Clara Chasse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Susquehanna University where she majored in Psychology with a minor in Leadership Studies. During this time, she engaged in research opportunities focused on disrupted attachment styles in young adults. Clara earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Saint Joseph where her research explored anxiety presenting as selective mutism and measuring effective forms of therapeutic approaches.
Prior to joining Turnbridge, Clara served as an AmeriCorps volunteer working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence in counseling, case management, advocacy, and in crisis management. Predominantly, Clara’s clinical experience has been working with children, adolescents, and their families. These various settings of experience include community based outpatient, school based, and inpatient psychology. Also, in addictive medicine for young adults struggling with substance dependency utilizing a medication assisted treatment (MAT) approach.
Additionally, Clara specializes in several therapeutic approaches including, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Strengths-based, Solution Focused, trauma focused, Positive Psychology, and Motivational Interviewing. She believes in a person-centered approach, supporting client identified goals, and exploring identified barriers to bridge strong and sustainable futures.
In her free time, Clara enjoys an active lifestyle, creating music, and international travel with friends and loved ones. She’s a life long learner and seeks out skills and new information to utilize her in practice on regular basis.
Raymond Demers is a Licensed Master Social Worker. He earned his Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Connecticut and his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
Raymond has been working with young children, adolescents, adults, and families of diverse populations for over ten years. He specializes in motivational interviewing to increase internal motivation for a positive change in behavior within his clients. Raymond also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness Based Therapies in his practice. Through the lens of Systems Theory, he takes a holistic approach to consider the various factors that can influence and promote the possibility of change within any individual.
In his free time, Raymond enjoys attending sporting and music events and spending time with his family and friends.
Suzy Smith is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She was born and raised in Connecticut and received her master’s degree in Social Work from Quinnipiac University. Suzy started her career working in a residential treatment facility for adolescent and young adult females who struggle with mental health, eating disorders, and substance use. Over the course of her career, she has also worked in an outpatient setting treating mental and behavioral health for children and youth, including Early Intervention Programs for at-risk children in preschools and elementary schools. Suzy also holds experience in school social work providing direct and indirect services to students and families. Suzy is passionate about the work she provides to her clients and aspires to make a difference.
In her free time, Suzy enjoys spending time with her 3-year-old son, fitness, cooking, as well as spending time with her two dogs.
David Doheny is a Senior Operations Manager at Turnbridge. David is a certified Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Instructor, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to high quality evidence-based treatment for adolescents which endorses our core values. In addition, David holds certifications as ServSafe Manager, guaranteeing that Turnbridge meets the highest standards for food and sanitation, PMT, First Aid, CPR, Ropes Course and lifeguard certified, ensuring the highest level of safety for clients.
As a founding member, David embodies the spirit and integrity of Turnbridge, his knowledge and expertise are invaluable. He is a decisive and proactive leader who anticipates and resolves weaknesses in Turnbridge’s infrastructure before they happen. David works tirelessly, managing service demands and the daily nuances of residential life and ensures policies and procedures are of the highest standards. David ensures the facility is up to code for licensing and accreditation requirements. David is invested in the professional development of his staff by creating and fostering a positive and cohesive work environment. David effortlessly deals with public relations, various contractors, and vendors to cultivate partnerships, elevating our brand awareness. David strives to provide the best services and experiences possible for the clients and families of Turnbridge. His customer service-oriented mindset ensures clients and families the best possible experience at Turnbridge.
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.
