LURA ROBINSON
President/Controller
Lura grew up in San Diego, moving to Midcoast Maine in 1969. She was in banking for 15+ years, worked at several local businesses and most recently worked in the administrative side of homecare, where she was very involved with the Hospice team. Having family members affected by addiction, she is driven to help all she can to combat this disease. In her opinion, “every person deserves a second, third, or sometimes more chances to rid the demons of addiction!” A firm believer that relapse is sometimes a part of recovery, she believes that everyone deserves understanding to beat this disease. Lura enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys being a part of the Resurection Church family. She organizes events for MCRC and helps with social media outreach. She also volunteers as the coalition’s bookkeeper.
CAROL WORCESTER
Treasurer
I just want to make a difference in my community. Originally from Madawaska, I have lived in the Midcoast area for over 18 years. Having graduated from UMPI with a degree in accounting and from Husson University with a master’s in business along with numerous years working in various businesses, my experience lends itself well to the position of Treasurer. My life experience surrounding addiction and the work done by MCRC led me to volunteer for the MCRC board. If we can help one person then what we are doing is priceless.
DANIELLE WARD
Secretary
My name is Danielle Ward. I am formerly incarcerated and a woman in long-term recovery who has both lived and professional experiences with substance use and mental health, subsequently leading me into a robust career supporting others. After years of rehabilitation and personal healing, I can proudly say I am on the other side now giving back what was freely given to me.
I have recently graduated with an Associate’s degree in Mental Health and Human Service with a minor in Counseling as well as completing the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation certificate program from the University of Augusta. I am a CCAR recovery coach and Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist, currently working with the Treatment and Recovery courts within the Department of Corrections and community settings within Knox County. I also volunteer my services through the Coastal Recovery Community Center in Rockland.
Mid-Coast Recovery Coalition holds a special place in my heart. I had the chance to utilize Alyssa’s house at one point in my life. Because of that and the support that I received from the staff I was allowed to focus on my recovery, my needs, and wants while learning to live my life sober. I am forever grateful for that. It is an honor to work with the board members of MCRC to help with new and continuous ideas that will support individuals and families who are dealing with addiction issues.
ASHLEY O'BRIAN
Board Member
“There are so many things I could say to tell you about myself. I’m a mom of boys, a fiancé, daughter, lover of all things health and fitness, and I enjoy being social. However, I feel like I would be hiding a part of myself if I left out – addict in recovery.
Recovery is nothing less than hard. I learned that through my own journey that started in 2012. It’s also what has driven me to want to help our community, and I am so grateful to be in a position to do so!
I can’t explain how thankful and excited I am to be a part of MCRC, and hope to help make other people’s journeys a little less hard.”
JEANNE DENNY
Board Member
After serving as the Executive Director of 63 Washington in its previous iteration as an elder care facility, Jeanne has gone on to spearhead the community effort to create a homeless shelter in Rockland. Additionally, she serves as the social worker for her local parish.
Iain Kirkham
Board Member
Before working at The Friend’s House Iain had many different adventures. He has worked in many different fields including four years in the Army and lived in several different regions of the country as well as two years spent in Europe. His battle with addiction has been lifelong; however, it greatly intensified with the passing of his father in 2015. Recovery has been the biggest adventure yet. Iain says that his work at The Friends House has been the most rewarding of his life. He says the most important part of working with people seeking recovery is to “just love them”.
After managing the Friends House for several years, Iain has recently served as Director of Operations. His dedication to MCRC is unmeasurable. He has started his own Plumbing and Heating business (Kirkham Mechanical), stepping down from his position with MCRC. By joining the board, his passion will continue to make our organization grow and be able to help more of those that need it.
SANDY LOWE
Board Member
Sandy was born and raised in Rockland ,and has been a nurse for 38 yrs. She is presently employed by Maine Health and has been for 35 yrs and counting . “I love my job and my community and am excited to be a part of the board of directors for Midcoast Recovery Coalition. I loves God, spending time with friends, travel ,taking photos and the light of my life is my daughter Ashley.”
BTITTANY FOGG
Board Member
My name is Brittany Fogg, and I am sincerely excited in joining the Midcoast Recovery Board. As someone who has personally experienced the grip of addiction and the life-changing power of recovery, I feel deeply called to give back to the community that helped shape the person I am today.
In my teens and twenties, I struggled with addiction. It was a painful and defining chapter of my life — one that I’m grateful to say I came through, stronger and with clarity. I’ve now been in recovery for over 15 years, and during that time, I’ve rebuilt my life, opened my own business, and cultivated a strong desire to help others who are walking the path I once did.
Addiction has also touched my family in profound ways. My sister battles alcoholism, and watching her journey has only deepened my empathy and commitment to supporting others impacted by substance use disorder. I believe that lived experience, combined with compassion and community involvement, can be a powerful force for change — and that’s exactly what I hope to bring to your board.
I am honored to contribute my voice, perspective, and time to Midcoast Recovery’s mission. I’m passionate about removing stigma, promoting healing, and helping people see that recovery is not only possible, but beautiful.
Founder
IRA G. MANDEL, MD, MPH
Founder
Dr. Mandel completed his training as a family practitioner in 1982, and completed his Masters of Public Health Training in 2001. He has more than 34 years of medical practice and medical leadership experience – ten of which were spent in midcoast Maine, including Knox, Waldo, Lincoln county, and the many islands contiguous with those counties.
Midcoast Recovery was a dream that he fulfilled helping the addiction community with recovery. This vision will be carried on for years providing a safe and comforting environment for those needing help in getitng rid of the evil of addidtion.