April 30, 2026

Shalom House is thrilled to announce that Abigail Spadone has been selected as our next Executive Director. Abby will assume the role currently held by Mary Haynes-Rodgers, who will retire in July after 18 years of leadership.

The Shalom House Board of Directors, in partnership with Starboard Leadership Consulting, conducted a comprehensive nationwide search for the next Executive Director of Shalom House. Following interviews, feedback from staff members, and careful consideration, the Board selected Abby as the leader best positioned to guide the organization into its next chapter.

To this role, Abby brings exceptional leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to the Shalom House mission and to those living with severe and persistent mental illness.

Abby joined Shalom House in 2017 as the Director of Residential Treatment, during which she ensured the quality of care provided by staff across all residential Private Non-Medical Institution (PNMI) properties, and managed budgets, staff, and clinical operations. In 2019, she became Shalom House’s Clinical Director, a position she has held since.

As Clinical Director, Abby has led hundreds of Shalom House staff members in providing care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. She spearheaded the development and implementation of Electronic Health Records at Shalom House, expanded the clinical department to enhance services for clients and support for staff, and led program development for the Mellen Street property, providing independent apartments and community-based services to individuals living with mental illness.

Prior to joining Shalom House, Abby built progressive leadership experience at Catholic Charities Maine, where she began working in 2013. At CCM, Abby supported individuals’ mental and physical health needs, working with an interdisciplinary team to identify gaps in care. She later became a key part of CCM’s internal auditing structure, helping ensure quality of care and compliance with state guidelines. She eventually served as Clinical Team Leader for the Behavioral Health Home Program, spearheading the development and implementation of a statewide initiative in response to the Affordable Care Act. Lastly, she assisted in expanding the Behavioral Health Home Program to other Catholic Charities Maine locations and implemented the CCM Mentor Program.

After earning her bachelor’s degree from Montana State University Bozeman, Abby began her career in Portland, Oregon, where she supported individuals living with intellectual disabilities from 2009 to 2011. Abby moved to Maine in 2011 and, from 2011 to 2013, completed her Master of Social Work at Smith College.

“We’re very excited to have Abby as our new executive director,” says Mark Adelson, chair of Shalom House Board of Directors. “Her deep commitment to the Shalom House mission and proven leadership makes her the right person to guide the agency into the future. It’s clear the problems associated with mental health continue to grow and impact communities. Abby brings the experience needed to strengthen and expand the services that are so urgently needed.”

In addition to Abby’s incredible work at Shalom House, she also served as a member of the Maine Regional School Unit 21 Board of Directors, the school district serving Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel. She is the mother of two boys and lives in Arundel with her husband, Miles.

Questions? Please contact:

Emily Mitchell

Development & Communications Manager

emily.mitchell@shalomhouseinc.org, 207-874-1080