Clapping hands, flying hearts, and a flood of congratulatory messages filled the screen when it was announced that Cameron Bergeron would receive Harbor Care’s first-ever Philosophy of Care Award during our all-staff virtual meeting. It was a meaningful moment—reflecting the deep respect and admiration Cameron has earned for the way she shows up for her team, her clients, and the mission we all share.

Cameron is our Director of Mental Health Services. She didn’t expect this recognition. “I’m honored and humbled. Knowing it came from my colleagues means the world,” she said.

In 2016, Cameron arrived at Harbor Care as a graduate intern. Today she’s a state-licensed clinical social worker and dually licensed in alcohol and drug counseling. Her roots in social work stretch back to her time at a domestic violence shelter, answering calls no one wants to make. And that she’s built a career around a deceptively simple belief: to meet people where they are.

That phrase appears in Harbor Care’s Philosophy of Care, but for Cameron, it’s less policy than personal compass. “Everyone I meet is doing the best they can in that moment,” she says. “My role is to understand where they’ve been, where they want to go—and walk beside them, if they’ll let me. It is my immense privilege to be able to share in their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. My work with clients is guided by that compassion and respect for our clients’ experiences, both when they’re here at Harbor Care and in the larger world.”

In a profession defined by hard days and harder choices, Cameron brings both resolve and grace. She’s quick to credit her team: “I see the care they pour into clients every single week. The stories that inspire me most come from watching my teammates step up for clients—every single week. Their passion keeps my own commitment strong.”

Board Chair Joel Jaffee said it plainly during the award presentation: “Cameron doesn’t just believe in Harbor Care’s philosophy—she lives it.”

Cameron said, “The work that we do can be really difficult, and we often see patients when they are struggling the most. Facing these challenges day after day offers many opportunities for our commitment to Compassion, Respect, Collaboration, and Transparent Communication to be tested. More often, though, I have experienced moments that affirm how important these values are to me personally and to the care that our clients receive.”

Cameron embodies our Philosophy of Care. Her leadership reminds us that safe homes, accessible healthcare, and unwavering support begin with listening, learning, and leading with heart.

Explore Cameron’s full bio and read our Philosophy of Care.

Photo, above (l-r): Brian Tagliaferro, Chief Philanthropy Officer; Michael Zechman, Human Resources Director; Board Member Rick Plante; Cameron Bergeron, Director of Mental Health Services; and Joel Jaffe, Board Chair.