Worcester Business Journal

36 Worcester Business Journal | August 20, 2018 | wbjournal.com F O C U S 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Beckler was named the medical director at Worcester's YOU, Inc. just last fall, but her efforts to improve health care in Central Massachusetts extend far beyond that appointment. The Maine native volunteer teaches psychiatry students at UMass Medical Center – where she completed her residency herself as a child psychiatrist – to help them adjust to the challenging role of children psychiatry and high burnout rates. Before joining YOU, Inc., she helped create a case conference by video between UMass and Shanghai. At YOU, Inc., Beckler has started a tele-psychiatry program to help patients in the Southbridge area access care if they can't get around because of transportation issues. She's brought stability to a position that had seen a period of quick turnover, and occupied at a young age a critical position for the only nonprofit children's behavioral health agency in Central Massachusetts providing intensive acute inpatient care. As for Beckler's imprint on getting people to stay in the field? Her first year as medical director included no turnover within her department. – G.W. From judge Kate Sharry: "Dr. Beckler's dedication and leadership has been instrumental in strengthening YOU, Inc. as an organization, and she influences the lives of children and their families on a daily basis. She is doing work on a day-to- day basis that shapes the future of our community and society." What would you like people to say about you when it is all said and done? I made them laugh, smile and cry, and was someone who cared deeply about people. If you could go back in time, when would you go back to? The 1920s because I have always loved the book "The Great Gatsby" and would have loved to attend a party like his. Allison Beckler, DO, 33 Medical director YOU, Inc., Worcester, Gardner & Baldwinville Lives: Gardner Birthplace: Lewiston, Maine Colleges: University of New England, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine Six years ago, Grinkis took the infamous and downtrodden Lidio's Restaurant in Leominster and created the GazBar Sports Grill, increasing sales every year since 2012. Her favorite accomplishment in the business is retaining all her staff since the first day of opening, and she attributes much of her success to them. Every year, her company hosts Rock The GazBar 5K, a fundraising event initially earmarked for local athletes and now focusing on helping breast cancer patients, as her aunt is a survivor. The 2017 version of the road race had 250 participants and raised more than $11,000 for cancer patients and families through the Health Alliance Cancer Center in Fitchburg. The GazBar donates food and staff time to local food shows like the Taste of Leominster and The Speakeasy event to benefit UMass Memorial – Health Alliance Hospital in Leominster. In November, she plans to open her second business, a coffee shop and cupcakery in Leominster called Central Cup. – B.K. From judge Milka Njoroge: "Erica is a successful business owner who is committed to giving back to the community through support of charitable organizations." Were you a straight-A student? No, I was too busy thinking of my next steps in life to keep my head in a book. No regrets because I had fun while doing it! If you could go on a road trip with any four people, who would it be? My son Louie because we never fully met. My mom and dad because I owe it all to them, and my husband Jared because he's been my No. 1 supporter! Whose career would you most like to emulate? Dad. He has been a hardworking business owner his whole life. His employees have always been very important to him, and he is well liked everywhere we go. Erica Grinkis, 32 Owner The GazBar Sports Grill, Leominster Lives: Leominster Birthplace: Fitchburg College: Worcester State University Photo taken with a WooRides pedicab in Worcester.

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