GORDON DICKLER, CAC, ICADC
Vice President of Admissions
Gordon oversees the admissions department and helps families in crisis find help for their loved ones in need. As both a board certified counselor and a Turnbridge alumni, Gordon’s intimate understanding of Turnbridge’s powerful ability to help young people overcome behavioral health conditions is informed by both personal and professional experience. This perspective allows Gordon to relate deeply to these issues, and to explain at a foundational level the many aspects of Turnbridge’s Programs.
After receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, Gordon realized a newfound desire to help others overcome mental health disorders. He subsequently completed a counseling certification program and in January of 2011 joined the team of professionals at Turnbridge, where he’s excelled in a variety of direct-care roles. In July of 2013, Turnbridge asked Gordon to apply his knowledge and insight to the work of Admissions, where he has the privilege of being among the first points of touch between families seeking help, and Turnbridge’s ability to give hope. Today, Gordon leads a team of compassionate and knowledgeable admissions coordinators who on the front lines supporting families through the process of evaluating appropriate treatment solutions for their loved one.
In his free time, Gordon enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children and patronizing New Haven’s many exceptional restaurants.
BETH LEGACKI
Senior Director of Admissions
Beth is a certified interventionist with over 16 years of experience working in behavioral healthcare. She has dedicated her professional life to helping those who have been affected by mental health and substance use disorders. She is an energetic and passionate advocate for change who believes in the profound importance of early intervention.
As a person in long-term recovery, Beth relies heavily on her personal story to impart hope and inspire action in family members seeking support. Being on the front lines helping loved ones navigate the chaos of mental illness and addiction has been the most rewarding and challenging work of her life thus far. It has also cemented the gratitude she feels for the loved ones who fought for her many years ago when she was too sick to fight for herself.
Many moons ago, Beth attended Indiana University on a track and field/cross country running scholarship. She spent eight years working as a high-end real estate professional in New York City, where she collaborated with top marketing firms, architects and real-estate agencies.
Beth is an avid runner, a passionate dog-rescuer, and a loving wife and mother.
Matt Leahy, BA, CPRS
Admissions Manager
Matthew understands that a call to Turnbridge often means a family is in crisis. As Admissions Manager, Matt’s primary goal is to offer a calming presence and clear direction to families during these difficult moments. In addition to his direct work with families, Matt supervises a team of admissions and intake coordinators and oversees the logistical aspects of the enrollment process, from insurance verification to physical admission. As a certified recovery coach, Matt understands there are multiple pathways to recovery and truly believes that a young person’s journey towards wellness is a personal one that requires a multi-disciplinary approach.
Matt graduated from Temple University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts and subsequently worked as a legal assistant for a criminal defense attorney. He went on to hold several different positions within the Pennsylvania judicial system.
Matthew has been a part of the Turnbridge family since early 2014 when he entered the Turnbridge Young Men’s Program as a client. Upon completing the Turnbridge program, Matt was hired as a support staff member and eventually went on to become a Case Manager. He has grown tremendously, both professionally and personally, since that time and is forever grateful for the support of the people at Turnbridge that work tirelessly to help young adults and adolescents build a life worth protecting.
Matt is a doting father and fiancé. During his free time, Matt enjoys playing baseball, softball, and taking weekend trips to visit his family at the Jersey Shore.
Jon Feldman
Director of Outreach, Mid-Atlantic
Jon, a transplanted Englishman, joined Turnbridge over four years ago as a Director of Outreach for the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia metropolitan area. Jon brings extensive experience and knowledge to his role at Turnbridge after co-founding and running his own 50-bed treatment program for over 20 years.
Jon was one of the early proponents of long-term inpatient recovery as the baseline for successful treatment for addiction and mental health challenges at a time when a 28-day treatment program was the accepted norm.
Jon has personally participated in thousands of admissions and parent conferences in his over 25 years working in substance abuse and mental health treatment programs. His personal struggles with recovery give him an empathetic and authentic connection with those willing and unwilling to participate in a true recovery program.
He is available 24/7 and always welcomes families or potential patients to reach out and get acquainted with substance abuse and mental health options that are available, or just to have a conversation with a professional about recovery. As a former music industry executive and a huge fan of Bob Dylan, who sings, “I started out on burgundy but soon hit the harder stuff”, call us at Turnbridge when you observe the former and before you experience the latter.
Lisa Frankel
Director of Outreach, New York
Lisa has worked in the field of addiction and mental health treatment for over 20 years, both as a clinician and in outreach. Born and raised in NYC, she finds nothing more rewarding than helping professionals find the perfect program for their clients.
Lisa holds a certificate in counseling and a BFA in photography. Lisa has been honored to work at Turnbridge for over 5 years, representing it’s high-quality programs and people to providers in her home state of New York. When not working, you can find her walking all over New York City, often with her partner Robert and their two dogs, Nutmeg and Pepper.
Whitney H. Goetz, MSW
Director of Outreach, Connecticut
Whitney Goetz joined Turnbridge in 2013 with a strong background in Social Work and over 12 years of experience in healthcare outreach. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Interpersonal Communications and a Master of Social Work from Salem State University with a concentration in Children and Families.
As Turnbridge’s Director of Outreach for the state of Connecticut, Whitney is responsible for cultivating awareness of Turnbridge programs among other facilities and providers in Turnbridge’s home state, as well as using her knowledge of resources in the area to aid the Turnbridge treatment team in making informed and appropriate referrals. Through her experience in a variety of mental health treatment settings, Whitney offers compassion and expertise to families and professionals seeking resources in Connecticut. Prior to joining Turnbridge, Whitney was Director of Community and Business Development at Silver Hill Hospital. Whitney is always happy to help where and when she can!
Will Testani, RCP
Admissions Coordinator
Will is passionate about helping clients and their families during their time of need. Will joined Turnbridge in 2016 and has held various roles within the organization. Most notably, Will spent 4 years as a Case Manager in Phase II of the Turnbridge Young Men’s Program and then transitioned into a role as the Case Manager for Turnbridge’s Adolescent Extended Care Program. As a person in long-term recovery, Will utilizes personal experiences as well as professional knowledge to explain Turnbridge’s programs and treatment approach in a way that is digestible and practical for families and their loved ones.
Will’s educational background focuses on Psychology and Sociology, and he currently attends Southern Connecticut State University where he is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honors society. Will is a certified Recovery Coach Professional, DCF medication administration certified, Mental Health First Aid certified, and has extensive training in motivational interviewing and de-escalation techniques.
In his free time Will enjoys playing the guitar, practicing Brazillian Jiu-jitsu, golfing, snowboarding, and walking his dog, Frankie.
Breanna Iannucci
Intake Coordinator
Breanna is a Connecticut native and a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University. Breanna joined the Turnbridge family in 2016, starting in the business office and subsequently transitioning to the role of Intake Coordinator in the Admissions office, where she employs her considerable skill helping new clients feel welcome and supported on the day of their arrival. Breanna works with clients and family members prior to admission to prepare for a successful onboarding, and acts as the first touch-point for incoming clients on the day of their enrollment. Breanna’s calm, confident demeanor fosters a sense of safety and comfort for incoming clients during what can be a tremendously anxiety-provoking experience. Breanna is a strong advocate for mental healthcare and readily shares her own experiences in her mental health recovery with clients and families.
Breanna is a loving wife and mother to twins. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching a good movie, and practicing gratitude.