Mark Sakraida, a long-standing adventure therapy counselor at Pathways, bids farewell after over three decades of service.
Mark Sakraida, a founding member and cornerstone of Pathways Treatment Center in Annapolis, is retiring after more than three decades of service. His work at Pathways, particularly in developing and expanding the Adventure Therapy program, has left an indelible mark on substance use treatment and community engagement in Anne Arundel County.
Sakraida joined Pathways in 1992 when the facility first opened, quickly becoming a key figure in the innovative Adventure Therapy program. This unique approach, which incorporates activities like ropes courses and group problem-solving challenges, promotes teamwork, resilience, and healthy risk-taking among patients. Under his guidance, the program evolved to ensure that all patients could benefit, whether through active participation or guided reflection, fostering personal growth, trust-building, and self-reflection.
Over the past decade, Sakraida extended the program to include local first responders, such as paramedic students and members of the Police Crisis Intervention Team. These unique collaborations fostered greater empathy and reduced stigma around substance use disorders, benefiting not only Pathways' patients but the wider community.
Sakraida's work has significantly impacted the recovery journey of countless individuals in Anne Arundel County, integrating substance use treatment with community engagement initiatives. His retirement leaves behind a powerful legacy that continues to shape how substance use treatment and community engagement intersect in the region.
Pathways Drug & Substance Abuse Center, where Sakraida worked, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The centre's success under Sakraida's leadership suggests a continued focus on integrating therapy with community activities, potentially inspiring new approaches to substance use treatment and community interaction.
Traci Fox, a co-worker at Pathways, stated that Sakraida has been instrumental in shaping the Adventure Therapy program into what it is today. His passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication have impacted not only Pathways' patients but the wider community.
In summary, Mark Sakraida's impact on Adventure Therapy in Anne Arundel County has been profound, setting a foundation for innovative and inclusive treatment practices that are likely to influence future treatment strategies. His contributions pave the way for future innovations in Adventure Therapy, ensuring that the recovery journey for many individuals continues to be supported by effective and engaging treatment methods.
Mark Sakraida's work at Pathways Drug & Substance Abuse Center, focusing on Adventure Therapy, has not only improved mental health and wellness of substance use patients but also contributed to health-and-wellness initiatives in the community. In the realm of therapies-and-treatments, his innovative approach has left an enduring impact, paving the way for future developments in science-based, community-focused recovery programs.
