Speaker

Joanne Montgomery

Biography :

Joanne Montgomery is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Addiction Counselor (LADC) with more than 30 years of experience serving diverse populations, including individuals affected by substance use disorders, mental health challenges, HIV/AIDS, justice involvement, homelessness, and trauma. Joanne has been recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) for her innovative and forward-thinking approach to treatment access. She was instrumental in developing a treatment-on-demand model that was among the first of its kind, significantly reducing barriers to medication-assisted treatment. The model transformed the admission process from a wait of several weeks to a streamlined, start-to-finish process of approximately 90 minutes. Throughout her career, Joanne has demonstrated extensive expertise in program development, clinical leadership, and the establishment of strategic community partnerships throughout Fairfield County. She currently serves as Board President of MFAP, Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning and Assessment Committee of the Ryan White Planning Council, and a board member of Connecticut Communities for Addiction Recovery (CCAR). Joanne is also a founding member and current board member of the Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences (CTARR). In 2025, Joanne was the recipient of the American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence (AATOD) Nyswander-Dole Award for her contributions to the field of Addiction Treatment. In her current role as Chief Clinical Officer, Joanne provides clinical leadership and oversight for programs throughout Liberation Programs, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, evidence-informed services and supporting the continued development of effective, accessible, and community-centered care to over 5,000 clients per year.