In this episode of Pathways to Spirit, hosts Dr. Troy Melendez and Dr. Nathan Velez take a deep dive into Stickiness, a guiding philosophy at Journey to Recovery that has become central to the way healing happens in the Salt River Pima‑Maricopa Indian Community.

Stickiness is more than a concept, it’s a way of being. It’s the feeling of connection that keeps people engaged, the sense of belonging that brings them back when they stumble, and the unconditional support that makes recovery possible.

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public

In this episode of Pathways to Spirit, hosts Dr. Troy Melendez and Dr. Nathan Velez welcome Patrick James and Jordan Manuel — two graduates of the Peer Support Academy whose recovery journeys have led them into essential roles within Journey to Recovery. Through heartfelt stories, grounded insights, and honest reflection, this episode highlights the transformative role of peer support within the community.

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public

In this episode of Pathways to Spirit, host Dr. Troy Melendez and cohost Jessica Hunter sit down with cultural counselors Bowie Leonard and Jared Lewis, two people who are helping shape a new era of healing within Salt River. Together, they discuss how cultural knowledge, traditional teachings, and lived experience are being integrated into behavioral health and recovery services across the Community.

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public

In this episode of Pathways to Spirit, hosts Dr. Troy Melendez and Dr. Nate Velez explore some of the most important strategies for navigating early recovery, the vulnerable, courageous stage when individuals first step toward healing. They discuss the emotional, spiritual, and practical tools that help people stay engaged, build momentum, and create lasting change.

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public

In this episode of Pathways to Spirit, hosts Dr. Troy Melendez and Dr. Nate Velez welcome Jessica Hunter, Behavioral Health Clinical Administrator, for a conversation about trauma, resilience, traditional healing, and the evolution of behavioral health services within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Jessica shares her journey into counseling and her deep passion for trauma recovery and EMDR therapy. With more than seven years serving the community, she reflects on the path that brought her into leadership roles and her dedication to building a trauma-informed, resilience-focused system of care.

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public

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.

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public

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.

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public

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

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Salt River Summer Speaker Series
Last Tuesday of every month (June-Sept)
Salt River Council Chambers
Dinner: 5-6p
Presentation: 6-7p
45min presentation, 15 min Q&A

Open to the public