05/15/2026
At this year’s Lone Star Collective event .lonestarcollective , Cirque Lodge Emeritus Director Gary Fisher spoke about the importance of culture and the lasting impact it can have within treatment and recovery communities.
Gary was welcomed with a standing ovation before sharing reflections on how culture inside an organization directly affects the experience of both patients and clinicians.
He spoke about how recovery is influenced by the environments people spend time in every day. The way staff members treat one another, the way patients are spoken to, how supported therapists feel, and whether people feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for all become part of the recovery process itself.
Gary emphasized that culture is not built through one major initiative. It is created through daily habits and repeated behaviors over time. Small interactions compound. How people communicate, how they show up for one another, and how consistently compassion is practiced can shape the emotional atmosphere of an entire treatment environment.
He compared it to physical fitness. Everyone wants the outcome, but results come from consistency and repetition. Recovery and healthy workplace culture work the same way.
Gary also referenced Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why,” speaking about the importance of purpose in both leadership and treatment work. When therapists, staff, and clinical teams stay connected to why they do this work, it creates stronger relationships, healthier team culture, and ultimately better care for patients.
During his talk, Gary also acknowledged Beverly Roesch as one of the people who showed him what strong culture truly looks like and the kind of long-term impact it can have on both teams and recovery communities.
Other Cirque Lodge team members attending the event included Cara Cameron and Stephanie Fierman.
We’re grateful to the Lone Star Collective .lonestarcollective community for another meaningful gathering and appreciate Josh Jordan, Rachel Miller, Leah Malone and everyone involved in creating such a thoughtful event experience.
