Testimonials

Real People. Real Recovery.

Hear from those who’ve walked through our doors—and found their way back to themselves.

When you’re thinking about getting help, nothing matters more than knowing you’re not alone. The stories below come from people who sat in our chairs, slept in our beds, and cried through some of the same fears you might be feeling right now.

They got through it. You can too.

Why Stories Matter

At Greylock, we believe in the power of personal truth. These aren’t polished marketing lines—they’re real experiences from people who showed up scared, uncertain, and ready for change. Recovery doesn’t follow a script. But these voices show what’s possible when support is honest, treatment is compassionate, and care sticks with you.

Testimonials from Greylock Alumni

“I didn’t think I could be a mom and get sober. Greylock proved I could.”
The Nest Program changed my life. I was six months pregnant and terrified to ask for help. Everyone treated me with so much respect—not as someone who failed, but as someone who mattered. They helped me detox safely, start healing, and prepare for motherhood without shame.
— Nest Program Graduate
“I’ve been to other programs. This was the first one that didn’t treat me like a number.”
From day one, I felt like a person here. Detox was rough, but the staff didn’t just monitor me—they checked in, listened, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. Residential gave me space to face my trauma, and Stays Connected keeps me grounded now that I’m back home.
— Former Resident, Stays Connected Program
“The meds didn’t make me weak. They gave me a shot at surviving.”
I’d relapsed three times trying to do it without medication. At Greylock, they walked me through MAT—no shame, just facts and care. I was finally able to think straight again. I got my life back.
— MAT Participant
“My sister got help—and so did I.”
Watching someone you love struggle is torture. Greylock’s Family Forward program gave me a space to process my own pain, learn how to support without enabling, and reconnect with my sister. I’m so grateful they included families in the healing.
— Family Forward Participant
“This place saved my life. It’s that simple.”
I came in detoxing, broke, and ready to quit for good. Greylock gave me the medical care I needed to make it through withdrawal—and then they stayed by my side as I started to rebuild. I’ve been clean 11 months now.
— Detox and Residential Program Alumnus
“I felt like I could finally breathe.”
There were days I didn’t think I deserved recovery. But the team at Greylock never gave up on me. Group therapy helped me open up for the first time. Individual sessions helped me face what I’d buried. I found my voice—and I’m still using it.
— Residential Client

What We Hear Most Often

  • “They saw the human behind the addiction.”
  • “This was the first place I ever felt safe during detox.”
  • “They didn’t try to ‘fix’ me—they listened.”
  • “The Nest helped me be a mother and recover without shame.”
  • “Stays Connected kept me from falling through the cracks after I left.”

Want to Share Your Story?

If you’ve been part of the Greylock community, we’d be honored to hear how your journey has unfolded. Whether you’re a few weeks sober or years into recovery—your voice could be the lifeline someone else needs.

You’ve lived through it. Now, maybe you can help someone else believe they can too.

Call to Connect

You don’t have to be ready for everything. You just have to be ready for one step.

Call Our Free

24 Hour Helpline
Get The Help You Need
Counselors are standing by

Jody Kocsis is a dependable team member dedicated to maintaining a safe, clean, and efficient facility environment. With a strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality, Jody supports daily operations and ensures a positive experience for all.

Eric Simmons is the Director of Case Management at Greylock Recovery, bringing more than 15 years of experience in behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, residential programming, admissions, and case management. He has led program operations, patient advocacy initiatives, staff development, and outcome improvement efforts across residential and human service settings.

Prior to Greylock Recovery, Eric served as Director of Residential and Admissions Services for a local Berkshire county recovery facility, overseeing residential operations, admissions, referral development, and regulatory compliance. His expertise includes case management, discharge planning, community resource development, compliance, and staff training.

Eric earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Westfield State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He is committed to helping individuals overcome barriers to recovery and achieve lasting stability, while also serving his community as a youth football coach and mentor.

Jennifer Parsons is a seasoned human resources executive with more than 15 years of experience leading strategic HR initiatives, talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, where she played a key role in fostering a positive workplace culture and supporting the organization’s growth and success.

Jennifer holds the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), demonstrating her expertise and commitment to excellence in the HR profession. She also earned an associate’s degree in both Business Administration and Hospitality Administration, providing a strong foundation in leadership, operations, and customer service.

A Berkshire County native, Jennifer is deeply committed to her community and currently resides in the region with her family. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Gladys Allen Brigham Center in Pittsfield, supporting the organization’s mission to empower women and strengthen the Community.

Jennifer Walker has been caring for others since 1989, starting out as a nurse’s aide and working her way through roles as a medical assistant, LPN, and RN. Along the way, she earned an associate’s degree in business administration and gathered an impressive range of experience—from primary care and long-term care to neurosurgery, neurology, colorectal surgery, orthopedics, and hospital-based surgical services. She’s also spent seven years helping individuals overcome substance use disorders, including time as a Director of Nursing, and has worked in hospice and with patients with disabilities.

But Jennifer’s dedication to people goes far beyond the workplace. A former foster parent and active supporter of local charities, she pours her heart into her community. When she’s not in scrubs, you can find her cheering at a sports game, tending to her garden, or enjoying laughter-filled moments with her family. Her blend of skill, heart, and positivity makes her not just a caregiver, but a true bright light for everyone she meets.

Elizabeth Azzariti, LICSW,

Elizabeth Azzariti, LICSW, is a seasoned clinical leader with over 10 years of experience in treating behavioral and addiction issues. After a successful 25-year career in the insurance industry, where she advanced to VP of Finance and Administration, she returned to school, earned her Master of Social Work from Wheelock College, and launched a new career dedicated to behavioral health. In her new role as Clinical Director at Greylock Recovery, she brings deep expertise in clinical operations, program development, and multidisciplinary team leadership. Most recently, as Executive Director at Nulife Behavioral Health, she served as both Clinical and Executive Director, leading the launch of PHP, IOP, TMS, Alumni, and Family programs while overseeing clinical staff hiring, supervision, and operations. She designed and implemented a 16-week evidence-based curriculum for co-occurring disorders that boosted attendance, retention, and patient outcomes. Her prior leadership roles include Clinical Supervisor at Blue Hills Recovery—directing multidisciplinary teams across PHP, IOP, and 24/7 residential programs—and at New England Recovery Center. EMDR-trained and specializing in trauma-informed care and integrated treatment, Elizabeth is passionate about delivering high-quality clinical care that supports lasting recovery for individuals and families.

Flora Sadri-Azarbayejani’s journey in the field of healthcare began at Boston University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering.

Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani pursued dual master’s degrees at Boston University, specializing in epidemiology and biostatistics, and medical science. She then attained her doctorate in medicine from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani’s professional career commenced as an epidemiologist in infectious disease at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Eventually appointed as the Chief Medical Officer.She became board certified in addiction medicine and worked in the addiction space since 2014. She has worked both inpatient and outpatient addiction medicine. Opening programs in both arenas.

Currently serves as the medical director for substance use services at Lowell Community Health Center and for an inpatient addiction treatment center. Dr. Sadri-Azarbayejani is an active and engaged member of various medical societies, including the Massachusetts Medical Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).

Involved with development of CARF guidelines for outpatient addiction treatment programs. She also hopes to make an impact on passing legislation of supervised consumption sites in the near future.

Lauren Temple is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) bringing over 15 years of dedicated leadership in the behavioral health sector, with extensive expertise spanning inpatient, outpatient, and substance use disorder programming. She obtained her Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and holds dual licensure as an LICSW in Massachusetts and an LISW-S in Ohio. Serving as the Executive Director for Greylock Recovery, Lauren manages clinical operations, regulatory adherence, and strategic growth to uphold the highest standards of patient-centric treatment.

Her professional background includes directing diverse clinical teams, broadening service accessibility, and overseeing quality improvement efforts while navigating complex accreditation and state regulatory cycles. Lauren remains deeply invested in cultivating elite clinical staff, improving recovery metrics, and championing evidence-based advancements in behavioral health care.