Many of you may be unfamiliar with Mary Barreiro, whose name graces our official logo. Mary was, without a doubt, one of the most exceptional substance abuse counselors to have ever served our agency. Prior to joining our team in 2007, Mary, her husband, and their two children relocated to the Idaho Falls area to contribute their talents to The Harbor House, which later became part of the Idaho Youth Ranch.

Mary joined our team to help us run an outpatient teen group that was desperately needed at that time. With characteristic candor, Mary expressed her desire to gain experience in facilitating outpatient groups. Due to her LDS mission service in South America, she was able to attend the Spanish outpatient groups. During the initial months, Mary primarily observed interactions, absorbing the group dynamics. While some might have interpreted her note-taking filled with flowers and smiley faces as a lack of engagement, Mary was demonstrably a dedicated learner. We consistently questioned her progress, to which she invariably responded with her signature blend of straightforwardness and warmth, a quality that endeared her to everyone. In retrospect, I readily admit to having initial anxieties about seemingly paying someone to manage paperwork. It remained unclear whether Mary was genuinely assimilating the concepts of group facilitation or simply sharpening her artistic talents.

A pivotal moment arrived within a two-to-three-month timeframe. Mary's inquiries escalated, and she actively engaged with the group members. She persistently sought to understand the rationale behind specific activities and responses to group members. One day, Mary unexpectedly presented me with a substantial binder. Upon inquiry, she simply stated, "It's your program, Jorge. This is your program." The meticulously organized binder contained a comprehensive compilation of charts, diagrams, and topics aligned with our agency's model. The depth of detail and organization were truly remarkable. This moment marked a turning point, leaving me deeply impressed by the extent of Mary's dedication and insight.

Mary Barreiro consistently embodied the core values of our organization. Her commitment extended beyond her initial role, leading her to work with both adolescents and adults in various outpatient groups and individual sessions. Mary garnered the respect and admiration of all who interacted with her. In 2016, Mary received a diagnosis of aggressive cancer. This news impacted those who knew her. Staff members and clients alike rallied in her support, mirroring the compassion and generosity Mary herself exemplified. Calls offering assistance poured in, and numerous fundraisers were organized by family members and the PCS staff. One very special fundraiser was started by a client of PCS. He wanted to raise money to design a graduation coin for the program that would pay tribute to Mary. The coin, still used today, features the inscription "You Got This, Mary!" – a testament to her enduring spirit. 

Mary lost her courageous battle with cancer on May 5th, 2017, she is survived by Josue Barreiro, and her kids Max and Marina.

PCS Staff during the Mary Days:

Amanda Sanchez, Kristi Nelson, Kim Maupin, Kenisha Garcia, Heather Johnson, Kyle

and Katie Hildreth, Brian Turville