In this episode of Pathways to Spirit, hosts Dr. Troy Melendez and Dr. Nate Velez welcome Joe Remitera, Director of Health and Human Services, for a deep and inspiring conversation on the vision shaping Journey to Recovery and the entire Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s health system.

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In this episode, host Dr. Troy Melendez sits down with Journey to Recovery Administrator Frank Saverino to explore the major changes, growth, and future direction of the JTR program. Together, they reflect on the evolution from a small, cramped facility to a state‑of‑the‑art treatment center, and discuss how expansion, cultural grounding, and community-driven care are shaping recovery in powerful new ways.

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In the debut episode, hosts Dr. Troy Melendez and Dr. Nate Velez sit down to share the story behind Journey to Recovery (residential treatment facility in SRPMIC), how it began, how it has grown, and the personal and professional paths that brought them both to this work. Through open conversation, they reflect on their early careers, the mentors and experiences that shaped them, and the powerful impact of serving a sovereign Indigenous community. Together, they explore the philosophy of care that guides Journey to Recovery, rooted in love, connection, hope, and cultural grounding. They also discuss how the JTR team has built a unique model of healing shaped by community voices, lived experience, and innovative approaches. This first episode sets the stage for the stories, insights, and conversations to come as Pathways to Spirit opens the door to understanding how meaningful, culturally connected recovery work is created and sustained.

Questions? Comments? Please email Podcasts@srpmic-nsn.gov