Jack grew up in Dallas, Texas, where he earned B.B.A. and master’s degrees in accounting from S.M.U. and started work with a Big Four firm, auditing hedge funds and energy companies. Getting sober in 2007 led Jack to consider other professions that he might enjoy more, and in 2010 he moved to rural Minnesota where he completed a master’s in counseling from Hazelden. Not a fan of blizzards, in 2011 Jack left for Lubbock, Texas, where he worked as a counselor at a residential treatment program for young adults and developed a passion for helping families. In 2015 he briefly lived in Austin to help a college friend open a counseling office. Over time, Jack saw first-hand how quality of life improves the most when a person engages in long-term treatment, a truth supported by decades of research, and so in 2016 he moved to Connecticut to work in Turnbridge’s young adult program.
Since then, Jack has held roles in all our service offerings. He started as a primary clinician and later a family therapist. In 2017 Jack helped open and was director of Turnbridge’s community outpatient services, which started in New Haven in the evenings and have since shifted to our Westport clinic. In 2020 Jack co-developed and -launched Turnbridge’s first adolescent residential treatment center in Woodbury, serving as clinical director. In 2021 he shifted to non-client care to work on a variety of projects ranging from program analysis and enhancement to hiring and training.
As Vice President of Clinical Services, Jack ensures the ethos of Turnbridge’s mission is carried to and thrives within all our programs. He also recruits and hires superb clinical talent from around the country. Additionally, Jack builds and develops relationships with Turnbridge partners through tours, conferences, and speaking engagements. Jack loves spending his time with his wife and their daughter, golf, and travel.
We know that mental health and substance use disorders are diseases which affects the entire family. As the Family Liaison for Turnbridge families, Lauren offers support, caring guidance and education to parents and families as they negotiate the pathway to their own recovery. She believes that parents having their own recovery program is not only essential to their own health and well-being, but in turn aids in their sons’ or daughters’ recovery.
Much of the insight Lauren brings to the position of Family Liaison is from her personal experience as the mother of a son who has the disease of addiction. Lauren believes that much of her strength comes from involvement in recovery programs as well as in helping other parents build a program of recovery to find peace and serenity in their own lives. Lauren is a Licensed Master of Social Work. She earned her Masters Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, with a concentration in adolescent health care. She has worked with adolescents and their families throughout her career in hospital setting, child protection, judicial system, special education and social service development in NJ. Lauren currently facilitates a Caron Foundation support group for parents of addicted children in Northern NJ.
Bill has over 15 years of professional experience in the field of mental healthcare, having made significant contributions as a direct-care clinician and administrator in multiple settings and levels of care. Bill is both nationally and internationally credentialed as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor and is a certified BLS & CPR trainer through the American Heart Association. Additionally, Bill’s personal experience in long-term recovery adds to his ability to combine professional expertise with a unique passion and motivation. This has afforded Bill the opportunity to help others achieve their own sustained recovery with approaches that are evidence-based, while respecting the unique needs of the individual.
In Bill’s current role as Vice President of Operations, he provides visionary leadership ensuring that the logistical systems of staffing, safety, and administrative and procedural reporting are in place and functioning effectively. Bill’s creative leadership has contributed to the growth of the organization through increased operational efficiency. Bill has an energetic style that, combined with respectful and constructive communication, has allowed him to increase the retention, ability, and capacity of his staff, which has directly led to improved outcomes for clients.
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 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.
Audrey Bell is a Licensed Master Social Worker. A graduate of Fordham Graduate School of Social Service, she earned an MSW with a Clinical and Assessment concentration. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Manhattanville College, where she was an athlete at the collegiate level.
Prior to coming to Turnbridge, Audrey worked with the O’Connor Professional Group as a clinical companion and recovery coach. She has facilitated interventions for high-risk substance abusers, individuals in crisis, in collaboration with treatment teams and families. Her training includes motivational interviewing, strengths-based approach and solutions-focused modalities.
Additionally, Audrey has traveled extensively, domestically and internationally. She is a practitioner of Vinyasa yoga and meditation.
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.
Stephanie graduated from the University of New Haven where she earned a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Forensic Psychology. Additionally, she attended Connecticut State University as an undergrad where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and minored in Psychology.
As Phase I & II Program Director for the Turnbridge Young Women’s Program, Stephanie is responsible for overseeing all residential staff and client care at Prospect, the flagship women’s residence. She is adept at working with young people in crisis and is skilled in conflict resolution. Stephanie liaises with the Turnbridge clinical team to ensure client care team members are armed with real-time information and data regarding their presentation in the community. Stephanie also spearheads communication with client family members on progress and treatment trajectory, while providing ongoing psychoeducation on mental health recovery.
Prior to coming to Turnbridge, Stephanie worked as a Wellness Coordinator and Program Manager at Continuum of Care, a nonprofit organization that operates multiple dual diagnosis residential programs across Connecticut. Her work involved creating person-centered care plans and behavioral interventions to help clients integrate successfully into the community, as well as facilitating clinical groups and collaborating with clinical providers to provide the best treatment possible for individuals in her care.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and practicing spirituality.
Jeni Fletcher is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Professional Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in Education. She has vast experience in providing case management and intervention services for individuals with behavioral health conditions and engaging in high-risk behaviors. Her training includes cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based approach, motivational interviewing, somatic counseling, and trauma-focused care. Additionally, Jeni is a certified Reiki Master and incorporates energy healing into her practice.
