Our Team
Meet the compassionate and dedicated people behind INSPIRE Community Recovery Center. Our team brings a blend of professional expertise and lived experience to support, guide, and walk alongside you on your recovery journey.
Paige Johnston Community Health and Supports Director
Paige plays a key role in supporting the INSPIRE Center and related initiatives through staff supervision, program development, and implementation. She also leads efforts in grant writing, partnership cultivation, reporting, and overall administrative coordination. Her work helps ensure that programs run smoothly and are responsive to community needs.
Outside of work, Paige is a proud mom of three who enjoys kayaking, hiking, beach days, and quality time with family and close friends.
“Being part of this work is deeply meaningful to me. The INSPIRE team feels like a second family, and I’m constantly inspired by their unwavering commitment to supporting others. We’re proud to offer a warm, welcoming space where everyone is valued and supported.”
Tracy Crossman Community Health and Supports Manager
Tracy supports guests at the INSPIRE Recovery Center by walking alongside them as they navigate essential resources—whether it’s housing, food access, health care, or other vital needs. Her deep knowledge and persistent advocacy have earned her the nickname “housing guru” among peers and community members alike. Tracy also oversees and manages Healthy Acadia’s seasonal Warming Center, ensuring it is a safe, welcoming, and responsive space that meets the community's needs during the colder months.
Tracy has 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 2 more grand babies on the way. She spends her spare time with her grand-babies and family. She also enjoys taking her grandmother to bingo.
“I love being able to help people find the resources and help that they need. I have found my true passion in doing this work.”
Amber Kennedy INSPIRE Recovery Center Manager
In this role, Amber leads the planning and coordination of a wide range of activities and peer support meetings designed to inspire creativity, promote wellness, and support personal growth for all who walk through the doors.
When she’s not at INSPIRE, Amber is pursuing her degree through the Maine Business School. As a lifelong learner, she’s passionate about education—and enjoys winding down with a good documentary whenever time allows.
“It is so amazing to see our community coming together and having a good time with one another. Laughter is so therapeutic, so we have a whole lot of therapy everyday.”
Chase Crossman Community Peer Health Navigator
Chase plays a vital role in connecting individuals with the resources they need to thrive, always approaching this work with empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to honoring each person’s lived experience and personal boundaries. He is known for his compassionate, hands-on approach, offering support from the initial conversation all the way through to fully connecting individuals with services that can make a lasting difference.
While he doesn’t often play himself, Chase is a dedicated basketball fan and enjoys watching games at all levels—from high school matchups to the NBA.
“It is important to me to be approachable. I want to make sure that people know they can come to me and feel heard, respected and supported.”
Marie Brown
INSPIRE Community Recovery Center Intern
Marie is often the first person to greet guests at the INSPIRE Recovery Center. She warmly welcomes and engages each individual, offering guidance and support with resource navigation—including applications, vouchers, and other essential services. With a generous spirit, a great sense of humor, and a deep commitment to helping others, Marie creates an atmosphere where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued from the moment they walk through the door.
Outside of work, Marie enjoys spending time with her family, who she says continually inspire her in her work.
“I take great joy in connecting with each guest, building relationships rooted in trust and care. I’m passionate about helping others and love seeing the smiles on people’s faces when I can make a difference in their day.”
Jade Thayer
Peer Support and Engagement Coordinator
Jade serves as INSPIRE’s Peer Support and Engagement Coordinator, a peer-based role centered on building meaningful connections with guests and supporting their wellness journeys. In this position, Jade actively engages with individuals throughout the day, facilitates a wide range of programming and wellness activities, and helps coordinate harm-reduction efforts that promote safety, health, and community connection. Jade’s piece of INSPIRE is uniquely creative. With a strong passion for art, they bring expressive, hands-on activities to the center—enhancing engagement, boosting confidence, and giving guests an opportunity to heal and connect through creativity. Through their compassion, creativity, and lived experience, Jade helps shape INSPIRE into a welcoming, vibrant space for all.
In their free time, Jade enjoys gardening and exploring all of the ways they can be creative!
"How grateful I am to be here doing this work. As someone who values every moment I can hear others share about their journey, wow... What a blessing! It is so wonderful growing with the community here at INSPIRE/Ellsworth as a new member myself. Everyday I witness the challenges facing individuals, but I also experience the incredible power of this supportive community. It is a true honor."
Zac works closely with guests to complete applications, access vouchers, and connect with essential services that support their stability, health, and recovery goals. Whether someone needs help exploring community programs, filling out paperwork, or finding the right resource for their situation, Zac is there to walk through the process step-by-step. Zac brings both skill and heart to his work at INSPIRE. He approaches each interaction with patience and encouragement, making resource navigation feel less overwhelming and more accessible for guests.
Zac enjoys playing video games, spending quality time with his family, and hanging out with his dog.
“I enjoy being able to give back to the community in the same way that it was once given to me. Being able to provide something as simple as a listening ear, can make all of the change”