New energy for Gould Farm’s transitional programs
- Gould Farm
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
At Gould Farm, recovery is about building a life of independence, community, and meaning upon a foundation of connection, purpose, and skills. Our continuum of care reflects that belief, offering guests a supported path forward that begins with residential treatment and extends into the many levels of our transitional programs.
What is transitional care at Gould Farm?
Our transitional programs in both Monterey and Medford, Massachusetts, provide a vital bridge for those moving from residential treatment to independent living. Guests receive the support they need to practice the skills they’ve built at the more intensive residential level—whether that’s managing finances, shopping for groceries, navigating public transportation, maintaining their sobriety, building a daily routine, or finding employment—while still being connected to the therapeutic and community resources of Gould Farm.
O’Connell House (Monterey, MA) offers a quieter setting on our Berkshire campus for up to five individuals. Here, guests can maintain ties with the Farm community while living more independently in a beautiful, rural environment.
Fellside (Medford, MA) offers accommodations for 11 residents and provides access to Boston’s educational, vocational, and cultural opportunities. Fellside also accepts direct admissions, making it a unique entry point to Gould Farm care.
Both settings provide a structure of clinical support, community living, and skill-building activities designed to empower guests to take steady, supported steps toward greater independence.
Why it matters
As Liz, new program manager at O’Connell House, explains:
“From admission, we talk about the continuum of care as stepping stones for people to stay with and move through Gould Farm. For the 30% of our guests who choose to utilize transitional care, it helps protect against isolation, maintain sobriety, and stay engaged in community life—all while reinforcing practical skills for independent living.”
For Jo, new program director at Fellside, the programs’ strengths lie not only in their supports but also in their settings:
“Fellside and O’Connell offer similar supports, but they differ in environment. Monterey is quieter, a place to walk, hike, or simply sit on the back porch and listen to the birds. And from there, one can access all the opportunities the Berkshire area has to offer. Fellside, in Medford, is close to the city, with access to public transportation, with many employment and educational options, and it’s home to a thriving extended community and network of alumni who remain connected years—even decades—later.”
The impact of transitional care
Outcomes from Gould Farm’s long-running study, as well as the lived experiences of former guests, affirm just how vital this step-down level of care can be. Guests consistently report that having continuity of support—whether in the Berkshires or in Boston—helps them sustain the gains of residential treatment and avoid isolation.
One former guest shared:
“Being at Fellside has been a really fruitful and productive time for me. I’ve been able to launch my work as a journalist in the greater Boston area.”
Another reflected on the steady support that made college feel possible again:
“I never thought I would be able to go back to school, and now I’m finishing my senior year.”
Our outcomes study reinforces these stories, showing significant improvements in mental health, daily functioning, and quality of life at discharge, with gains sustained months and even years later. In short, transitional care provides the bridge that makes recovery and a thriving, independent life not only possible—but lasting.
New leadership, shared vision
This fall marks a significant moment for Gould Farm’s transitional programs: both Monterey and Medford welcome new leadership. Long-time staff members Liz Halla-Mattingly (O’Connell House) and Jo Venditelli (Fellside) are stepping into program leadership roles following the retirements and departures of veteran leaders.
Though their settings differ, their vision is deeply aligned. Jo reflects:
“When I considered becoming Program Director, I initially hesitated. But what changed my mind was the exciting ways Gould Farm is re-envisioning leadership organization-wide. I’ve worked alongside Liz for years, and now we get to collaborate at a leadership level. We feel in step with one another, and I’m energized by the opportunity to strengthen ties between Fellside and the Farm.”
Liz adds:
“I’m excited to build on the strong foundation O’Connell’s staff have created—growing the extended community, offering more skill-building groups, and adding supports for everyday life like budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking, and SSI/SSDI management. These are tools that help people thrive.”
Meanwhile, Jo shares that Fellside is buzzing with energy:
“There’s so much happening—from peer support to re-envisioning how we use the house itself. We’re even dreaming about new possibilities for the big basement space. It feels like Fellside is in an exciting moment of change.”
Looking Ahead
Together, Jo and Liz are guiding Gould Farm’s transitional care into a new chapter. Their leadership reflects the Farm’s enduring values of compassion, community, and empowerment—while also bringing fresh ideas and renewed energy to the programs.
As Gould Farm continues to evolve post-pandemic, one thing remains constant: the belief that recovery is a journey best taken together, with care, structure, and community to accompany the journey.
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