In our Staff Showcase series, we’re highlighting individuals who make Canvas Health an exceptional substance use disorder provider. Today, we shine the spotlight on John Cassidy who has dedicated his career to making a difference in our community.
Join us in thanking our incredible staff for their contributions to our mission!
Celebrating 40 Years with Canvas Health
John Cassidy
In 1983, Human Services, Inc. in Washington County was a mere fourteen years old when John was hired as a full-time assessor. The Stillwater offices were in two locations: in the Government Center and above the AA Club, downtown. During those days, the agency worked in close collaboration with Washington County to provide its Pre-Petition Screening for civil commitment. Assessment services were mobile, meaning John spent a great deal of time driving, providing assessments to people in various hospitals and detox centers around the metro. For several years, John and a colleague also led the charge with the “Washington County Team Experience.” They gathered the top students from Washington County High Schools and took them on a three-day adventure to the University of River Falls to learn leadership skills.
To better serve the agency’s client, the agency asked John to study and learn the Spanish language. In 1990, he was chosen to be part of a two-year international fellowship, offering him the opportunity to share his skills among various countries throughout Central and South America. Since then, he continues to visit Central and South America.
During his time with the agency, John has completed thousands of assessments, touching so many lives. He has witnessed four changes in the agency’s name and the employee count has increased from, “about 60,” to over 320 total employees. There have been five different CEOs and seven Department Managers. Canvas Health is fortunate to have employed John Cassidy for the past forty years. He has proven to be dedicated, skilled, dependable, and loyal.
Congratulations, John! You are an inspiration!
