Governor Mills Monthly Opioid Response Seminar Series
Maine’s Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative Updates
Maine’s Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative recently designated its 100th recovery friendly workplace. Join us on Nov. 6th at 11:30pm to hear from Emily Davis, Larry McCullough, Nikki Merrill, and Michael Freysinger who will update participants on the RFW program. Recovery Friendly Workplaces ensure that management and human resources personnel are trained to support employees in recovery, seeking recovery from substance use disorder and those employees who are directly affected by it. This approach benefits both employees and employers by fostering a supportive work environment. RFW Maine, a program administered jointly by non-profits Pinetree Institute and Portland Recovery Community Center, provides training and support at no cost. Join us and see how your workplace can be a part of this important program.
Larry McCullough, Executive Director, Pinetree Institute
For over 30 years Larry has worked with major corporations and non-profit organizations in the areas of leadership development, change management, and strategic planning. Larry officially launched Pinetree Institute in 2012 to address issues of positive well-being through workshop offerings and community programs. He brings his experience with leadership, change management and strategy to bear in creating and managing initiatives related to positive wellbeing. A particular focus for the past few years has been the development of trauma-informed approaches to community services, especially as related to addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as a way of building individual, family and community resilience
Michael Freysinger, Recovery Manager, Maine Office of Behavioral Health
Mike serves as the Recovery Manager at OBH, a position he has held since 2021. As the Recovery Manager, Mike oversees Peer Support services which include Certified Intentional Peer Support and Recovery Coach training, Peer Recovery Centers, and Recovery Residence Certification, among other agreements. Mike also works closely with OBH’s Workforce Development team and the Cutler Institute’s Center for Learning, who support the Department of Behavioral Health training and certification processes. Mike has completed the CIPSS training, CIPSS train-the-trainer facilitator training, and CCAR’s Recovery Coach Academy and Ethical Considerations in Recovery Coaching. Mike is a person in long-term recovery who has held various roles in direct service, affordable housing, and conflict resolution, most recently working as the Director of the Maine Youth Court, a restorative justice juvenile diversion program where he first worked with CIPSS who supported youth after they engaged in restorative circles. Mike holds the contract with Healthy Acadia that includes the Recovery CORE program, as well as other Recovery Coach Coordination and training services.
Niki Merrill, Statewide Recovery Advisor
Niki is a recovery advocate and trainer with a strong background in both correctional and community-based recovery services. She brings a practical, human-centered approach to her work—helping employers build recovery-supportive cultures that reduce stigma and strengthen their workforce. Her passion lies in creating workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and able to succeed.
Emily Davis, Director, RFW Maine and Statewide Business Advisor
Emily brings a unique blend of experience from corporate work in New York City to co-founding family businesses right here in Maine. As a Maine native, she’s deeply passionate about strengthening support systems for people in recovery and building meaningful connections with Maine’s business community. Outside of work, you’ll likely find Emily practicing yoga, spending time by Maine’s lakes, exploring the woods, or hunting for hidden gems while thrifting and antiquing.