With a master’s degree in psychiatric rehabilitation from Boston University, Catherine Holladay, C.A.R.S.’s new Cortland program director, began her extensive mental health and substance use career as a counselor at a Staten Island psychiatric rehabilitation program. Holladay’s first program featured a clubhouse model, providing clients with both a place to come to during the day to avoid isolation and the opportunity to work with staff. Over time, her experience expanded to vocational, residential, and supportive housing roles with increasing leadership responsibilities, allowing her to rise to the position of executive director.

During COVID, Holladay transitioned to overseeing rehabilitation programming for the State of Massachusetts before returning to New York for her most recent, pre-C.A.R.S. role as Vice President of Helio Health’s Inpatient Programs in Rochester, Binghamton, and Syracuse. However, Holladay's desire to come full circle in her career and return to a small program directly involved in the work of recovery, where she could “get her arms around it and make an impact,” led her to resign from Helio, and, seeing the C.A.R.S. Cortland position advertised, to apply immediately, knowing it was exactly what she had been seeking. Holladay’s first day at her Cortland program was Monday, May 19.

Outside of her work with C.A.R.S., Catherine's getaway in the Berkshires is her “happy place,” and she tries to see her daughter Kate, 24, a resident of New York City, as much as possible.

C.A.R.S. is thrilled to welcome Catherine Holladay to its leadership team; please join us in welcoming her!

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