Feb. 14—LEWISTON — Last week, Christine Berry was sitting through a series of job interviews, part of a team effort to find a replacement for the position she’s held for the past decade.As she readies to retire after 35 years in the field of behavioral health, she said its bittersweet.Berry, the director of the Looking Ahead Clubhouse, a program for adults with mental illness, has undoubtedly made a mark on the mental health field in Maine. She’s responsible for establishing three clubhouse programs across the state, based on an international rehabilitation model that prioritizes social and education wellness, and employment opportunities.Berry said she’s believed in the clubhouse model because of its emphasis on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. She said it’s been successful due to “the supportive relationships that are formed in clubhouse communities.””We teach, mentor, guide and support others to reach their full potential and to live happy, fulfilled lives,” she said. “I have had the honor and privilege for the past 25 years to work with the most kind, compassionate and motivated individuals.”Berry said last week that she’s “definitely emotional” about leaving the job and her career in mental health, but said she’s “excited to pursue other…
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Christine Berry retires after changing Maine's mental health landscape – Yahoo News
