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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.

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.

TOM MARZILLI, MA

Executive Director of Residential Services

As Executive Director of Residential Services, Tom is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the residential curriculum in both the Men’s and Adolescent Extended Care programs of Turnbridge. 

Tom earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bentley College, and completed his Masters in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University in 2012.  Tom held a private practice in Colorado, in which he maintained a clinical focus on trauma and substance use disorders. Tom’s career in the field of addiction treatment began in 2008, a transition that was motivated by his own journey in recovery and his passion for helping others recover.

In his spare time, Tom enjoys playing golf, practicing yoga and meditation, and is an avid handball player.

Peter McConnell, MS, CARC

Professional Development

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.

David Murphy

Phase III Program Director

David Murphy joined the Turnbridge Young Men’s Program in 2010 and has been an integral part of the development of its Phase III programming.  As Phase 3 Program Director, David is responsible for supervising the Phase III Case Management team and coordinating client care with Turnbridge’s Clinical and Academic team leaders.  David supports the young men of Turnbridge as they embark on the final leg of their journey at Turnbridge, applying newly learned life skills and coping skills in the context of real-world commitments and responsibilities. David is passionate and leads with the heart.  As a person in long-term recovery, David’s desire to help young men overcome mental health and substance use challenges is motivated by personal experiences.

Prior to joining Turnbridge, David was a Residential Manager at Marrakech, a provider of housing and behavioral services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

In his free team, David enjoys spending time with his wife and son.  He has discerning tastes in food, music, and clothing, and is an advocate for animal rescue.

ASHLEY GUERRERA, LPC, ATR

Senior Clinician

Ashley Marie Guerrera graduated in May 2016 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Art Therapy from Albertus Magnus College. In May 2019 she graduated with her duel Master of Arts degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Albertus Magnus College. Ashley is a person-centered therapist who has worked with a wide range of populations such as families, young children, teens, adults, and geriatrics. She specializes and incorporates Mindfulness-Based Practices, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Art Therapy, Systematic Desensitization Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and traditional talk therapy into her practices. Ashley has participated in specialized trainings in meal coaching, MARI (Mandala Assessment Research Instrument), Art Therapy Assessments, Shamanism, and SoulCollage. She has an extensive background in working with the LGTBQ+ community, trauma, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, intellectual disabilities, substance abuse, behavioral issues and cancer. Her mission for her clients is to improve their quality of life and foster confidence in their abilities.

Lindsay Matera, LPC

Primary Therapist

Lindsay Matera is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University and Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Roger Williams University. Lindsay has extensive experience working with adolescents, adults, and families struggling with mental health and substance use in a variety of settings, including a therapeutic group home, intensive and partial hospital programs, and outpatient programs. Lindsay has specialized experience in the areas of trauma, crisis management, generalized anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships, and attachment. She incorporates multiple treatment approaches to best meet each individual’s needs, including applying skills from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, CBT, and DBT. Lindsay strives to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment using empathy and a person-centered approach to help individuals meet their personal needs and goals.

ALYSSA BATTIPAGLIA, LMFT

Primary Therapist

Alyssa Battipaglia is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She received her Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University. Alyssa has a breadth of experience working with adolescents and young adults with multiple presenting problems from behavioral issues, school refusal, anxiety, and depression to eating disorders, trauma, addictions, self harm, and low self esteem. She fundamentally believes that all people are capable and resilient.

Alyssa helps clients examine the story their brains have written about themselves and supports them in co-authoring a different, kinder, more authentic story to represent who they really are.  Alyssa considers herself a “healer” rather than a “fixer.” She supports her clients in moving toward what hurts and accepting it with courage, so that they may let it go.

DANIELLE GOFMAN, LPC, C-DBT

Primary Therapist

Danielle is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications Studies from Baldwin Wallace University, and then continued on to earn her Master’s degree in Sport and Performance Psychology from the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver.

Danielle’s clinical experience comes from working at several of the leading eating disorder hospitals in the country in both Colorado and Connecticut, in the partial hospitalization and residential levels of care. Danielle is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and is passionate about empowering her clients to reconnect to their own unique potentialities to live value-driven lives. Danielle believes in creating a safe and encouraging therapeutic environment in which she can both challenge and support her clients while at their most vulnerable.

Danielle has a diverse array of interests and enjoys baking, reading, camping, cycling, hiking with her two dogs, and spending time with her family.