that have dramatically impacted our organization.
Demonstrating exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to community well-being, Ms. Lawton has advanced her agency through a series of pivotal roles that have transformed both its impact and its reach. Throughout her tenure, she has successfully led major program expansions, strengthened service delivery models, and championed leadership development initiatives that enhanced the organization’s operational capacity and long-term sustainability.
Under her guidance, the agency grew from an $8.5 million enterprise into a thriving $25 million organization, a milestone achieved through thoughtful planning, data-driven decision-making, and a deep dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the community. She remains steadfast in assessing local needs and ensuring the agency remains responsive, innovative, and accessible to those it serves.
Her leadership has been instrumental in securing a range of state and federal accreditations and certifications, reinforcing the agency’s reputation for excellence and its commitment to quality treatment services.
Her leadership has also propelled the organization to consistent recognition as a Top Workplace, including two consecutive honors as a Top Women-Led Workplace, as well as being named Non-Profit of the Year in 2023.
Ms. Lawton holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut.
Her professional achievements have been celebrated with numerous distinctions, most notably the Kathleen Whelan-Ulm Women’s Leadership Award in 2025 and CEO of the Year in 2023. These honors underscore her reputation as a transformative leader, innovative strategist, and passionate advocate for advancing high-quality, community-centered treatment services.
For more than 25 years, Tim has been a steadfast leader and advocate for SCADD’s mission. His journey began when he first rang the doorbell as a client seeking help, a moment that opened the door to recovery and a second chance at life.
From dependence to devotion, Tim’s path has grown into decades of service and leadership. His story is a powerful reminder that SCADD is built on second chances, purpose, and the belief that recovery can lead to lasting impact.
Thank you, Tim, for your unwavering leadership and the hope you inspire in others.
Jack Malone, former Executive Director of SCADD, was a true catalyst for change. His leadership transformed SCADD from a small regional organization in southeastern Connecticut into one recognized across the state and beyond.
At the helm, Jack championed multiple pathways to recovery, ensuring that every individual could find the support and care they needed to heal and thrive. His vision and dedication continue to shape the way our services are delivered today — and his impact remains deeply woven into SCADD’s mission.
We celebrate Jack’s lasting influence and the strong foundation he helped build — one that continues to inspire our mission of hope and recovery for all.
As SCADD’s first Executive Director, William M. Walsh helped shape the agency’s early growth and lasting direction. A visionary leader, he championed the use of data and outcomes to inform national research and policy, ensuring that SCADD’s voice reached far beyond our local community.
His forward-thinking approach strengthened SCADD’s ability to provide quality care and positioned the agency as a leader in shaping the future of recovery services.
Because of his leadership and innovation, SCADD continues to build on the strong foundation he helped establish nearly six decades ago.
SCADD Board Member and retired Senior Assistant State’s Attorney, Lonnie Braxton, has dedicated his life to justice, equality, and second chances.
Raised in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement, his story is one of resilience, perseverance, and service – values that continue to shape his leadership and impact in New London.
Mr. Braxton’s steadfast belief in redemption and accountability reflects the very heart of SCADD’s mission. We’re proud to honor him as a true pillar of purpose in our community.
For 26 years, Mickey brought heart, humor, and healing to SCADD. As a dedicated nurse, she cared for every individual in recovery with deep empathy, seeing the person behind the struggle and inspiring those around her to do the same.
Her kindness and mentorship continue to guide our work today. Mickey’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the compassion she instilled in our community.
As one of SCADD’s co-founders, Attorney Morgan McGuire helped establish the foundation for what would become one of Southeastern Connecticut’s most trusted treatment organizations. A visionary leader and passionate advocate for recovery, he recognized early on the importance of addressing the growing needs of individuals and families affected by substance use.
In addition to his leadership in founding SCADD in 1966, Attorney McGuire served on the Governor’s Alcohol Advisory Council, where he championed compassionate, community-based approaches to treatment and recovery.
Because of his dedication and vision, SCADD continues to carry forward his legacy of compassion, service, and community impact—building hope and strengthening lives for nearly six decades.
For several decades, Dr. Vijay Sikand served SCADD with extraordinary dedication, compassion, and vision. Rising through numerous roles to ultimately become our Medical Director, he shaped the health and recovery journeys of countless individuals across southeastern Connecticut.
Dr. Sikand was widely respected for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to patient care. His leadership and gentle presence helped define SCADD’s mission, strengthening the foundation upon which our services stand today. He often shared that his work with SCADD was “a priceless element” of his medical career, a reflection of the deep connection he had with our clients, staff, and community.
One of his most meaningful recognitions came in 2011, when he received the Morgan McGuire Altruism Award, honoring his integrity, service, and humanity in the field of addiction medicine.
Today, we proudly celebrate Dr. Sikand as a true pillar of SCADD, a leader whose impact continues to inspire and guide us.
For more than a decade, Arthur Cox has been a dedicated and influential member of SCADD’s Board of Directors. His steadfast advocacy, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering belief in the power of recovery have been instrumental in guiding SCADD through years of growth and transformation.
Drawing on his professional expertise in capital improvements, Mr. Cox has played a key role in strengthening SCADD’s facilities and long-term infrastructure planning work that directly supports our mission and the individuals we serve every day.
Through his over 10 years of service, Arthur has exemplified true stewardship, compassion, and community commitment. His impact continues to shape SCADD’s future and reinforces the foundation of hope we strive to build across Southeastern Connecticut.
Thank you, Arthur, for being a pillar of purpose.
For more than 20 years, Pastor Mark Love has been a steadfast pillar of compassion, connection, and hope within the SCADD community. Week after week, he has generously volunteered his time to lead Bible study sessions, offering encouragement, guidance, and spiritual support to clients on their recovery journey.
Pastor Love has also opened the doors of his congregation to SCADD residents, personally providing transportation so they can participate in Sunday morning worship. Through these acts of kindness, he has helped foster a sense of belonging, community, and spiritual growth for countless individuals.
His unwavering dedication is a true testament to the power of faith, service, and human connection in the healing and recovery process. Today, we proudly recognize Pastor Mark Love as a pillar of SCADD and extend our deepest gratitude for the many lives he has touched.
Today we are proud to highlight Senator Cathy Osten as a true pillar of support for our mission and for the recovery community across Southeastern Connecticut.
A dedicated advocate for community wellness, Senator Osten has spent her career championing public service, standing up for nonprofit providers, and ensuring that individuals in recovery have the resources and support they deserve. Her leadership has been instrumental in securing funding, strengthening service systems, and uplifting the voices of those working toward a brighter future.
Her steadfast commitment has made a lasting difference not just for SCADD, but for families and communities throughout our region.
We are deeply grateful for her partnership, her advocacy, and her unwavering belief in the power of hope and recovery.
SCADD has been proud to partner with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut for more than 30 years. Their unwavering support, from funding our programs to volunteering their time and energy, has strengthened our mission and made a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Through initiatives like Days of Caring and resources from the Gemma Moran Food Center, United Way helps us provide essential services and nutritious food while fostering a sense of hope and community. Their dedication and generosity truly make them a pillar in Southeastern Connecticut.
Colleen Sullivan has been a dedicated member of SCADD’s Board of Directors since 2019 and currently serves as Vice Chairperson. A highly respected leader in the healthcare field, she brings an essential focus on quality, excellence, and integrity, helping ensure that SCADD’s work is guided by the highest standards of care and compassion.
Her deep commitment to community health and recovery is evident in her thoughtful leadership, strategic insight, and enthusiastic support of SCADD’s events and initiatives. Through periods of growth and change, Colleen’s wisdom, steady presence, and collaborative spirit have helped guide the agency forward.
We are deeply grateful for her service, advocacy, and unwavering dedication to our mission and the communities we serve. Her leadership makes her a valued and influential pillar of our organization.
Dorothy Eames was a devoted community leader whose legacy of service spanned more than 70 years in Groton and Mystic, with a profound and enduring commitment to SCADD. She served on SCADD’s Board of Directors for more than 40 years, including 10 years as Chairwoman, helping guide the organization through decades of growth, change, and expanded impact.
A steadfast advocate for individuals and families affected by substance use and mental health challenges, Dorothy believed deeply in early intervention and investing in youth as a foundation for stronger, healthier communities. Beyond SCADD, she dedicated her time and leadership to numerous public service organizations, including the Kiwanis Club, Fitch High School Keyettes, the Community Mental Health Center of Southeastern Connecticut, and the City of Groton, where she served as a Councilwoman.
Her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication leave a lasting legacy that continues to inspire SCADD’s mission and the communities we serve.
remembered as a friend, mentor, and steadfast leader whose impact on SCADD continues to be deeply felt. As a longtime Director of Lebanon Pines and a dedicated member of the SCADD Board of Directors, Bill’s contributions were immeasurable. His compassionate leadership, steady guidance, and unwavering commitment helped strengthen the foundation of our programs and the organization as a whole.
Bill approached every challenge with integrity and humility, offering support, encouragement, and wisdom to both staff and clients. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the programs he helped shape, and the hope he fostered along the way. His life was beautifully lived, and his enduring influence remains a true pillar of SCADD.
Founded by Marie Sienkiewicz in honor of her son, Steven’s Stockings is guided by the belief that everyone—regardless of their past—deserves love, acceptance, and encouragement in their fight for a better life. Their mission is rooted in dignity, compassion, and meaningful human connection.
Each December, Steven’s Stockings visits recovery programs to personally deliver stockings and stuffed backpacks filled with essential self-care items. Beyond the gifts, volunteers share words of encouragement, respect, and support, reminding individuals that they are seen, valued, and not alone.
Year after year, their mission continues to grow, reaching more individuals and communities. We are deeply grateful for Steven’s Stockings’ partnership and unwavering commitment to bringing hope, comfort, and compassion to those who need it most.
Mike Svab has been a longtime supporter of SCADD, and his dedication has played a vital role in the continued success of the SCADD Shaun Cashman Memorial Golf Tournament. As the Head Professional at Norwich Golf Course, Mike consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the event runs smoothly year after year.
His commitment, professionalism, and genuine support for SCADD’s mission have strengthened our fundraising efforts and helped make the tournament one of our most meaningful annual traditions. Mike’s partnership reflects not only his generosity, but also his belief in recovery, community, and the importance of giving back.
We are grateful for his continued support, which stands as a valued pillar of SCADD’s work.
Dr. Joseph Ceha, one of the founders of SCADD, dedicated his life to serving individuals and communities through a distinguished career in mental health and addiction services. His leadership included roles as Chief of Professional Services at Norwich Hospital, executive board member of the Southeastern Connecticut Regional Commission on Alcoholism, Superintendent of Undercliff Mental Health Center in Meriden, and later service with the Connecticut Department of Mental Health.
Dr. Ceha believed that addiction is a community-wide challenge—one that cannot be addressed in isolation. He recognized that substance use is shaped by many interconnected factors and that lasting solutions require collaboration, compassion, and collective responsibility.
His forward-thinking vision helped lay the foundation of SCADD’s mission, and his legacy continues to guide our work today.
