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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Burges Young completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish at Michigan State University. He is currently working on his Master of Business Administration. Before working at Turnbridge, he worked as a High School Spanish teacher in the local New Haven School District.
Burgess Young is a Turnbridge graduate himself. During his time here, he worked closely with the Academics team. Being in Recovery, he is keen on acknowledging the hardship that comes with academic re-engagement and helping clients through those difficulties. He has a passion for helping others achieve success, not only in academics but in all facets of life.
In addition to this, he dedicates a large portion of his free time to physical health. He is an avid believer that both physical health and learning are fundamental parts of the Recovery process.
In the role of Project Manager, Hiliary oversees cross-departmental initiatives that strengthen operational systems and elevate standards of care. She works closely with clinical, residential, and executive leadership to refine processes, support team development, and ensure that Turnbridge’s mission is carried out with structure, accountability, and consistency. Her work focuses on building strong frameworks of policy and procedure to ensure clients to receive safe, high-quality care.
Hiliary began her career in therapeutic and trauma-informed special education, where she developed a deep understanding of structured, relationship-based support for adolescents with complex emotional and behavioral needs. She earned her Master’s degree from Fairfield University and pursued additional specialized education and training within the Autism Spectrum Disorder community. Her clinical and educational foundation continues to inform her work, blending compassion with clear systems to support meaningful, lasting change.
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.
