Tammy Platt is a certified teacher in Special Education, Physical Education, and Health. Tammy has Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island and completed graduate work at Southern Connecticut State University. Tammy has been in education for over fifteen years and has extensive experience in general and special education. Tammy has a broad range of experience outside academics including coaching youth and high school sports and founding the first Unified Sports Program in region 14.
Tammy oversees the academic and fitness programs at Turnbridge’s Adolescent Boys Residential Treatment Center. Tammy is a consistent, reliable, and compassionate professional who strives for excellence in everything she does. Tammy takes an active role in client’s academic lives and provides assistance and individualized attention to promote each student’s success. Tammy is a fierce advocate for her clients and has fostered a safe learning environment which allows clients to develop meaningful educational goals that are consistent with their personal interests, values, and abilities.
Tammy’s passion for fitness and unwavering commitment to helping youth build a healthy relationship with their mind and body led to the development of our fitness program. The fitness program provides clients with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to empower them to independently navigate any fitness center safely and effectively. Through fitness, clients build the self-confidence and self-efficacy needed to tackle life’s stressors while having fun and building a sense of camaraderie and community with their peers. Clients leave feeling mentally and physically stronger and confident in their ability to tackle the obstacles that lie ahead.
Outside of work, Tammy lives an active lifestyle. She loves spending time with family, sports, and long summer days.
Hiliary Bassett is a Connecticut Certified Teacher that specializes in therapeutic education. She received both a Bachelor of Arts in English Education and a Master of Arts in Education from Fairfield University. Hiliary specialized in secondary education and working with marginalized communities to overcome barriers to schooling.
Prior to coming to Turnbridge, Hiliary worked with students and families in special education and trauma-informed classroom settings, both private and public. Her background in therapeutic education aids in her understanding of our clients and accommodating specific needs that may stand in the way of educational success. She has ample experience creating Social Emotional Learning curriculum and incorporating therapeutic skills into the classroom environment. Hiliary believes in a holistic approach to education and in meeting a client where they are, celebrating successes and supporting setbacks. She creates personalized academic plans for clients while at Turnbridge and works with schools and families to ensure a smooth transition and appropriate services in their continued education.
Hiliary is a Connecticut native with a goal of hiking the highest peak of every state. She is an equine enthusiast and shares her love of horses with many clients on the Killingworth campus.
As Director of Operations at Turnbridge’s adolescent program in Killingworth, Phil Young provides oversight and support to all departments within the Killingworth location. He ensures the seamless functioning of all operational aspects, striving for excellence in client-centered care.
With over a decade of experience in behavioral healthcare and client service, Phil brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Turnbridge. He frequently engages with families and clients to share his insights and experiences, offering a unique perspective on treatment.
Before joining Turnbridge, Phil worked in various roles within the human services sector, gaining extensive experience in substance use disorder and family support. He earned his undergraduate degree in Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and is currently completing his MBA in Healthcare Administration.
Maria is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at Quinnipiac University, where she majored in Psychology with a concentration in applied clinical science. As an undergraduate, Maria spent a year interning in a therapeutic high school working with students ages 13-21. She went on to pursue her Master of Social Work at Columbia University, where she focused on mental health and disabilities.
Maria initially began her social work career as a float therapist in a psychiatric hospital after interning there in her final year of graduate school. She provided case management, crisis intervention, and individual, group, and family therapy to a wide range of patients as young as 5 and as old as 65. After several years of working in the inpatient environment, Maria’s desire to form longer-term relationships with her clients ultimately led her to Turnbridge. In her work with clients and their families, Maria practices an integrative approach and draws from modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Insight Oriented Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
Outside of her career, Maria enjoys hiking, going to concerts, crocheting, and spending time with family and friends.
Zach Penn is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned his Master of Art in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University with a concentration on trauma informed techniques, compulsive behaviors, and substance use. Zach’s background includes a focus on statistics which helps him incorporate and embrace the value that data driven practice has in the mental health space.
Zach’s clinical experience with diverse populations and levels of acuity includes in-home services provided to families, outpatient care, collaboration with providers utilizing medication assisted treatment (MAT), and independent private practice.
Zach specializes in multiple therapeutic approaches including Psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. He incorporates these modalities through a holistic, strength based, solution focused lens.
In his free time, Zach enjoys golfing, rock climbing, and exploring new cuisine along the shoreline.
Kassidy Curr is a passionate professional with extensive experience working with clients suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker who earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut with a concentration in clinical work with individuals, groups, and families. Additionally, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies.
Kassidy utilizes a holistic, solution-focused approach to working with clients. As a woman in mental health recovery herself, she diligently works to empower clients as they navigate their own wellness journeys, build self-worth, identify goals for their future, and create a life that’s worth protecting.
Peter McConnell has been working in the behavioral healthcare field for more than 14 years and the education field for more than 24 years. Peter holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Political Science with a concentration in international relations from Southern Connecticut State University where he was a member of the Phi Alpha Theta honors society. In addition to his work at Turnbridge, Peter teaches college courses in economics and banking at a local community college.
Peter’s career began in the banking industry while pursuing his undergraduate studies. After working his way up to management at a local bank, Peter’s flair for education became apparent, thus, he transitioned from the field of finance to education. His first teaching position was at a local New Haven school where Peter taught social studies and geography and was elected Rookie Teacher of the Year and Teacher of the Year.
Peter began his career in behavioral health over a decade ago when he joined Turnbridge as a case manager. He was program director in the young men’s program where he had been twice elected by his fellow colleagues as Boss of the Year, and more recently transitioned into a Professional Development role where he’s responsible for helping Turnbridge’s next generation of talent hone their skills. Peter’s life objective is to help those who are struggling in life to understand WHY they are struggling, whether it be vocationally, academically, mentally, and/or behaviorally, and to comprehend how a program of action can improve their condition on multiple levels.
In his free time, Peter has years of experience as a lifeguard, group hike leader, sponsor, mentor, and community leader. He finds that spending time outdoors is a vital healing experience for himself and his clients.
For over a decade, Peter and Turnbridge have been supporting clients in ever-improving ways as the treatment world has evolved.
Kate Mezick received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Minor in Psychology from Quinnipiac University. Kate has spent her career crafting exceptional skills in communication, empathy, and advocacy in the mental health field. She has over 8 years of diverse experience both clinically and with case management for clients of all ages throughout multiple levels of care.
Prior to joining the Turnbridge family, Kate was a Senior Counselor with an intensive in-home program working with adolescents and their families. This role primarily involved collaborating with outside providers and meeting with educational facilities to advocate for appropriate services needed. Kate has also maintained a Per Diem position as a Telephone Counselor for the Accessline since 2018. Accessline is a statewide program supporting individuals seeking treatment resources for substance use. Additional experience also includes working in an outpatient setting as an Art Therapy Mentor for youth and case management of Special Needs Trusts for adults and elders with disabilities. Outside of work Kate enjoys traveling, seeing live music, and playing in seasonal bowling and softball leagues.
David’s extensive business background combined with his personal story of recovery led to the founding of Turnbridge in 2003. Under his direction, Turnbridge has evolved into a nationally provider of residential behavioral healthcare services for both young adults and adolescents. He has pioneered innovative approaches and developed programs specifically for these age groups that have changed the way the industry approaches treatment.
His educational background includes a Liberal Arts education from Harvard University. In addition to spending most of his career in the non-profit world, his professional experience also includes a variety of leadership roles with start-up organizations and educational institutions.
He enjoys spending time with his sixteen year old daughter Alexis, is an aspiring musician, and an avid golfer.
As President, Brett provides oversight and support to all departments within Turnbridge. He joined Turnbridge in February 2010 and is responsible for maintaining focused and driven clinical operations, project management and execution, increasing programmatic efficiencies, and ensuring quality outcomes and customer satisfaction are acheived.
As a longtime alumni of the Turnbridge Young Men’s Program, Brett offers a unique perspective on client-centered treatment. He frequently speaks with families and clients to share his experiences and knowledge of the Turnbridge Program. Before joining Turnbridge, Brett worked for Blum Shapiro, the largest regional accounting, tax and business consulting firm in New England. He graduated from Champlain College with a B.S. in Professional Writing. In his free time, Brett enjoys spending time with his family, maintaining an active lifestyle, the arts, and the pursuit of personal growth.
