ABIGAIL Maese, MA LPCC 

Primary Clinician

Tell us a little about yourself:

I am grateful to be a primary clinician at Momenta Recovery. I moved to Glenwood Springs several years ago and started working as a recovery technician while I was in graduate school at Adams State University. I was given the opportunity to complete my graduate internship here and then work full time as a primary clinician. I care deeply about the work Momenta does and appreciate that I understand the program from different perspectives.

How has addiction affected you and your life?

Addiction has always been prevalent in my life. I have several family members that have struggled with their addictions, which has caused me to see the beauty in recovery and the devastation in sustained substance use. I have been able to process through my family’s struggles with addiction by a strong connection with various therapists throughout my life.

What's your favorite part about what we do at Momenta?

I love how deeply Momenta cares about its clients, staff, and community. Momenta has created a play that is safe, fun, and can be present for every individual in whatever capacity that is needed. My favorite check in question in groups is ‘what was your favorite moment at Momenta.” Most of the time this question provokes joy and laughter that can only be present if there is love and connection.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the transitions that we have here at Momenta. After clients complete their residential treatment process, we get the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on their experience while at Momenta. Within those transitions the term, “you’ve grown so much” is often stated. To me, this shows the ability people have in order to adjust their life for the better, which makes this the most inspiring and rewarding aspect of my job.

What do you do when you're not working?

When I am not working, I spend most of my time enjoying the gifts of living in a small mountain town with my husband. I like taking my dog, Pacha, for hikes in the summer and snow shoeing in the winter. I also enjoy skiing, going to yoga, cooking, going to the hot springs, and spending time with my cat, Bananas.

What's something about you that not many people know?

After high school, I took time off from school and moved to Costa Rica. I lived in a beach hut in a turtle conservation area and would assist baby turtles with their journey into the ocean. While I was there, I experienced a 7.6 earthquake. This was my only experience living outside of Colorado, where I am grateful that we have very few earthquakes.