This year marks a significant milestone in the journey of Hudson Behavioral Health—their 45th anniversary. What began in 1980 as a small, visionary response to the urgent need for inpatient addiction treatment on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has grown into a trusted and comprehensive leader in behavioral healthcare.
Founded by local health officers and community leaders, Hudson first opened its doors to eight men seeking recovery from alcoholism in a modest, townhouse-style building on the Deer’s Head Hospital campus. In 1989, the facility began operating at the Willis W. Hudson Center and was incorporated as a 501(C)(3). Today, Hudson is proud to offer a full continuum of care, including detoxification, high- and medium-intensity residential treatment, six low-intensity recovery houses, two sober living homes in Georgetown, Del., and the most recent addition—a newly opened Outpatient Mental Health Center, developed through years of thoughtful planning and hard work to meet a critical and growing need in our community.
The Hudson Behavioral Health leadership team celebrates 45 years of healing and hope. Shown (l to r) are: front row: Kelly Pullen, Dir. of Environmental Services; Susan Forrest, MSW, CAC-AD, Dir. of Clinical Operations; Leslie Brown, CEO; Alex Pullen, Director of Marketing; Joe Seminara, CAC-AD, Assistant Dir. of Housing; back row: Suzanne Caputo, Dir. Of Human Resources; Shiela Pullen, LPN, Nurse Educator; Joyce Parsons, Ed.D., RN, Dir. of Nursing; Erin Risser, PMHNP, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner; Leah Evans, Dir. of Compliance & Quality Assurance; and Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD, LMSW, Dir. of Housing.
“It has been a privilege to lead an organization where innovation is embraced, and growth is nurtured,” says Leslie Brown, CEO of Hudson Behavioral Health. “I am continually inspired by a team that believes in our mission and is willing to evolve alongside it.”
The dedicated team at Hudson is comprised of over 125 individuals, including medical professionals, behavioral health clinicians from diverse disciplines, recovery support staff, student interns, and an exceptional administrative team. Each plays a vital role in guiding individuals on their journey to recovery.
It wouldn’t be possible to reach this milestone without the support from the Hudson Board of Directors, past and present; community partners in public health and referral agencies; and most importantly, the incredible department heads and staff. Their passion, commitment, and resilience are the heart of Hudson.
“My connection to this work is deeply personal. Growing up with an alcoholic father shaped my understanding of the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access, embracing harm reduction, and offering a full spectrum of recovery support,” Brown continued. “These experiences fuel my dedication—and my hope for a future where healing is always within reach.”
Hudson’s story is one of compassion, courage, and community. Looking ahead, the organization remains committed to evolving in response to the needs of those they serve—striving every day to build a healthier, more hopeful tomorrow for families, friends, and neighbors.