Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 16, 2021 | Worcester Business Journal 19 Stevens has dedicated almost half her life working in the behavioral healthcare field, the majority of which she has spent in leadership roles. She got her start 16 years ago as a case manager working directly with individuals overcoming addiction. She held director positions at both Spectrum Health Systems in Westborough and The Bridge of Central Massachusetts in Worcester. After receiving her license to be a mental health counselor, Stevens joined RCA in 2017. Her extensive experience working in quality and direct therapy with patients has shaped her leadership style. She took on the role of CEO in April 2020, successfully meeting the immense challenge of providing safe spaces and services for more than 3,600 patients during the COVID pandemic. Under her leadership, RCA has increased its bed capacity by almost 100%. In non-pandemic years, Stevens hosts RCA Westminster's Race to Recover 5K and now is organizing a motorcycle ride in lieu of the 5K. A Worcester woman through and through, Stevens attended Saint Peter Marian for high school, Worcester State for her bachelor's degree, and Assumption University for her master's degree. - K.H. What world record would you like to have? Growing the world's largest garden What did you learn from the coronavirus pandemic? To appreciate the simple things and to always make the people in your life a priority. What Central Mass. activity should everyone try? The Brimfield Flea Market What message would you now give your 10-year-old self? Actions will speak louder than words. Always be grateful; never be satisfied. Kat Stevens, LMHC, 35 CEO Recovery Centers of America at Westminster Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Southbridge Colleges: Worcester State University, Assumption University At Shine, Zequeira offers mental health and suicide prevention workshops to teens, educators, and parents. During her time with Shine, the nonprofit has grown from 30 to 50 schools in the last two and a half years. She developed annual Student Mental Health Summits where speakers and workshops address in-depth mental health topics chosen by students. The last in-person summit had 250 students participating. Outside of her work with Shine, Zequeira is just as committed to mental health as she contributes extensively to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. When she took on planning the Central Massachusetts Out of the Darkness Walk for suicide prevention in 2012, she did not take that responsibility lightly. That year, the walk had 250 participants and raised $25,000. Seven years later, as the chair of the program, she brought in 1,000 walkers and $155,000 in donations. She planned and executed one of AFSP's major fundraising events, a beer and wine tasting at Fenway Park, which raised more than $100,000 for the first time this year. In 2020, when Shine had to cancel its gala fundraiser, Zequeira helped switch to a virtual event and still raised $80,000. - K.H. What Olympic sport would you be the best at? I would make a much better judge than a competitor! What's the nicest thing anyone has done for you? When I was 16 years old, I lost my best friend to suicide and had no idea how to deal with the unique grief accompanying such a loss. We had shared an English class together, and that teacher recognized the struggle I was having. For every assignment she gave the class that year, she allowed me to write whatever I needed to work through my pain, anger and confusion. That loss is a driving force in the work that I do, and her response was instrumental in the beginning of my healing process. Jessika Zequeira, 39 Community education specialist Shine Initiative, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Danbury, Conn. 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y For sponsorship information or to donate an auction item, please contact Paige Thayer pthayer@notredamehealthcare.org 508-852-5800, x2509 or visit www.notredamehealthcare.org/annual- educational-forum/. Links to access the online auction and virtual event will be posted on our website. The auction will be available one week in advance of the event and the virtual event will be made available on October 27, 2021. NOTRE DAME HEALTH CARE 2021 EDUCATIONAL FORUM Hannah Brencher is a writer, TED Speaker, and mental health advocate with a heart for building leaders. She is the author of three best-selling books: "Fighting Forward," "If You Find This Letter," and "Come Matter Here." She is the founder of More Love Letters – a global organization using the power behind social media to write and mail letters to strangers in need across the world. Named as one of the White House's "Women Working to Do Good," Hannah and her work have been featured in publications such as CNN World News, the Wall Street Journal, Oprah.com, and Glamour among dozens of others. Presented By: Hannah Brencher Speaker • Author • Blogger We spend a lot of time chasing significance but often that chase means we miss out on the needs right in front of us. The most unexpected and beautiful things can happen when our eyes are wide open to the world around us. Learn to be present right where you are and to realize life is happening in the here and now. Being present in a digital age is so important because there are people and causes who desperately need us in this moment. October 27, 2020 6:30–7:30 PM Please RSVP to pthayer@notredamehealthcare.org Join Us "Virtually" via Online Platform PRESENTING SPONSOR PARTNERS IN CARE BAY STATE SAVINGS BANK Congratulations, Seth, and all of the winners selected for this year's 40 Under Forty Class of 2021. Your professionalism and dedication are an inspiration to us all! congratulates... SETH PITTS Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer

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