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THE PREEMINENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT PROGRAMS FOR ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG ADULTS

BILL SIMMONS, CAC

Vice President of Operations

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 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.

Lauren Fournier, RN

Director of Nursing

Lauren is a Registered Nurse; she has dedicated her career to helping individuals with mental health challenges. Before becoming a Registered Nurse, Lauren received an undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Quinnipiac University. She went on to pursue her nursing degree from SUNY Adirondack and is currently pursuing her Masters in Nursing as an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.  

Throughout her career, she has worked in a variety of psychiatric settings including psychiatric emergency room, substance abuse treatment, and psychiatric home health services. However, her specialty has been working with adolescents. She spent six years working on adolescent inpatient psychiatric units, until her passion for helping adolescents led her to working at Turnbridge where she has continued to grow in her career.  

When not caring for others, Lauren enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her family. 

Allison Price, LMFT

Primary Therapist

Allison Price is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from The University of Connecticut and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University.

The vast majority of Allison’s clinical experience has been working with adolescents and their families. She utilizes a systemic perspective in her treatment approach and views the problems of the individual in relation to the family as a whole. She knows that the behavior of the adolescent is informed by and inseparable from the functioning of the family and thus closely examines family structure, relationships, and patterns. Specifically, Allison specializes in structural family therapy, strategic family therapy, and Bowenian family therapy, and uses her skillset to challenge adolescents and their families to create healthier patterns of communication and interaction. Allison also utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy to help her clients alter negative thought cycles and regulate their emotions. She firmly believes that all her clients, regardless of age, have the solutions to their problems inside of them and helps them explore the possibilities with solution-focused therapy techniques.

Although she considers her career to be her passion, when not working, Allison enjoys spending time with her friends and family and tending to her 100+ houseplants.

Raymond Demers, LMSW

Primary Therapist

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, LMSW

Primary Therapist

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

Senior Operations Manager

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. 

Phil Young

Director of Operations, 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 Caponetti, LCSW

Primary Therapist

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, LPC

Primary Therapist

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.