At Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MARC), our mission has always been to provide hope, healing, and comprehensive support to individuals and families facing the challenges of substance use and mental health disorders. But behind every successful program, every transformed life, and every milestone reached, there are dedicated people who pour their hearts, talents, and passion into making MARC a beacon of recovery and renewal in our community. As an organization, we have poured our heart into this mission since we opened our doors at the very end of 2013. Having been open for less than 12 years, 2025 is a very big deal for MARC, because this year we have three employees celebrating their 10-year work anniversaries! Today, we are thrilled to recognize and celebrate the truly remarkable achievements of three extraordinary team members whose dedication has been instrumental in shaping the heart, culture, and impact of MARC.
Join us as we honor Director of Human Resources Dustielynn Castrignano, Director of Support Services Colleen Waterfield, and Intake Specialist Sean O’Brien, ADT, each of whom has reached a decade of service at MARC this year. Their stories, journeys, and contributions not only inspire our staff and clients but serve as living proof of the lasting impact that a caring, purpose-driven career can have, not only on others, but on oneself.
The Journey to MARC: New Beginnings Rooted in Purpose
Dustielynn Castrignano: Choosing Passion Over Comfort
Ten years ago, Dustielynn Castrignano made a life-changing decision that would not only shape her own path but help transform the very foundation of MARC. At the time, she held a leadership role in retail management, a position offering stability and familiarity. But Dustielynn’s heart called her toward something more meaningful. She longed to be part of a field where her daily work contributed to the greater good, where she could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
When Dustielynn first walked through MARC’s doors, it was not as a director, but as our Office Manager, which was a move that required her to take a significant pay cut and step out of her professional comfort zone. It’s never easy to leave behind what’s familiar, but Dustielynn’s courage and vision were clear from the beginning. “I wanted to be proud of the place I worked,” she shared, “and to know that what I was doing mattered.”
From her earliest days, Dustielynn’s work ethic, attention to detail, and genuine care for her colleagues set her apart. She quickly became the backbone of our office operations, earning the trust and respect of staff and leadership alike. But more importantly, she became a catalyst for growth—both for herself and for MARC as an organization.
Colleen Waterfield: The Relentless Heart of MARC’s Support System
For Colleen Waterfield, the journey to a decade at MARC began with curiosity and an eagerness to help. She accepted her first job in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment as a Therapist Assistant at MARC, unsure of what to expect but deeply committed to learning, growing, and making a positive impact.
From the outset, it was clear Colleen possessed a unique blend of directness and compassion. Patients consistently reported feeling heard, supported, and—most importantly—challenged by her willingness to have tough, honest conversations in the service of their recovery. Her reputation for balancing assertiveness with empathy quickly spread, and her natural leadership abilities soon led to promotions across several departments.
As Medical Services Coordinator, Colleen was known as the “glue” that held our medical department together, spending her time managing details, streamlining processes, and ensuring that every patient received the care and attention they deserved. She later became Administrative Director, overseeing MARC’s administrative staff, before ultimately rising to her current role as Director of Support Services, where she now manages all of MARC’s residences and the full team of recovery support staff.
Colleen’s growth is a testament to her unshakeable commitment to MARC’s mission. Over ten years, she has embodied the organization’s values with unwavering integrity, passion, and heart. Her presence continues to be a cornerstone of the MARC community, and her impact on colleagues and clients alike is immeasurable.
Sean O’Brien, ADT: From Support Staff to Intake Specialist
Every organization needs people who can meet others where they are, providing understanding and support during moments of great vulnerability. Sean O’Brien has become that person for countless individuals and families navigating the first, often overwhelming steps toward recovery.
Sean joined MARC in 2015 as a member of the recovery support staff team. In those early days, he worked as a Therapist Assistant (TA) and quickly advanced to Evening TA Supervisor, roles that demanded compassion, patience, and a willingness to serve as both advocate and guide. Alongside his professional work, Sean made the commitment to further his own education, earning his Alcohol and Drug Trainee (ADT) status in 2021 and continuing his studies in Human Services Counseling.
By 2022, Sean transitioned to the role of Intake Specialist, a position that leverages both his professional experience and his personal journey in recovery. His role is multifaceted: he serves as a first point of contact for professional referents, consults with family members in crisis, and ensures that each new client’s transition into treatment is handled with the utmost care and expertise.
Sean’s passion for the work is matched by his love for his family and community. Outside of MARC, he enjoys exercising, recreational sports, and spending quality time with his fiancé and son. A proud Baltimore sports fan, Sean’s energy and enthusiasm are evident in everything he does—both inside and outside the workplace.
The Impact of Long-Term Commitment: Building a Culture of Growth and Care
What makes a decade of service so remarkable? In today’s fast-paced world, the average employee stays at a job for about four years. The commitment demonstrated by Dustielynn, Colleen, and Sean is rare and it’s a reflection of both their character and the unique environment fostered at MARC.
Dustielynn: The Architect of MARC’s People-First Culture
As the years passed, Dustielynn’s role grew in both scope and significance. She became MARC’s first HR Specialist, laying the groundwork for a more structured, supportive, and people-focused workplace. Her meticulous attention to employee needs—whether it was revising the handbook, advocating for fair policies, or ensuring open lines of communication—set new standards for organizational excellence.
Today, as Director of Human Resources, Dustielynn’s influence can be seen in every aspect of our culture. She played a pivotal role in helping MARC achieve its first national accreditation from The Joint Commission, a milestone that underscored our commitment to quality and accountability. She organized and improved the employee handbook, making it a living document that truly reflects our values and priorities.
But perhaps most importantly, Dustielynn has always been the voice for our staff, fighting to ensure that MARC remains a place where people are supported, heard, and valued. Her journey from Office Manager to HR Director is a testament to what can happen when talent is nurtured, and opportunities for growth are embraced. Her story is also a reminder of how an organization and its people can grow together, supporting not only professional development but personal milestones such as marriage and parenthood.
Asked about her decade of service at MARC, Dustielynn responded, “May marked 10 years since I joined MARC and I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on the journey. When I walked through the doors a decade ago, I knew I was joining a company with a mission that truly mattered. What I didn’t know was just how deeply that mission would shape not only my career, but also my values, my leadership, and my heart. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside incredibly talent, dedicated people who inspire me every day.” She continued by saying, “Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated wins, and built a culture rooted in respect, growth, and purpose. To everyone I’ve worked alongside over the years: thank you for the support, the collaboration, and the shared purpose. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead. I remain as passionate today-if not more-about the work we do and the impact we create. Here’s to continue helping individuals, families, and the community impacted by addiction and mental health together. I feel incredibly fortunate to contribute to something so meaningful for over a decade.
Colleen: The Unwavering Pillar of Support and Leadership
Colleen’s impact on MARC has been equally profound. Her ability to balance compassion with directness has set the tone for patient care and staff leadership. Her rise through the ranks, from Therapist Assistant to Director of Support Services, speaks to her determination, resilience, and deep belief in MARC’s mission.
In her current role, Colleen oversees all of MARC’s residences and recovery support staff, ensuring that every client receives the holistic care and support they need. She continues to be a role model for new employees, offering mentorship, guidance, and an example of what it means to lead with integrity and heart.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Colleen’s personal journey, including becoming a loving wife to husband Justin and mother to son Gunnar, has been a source of joy for everyone at MARC. Watching her grow not only as a professional but as a person has been one of the greatest privileges of working alongside her.
Discussing her decade of employment at MARC, Colleen said, “At MARC, our philosophy ensures that individuals facing addiction and mental health are treated with the seriousness and urgency these conditions require, while also honoring their unique needs through personalizing care. Working in a field often surrounded by stigma, challenges and obstacles can take a real toll. When friends and family ask how I’ve managed to stay in this field at all, let alone over ten years, I share my belief that anything is possible when you are part of a company like MARC.” She continued, saying, “While the work isn’t easy, having a village that supports you makes all the difference. It’s not just a job; it’s an investment in something greater! Working for MARC has deeply influenced me on a personal level and shaped who I am professionally. In this past decade, I’ve grown not only professionally but also personally, and I credit this company for both.”
Sean: Guiding New Journeys, One Intake at a Time
For many clients and families, Sean O’Brien is the first person they meet at MARC. His blend of professional training and lived experience allows him to offer empathy, clarity, and practical support during some of life’s most difficult moments. Whether he’s coordinating with referring professionals or reassuring a worried parent, Sean’s calm presence and dedication make all the difference.
Sean’s journey of progressing from support staff to Intake Specialist while continuing his education reflects the spirit of continuous improvement that defines MARC. His personal recovery journey not only inspires clients but also strengthens the sense of community that sets MARC apart. We have also been grateful to see Sean’s personal life grow, with his relationship and now as a father.
When asked about his decade at MARC, Sean responded, “I began working at MARC in 2015 with two years of sobriety and a passion for wanting to help people overcome the same struggles I once faced. Over the past decade, I’ve learned that effective treatment goes far beyond abstinence; rather it’s about healing and rebuilding, both for the patient and their loved ones.” He continued by saying, “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing families once torn apart by addiction come back together, and individuals who arrived at MARC broken and hopeless grow into confident, productive members of their communities. I’m grateful to be part of a team that gives everything they have to each person who walks through our doors. Seeing the growth in our patients and their families continues to inspire me every day.”
Lessons from a Decade of Service: What These Stories Teach Us
The stories of Dustielynn, Colleen, and Sean are more than just professional milestones—they are lessons in the power of commitment, the importance of mission-driven work, and the impact that individuals can have when given the opportunity to grow and lead. In fact, according to recent 2024 statistics, only approximately 28% of men and 24% of women in the United States stay with the same employer for 10 years or more.
1. Mission-Driven Work Both Attracts and Keeps the Best People
Each of these team members made conscious choices to pursue careers that aligned with their values. Whether it was Dustielynn leaving behind retail management for a chance to make a difference, Colleen entering a new field to follow her passion for helping others, or Sean building on his own recovery journey to serve others, all three were motivated by a desire to help, heal, and inspire.
2. Organizational Culture Matters
MARC’s commitment to supporting, nurturing, and promoting from within has enabled employees to build careers and not just jobs. Opportunities for growth, a supportive environment, and a culture that values each person’s contribution are crucial for retaining great talent and fostering long-term loyalty.
3. Personal Growth Is as Important as Professional Growth
Over the past decade, each of these employees has grown not only as a professional but as a person. MARC’s long-term employees have built families, earned new degrees, and achieved personal milestones that are celebrated just as enthusiastically as workplace achievements. The bond between organization and employee deepens when both are invested in each other’s growth and happiness.
4. The Power of Advocacy and Compassion
From advocating for staff needs (Dustielynn), to standing as a pillar of support and leadership (Colleen), to being a compassionate and skilled guide for new clients (Sean), these three individuals demonstrate the profound effect that empathy and advocacy have on workplace culture and client outcomes.
5. Resilience and Adaptability
The last decade has brought changes, challenges, and triumphs. Throughout it all, these three team members have adapted, grown, and remained steadfast in their dedication to MARC’s mission. Their resilience is a model for others facing the inevitable ups and downs of working in the behavioral health and addiction recovery field.
A Note of Thanks and a Look to the Future
Ten years may seem like a long time, but for those who work in a place where their values align with their mission, and where every day brings new opportunities to learn and make a difference, the years go by quickly. The legacies that Dustielynn Castrignano, Colleen Waterfield, and Sean O’Brien have built are not only a source of pride for themselves, but for everyone who has the privilege of working alongside them.
To Dustielynn: Your loyalty, leadership, and heart have shaped MARC into the supportive, mission-driven workplace it is today. Thank you for a decade of advocacy and for never losing sight of the people at the heart of our organization.
To Colleen: Your passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to patients and staff are the gold standard for what it means to serve at MARC. Your journey inspires us all to strive for excellence, both at work and in life.
To Sean: Your dedication, empathy, and willingness to walk with others at the start of their recovery journey make MARC a place of hope and possibility. We are grateful for your service, and for the example you set every day.
On behalf of the entire MARC family, we thank you for your years of dedication and for the difference you continue to make—one person, one family, and one day at a time. Here’s to many more years of service, growth, and success together.