Happy family

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

Jessica Filipkowski, RD, CDN

Registered Dieition

Jessica is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist, and is specialized and credentialed as a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian (CEDRD). Jessica has a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science from Michigan State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of New Haven. She additionally completed a clinically focused dietetic internship at Yale New Haven Hospital. In this program, she provided medical nutrition therapy to patients with a range of diseases and diagnoses. Jessica has extensive experience working in supporting individuals with eating disorders or disordered eating patterns in a variety of levels of care from residential to outpatient treatment settings. Jessica is passionate about helping others develop a healthy relationship with both food and their body, utilizing a non-diet approach including All Foods Fit, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size philosophies.

Nene Margaglione, LMFT-A

Primary Therapist

Tanesha (Nene) received her Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in South Florida. With a background in sociology, she focuses on wide-context human behavior; recognizing that human behavior is not always individualistic, and often influenced by broader societal forces. Helping clients create balance in their lives during challenging times is something she thoroughly enjoys. Her ability to understand a diverse population of individuals, families, and couples allows for a progressive & systematic treatment plan.

With almost 10 years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Couples Counseling, Child-Parent Relationship and Trauma Informed Care; as well as, leading and mentoring female victims of domestic violence. A core belief within her scope of practice is to provide individuals with education and creative tools to not only aid in coping with mental health related issues; but also, empower them in all aspects of their lives.

Empowering her clients is something that Nene is unwaveringly committed to. She understands this can only be possible by allowing two-way candid, transparent, & relatable moments. Before there can be any rebuilding and client empowerment, it is often crucial that she and her client(s) form a strong connection in the beginning sessions. She’s a firm believer that getting to know her clients outside of the therapeutic process will better facilitate any accommodations needed in future sessions.

Organically laying a foundation of comfort to invite open dialogue, is essential for Nene to create a therapeutic atmosphere. Her vibrant optimism and light-heartedness will seem as if you’re sitting with a friend, talking through life’s challenges and problem solving. Rather than imposing, she meets her clients where they are and allows them to take an expert view on their own lives- as she believes they have already identified solutions, strategies, etc; but may be too overwhelmed to notice and implement them.

When not in the office, Nene can be found at the local coffee shop reading or watching movies/series, dancing with her twin sister and spending quality time with family and friends.

Overall, she believes where there is chaos, there is trouble; and in the midst of it all, it is easy to lose control. However, she has a gift for remaining optimistic- and knows that she can help guide her clients back in the right direction. Whether it is by offering expertise therapeutic coaching or mentoring; Nene is committed to the process, her aim is to fulfill the client’s needs and she is willing to assist you in piecing together all aspects of your life.

“Each tiny effort builds on the next, so that brick by brick, magnificent things can be created.”
-Robin Sharman

Jordan Weiss, LPC

Primary Therapist

Jordan is a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor with a strong background in working with adolescents and young adults, particularly those struggling with substance abuse and trauma. She earned a bachelor’s degree in child psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Bridgeport.  

With experience in both behavioral school settings and nonprofit organizations, Jordan has worked with diverse populations across all ages. In a behavioral school setting, she utilized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to support adolescents on the autism spectrum, helping them develop emotional regulation, communication, and coping skills. In a nonprofit setting, she provided therapy to individuals and families from all backgrounds, gaining extensive experience in addressing complex mental health needs.  

Jordan specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma. With a focus on substance use recovery and trauma-informed care, she helps clients process their experiences, build resilience, and develop healthier coping strategies.   At the core of Jordan’s therapeutic philosophy is the belief in creating a nonjudgmental, safe space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported. She takes a compassionate and empathetic approach, fostering relationships built on trust, respect, and collaboration. By tailoring therapy to each person’s needs, Jordan empowers clients to navigate their emotions, overcome challenges, and work toward personal growth and healing. 

LAUREN SPRINGER, LMSW

Director of Family Relations

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.

Alida Conley, M.Ed

Academic Director

Alida Conley is a certified Special Education Teacher. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Connecticut, and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Walden University. Alida has worked in clinical day schools, as well as Hartford Public schools for the past 15 years. Her background in education, along with experience modifying content and working with students from various backgrounds, aids in her understanding of our clients and addressing specific academic needs.

Alida was born in Connecticut but spent the first half of her life in Massachusetts. She returned to her home state to finish high school and has been here ever since. Alida is a huge fan of both the Boston Red Sox and the Buffalo Bills. In her free time, she enjoys reading, running, playing softball or volleyball, and hanging out with sweet puppy, Sadie. 

Hiliary Bassett, MA

Academic Advisor

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.

Kate Mezick, BA

Academic Advisor

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.

Marissa Salazar Nassar

Marissa Salazar Nassar, BA Psychology

Academic Advisor

Marissa received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University. She has been a member of the Turnbridge family for the past 4 years, and previously worked as a Support Staff Manager in the Adolescent Residential program where she was able to learn the in’s and out’s of client experiences. Her background in psychology, along with experience providing operational support, aids in her understanding of our clients and accommodating specific academic needs.

Marissa was born and raised in Branford, CT and is excited to continue serving her community. In her free time, Marissa enjoys musical theater, opera, playing with her cat and spending time with her nephew.

Tammy Platt

Academic Advisor

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.

Angie Wnuk

Angie Wnuk, M.A.T.

Academic Advisor

Angela (Angie) Wnuk is a dually Certified Teacher licensed in Visual Arts and Secondary Education. She received a Bachelor of Arts in New Media Design from Queens University of Charlotte, and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Liberty University. Angie previously worked in education for six years, primarily teaching Middle-Grades Mathematics. Her background in education, along with experience providing Social Emotional Learning instruction, aids in her understanding of our clients and accommodating specific academic needs.

Angie was born and raised in central Connecticut but relocated to North Carolina for college, where she has resided for the past 11 years. She is excited to return to New England to be closer to family, and for the opportunity to work with students in an alternative setting. In her free time, Angie enjoys hiking, kayaking, crafting, dancing, and spending time with her three dogs.