MOUNTAINSIDE TREATMENT CENTER - Key Persons

Alex Lahr

Job Titles:

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach
Recovery Coach - NYC

Alex is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate. Their commitment to the sober community led Alex to founding a cooking class for people in recovery and their allies, showing participants that they can embrace positive change in the long term while having fun. In Alex's current role, they work with a wide range of clients, from the LGBTQ+ community to young adults to business professionals, and draws from their personal experiences in recovery to help each individual develop the tools needed to build structured, healthy lives. In their spare time, Alex loves to watch classic films, take long walks through the city (or nature when possible!), absorb as many art and cultural activities as they can, and is learning how to tap dance.

Allegra Okarmus

Job Titles:

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach
Manager, Continuing Care

Allegra is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in social work. She has extensive experience in conflict resolution and working with individuals who have co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety and depression. As Manager of Continuing Care at Mountainside, Allegra works diligently with clients, their clinician, and their families to create an aftercare plan that meets each client's specific needs. Allegra is dedicated to providing person-centered care to help invigorate clients in their aftercare process. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking with her three dogs, spending time with her family, and going to the theatre.

Andre Basso - CEO

Job Titles:

Chief Executive Officer
Member of the Executive Team

Andre holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration as well as an MBA in Management. With over two decades of experience designing and implementing customer service programs, his background as a business consultant brought Mountainside a fresh perspective regarding processes, client services, human resources, and team building. Andre first joined Mountainside as its Chief Operating Officer, working with various teams to seek efficiencies in the delivery of client care and services while further improving quality. Andre now serves as Chief Executive Officer at Mountainside and continues to dedicate himself to providing clients with Best in Class service. In his leisure time, Andre enjoys reading, watching movies, and exploring Connecticut with his family.

Anthony Nave

Job Titles:

Clinical Director

Anthony is an Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who holds master's degrees in Educational Psychology and Clinical Social Work. He is advanced certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is an EMDR Consultant. He continues to train and consult with staff across the continuum to utilize EMDR and trauma-responsive clinical interventions. Anthony is also experienced in medication-assisted treatment, co-occurring disorders, and adolescent programming. Prior to joining Mountainside, he taught in an alternative therapeutic school, helping youth with mental health and cognitive disorders. At Mountainside, he oversees clinical programming for the full continuum of care and incorporates interpersonal neurobiology and a trauma-responsive framework into treatment and supervision. At home, Anthony enjoys pretending to be superheroes with his sons and rooting for the Red Sox and Patriots.

Ariana Cardozo

Job Titles:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ariana is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with fifteen years of experience working in the addiction treatment field and specializes in co-occurring disorders. Ariana is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. At Mountainside, she provides trauma-responsive care and uses Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, EMDR Resourcing and Emotionally Focused Therapy to encourage clients to focus on their strengths and find emotional balance. Ariana also draws from 12 Step principles to help clients foster accountability, regain control of their lives, and achieve holistic wellness. In her current role, Ariana practices a collaborative leadership style, providing support and training to clinicians as they develop their skills and interests. In her leisure time, Ariana enjoys walking, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Ashley McGee

Job Titles:

Member of the Executive Team
Registered Nurse
Senior Vice President of Medical Services

Ashley is a registered nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing. She has experience working in a variety of acute and chronic care settings including Yale New Haven Hospital. As Senior Vice President of Medical Services at Mountainside, she is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and daily operations of the detoxification program. By maintaining the quality of care throughout the entire program, Ashley ensures the safety and comfort of clients, better preparing them for their next step in treatment. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, and trying new restaurants.

Bill Blaber

Job Titles:

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach
Director, Recovery Coaching - NYC

Bill is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate. As Director of the program and person living in long-term recovery, Bill maintains high-quality services by guiding and mentoring coaches, ensuring they deliver Best in Class care. He also establishes and solidifies relationships with local care providers to create a referral network of quality treatment and wellness experts. He works one on one with our clients to create post-treatment wellness plans emphasizing the development of life skills and tools for lasting recovery. Believing that recovery is enhanced through community and social engagement, Bill organizes a range of sober activities for our clients in New York City to connect with one another and reinforce healthy recovery lifestyles. He is especially adept at supporting LGBTQ, business professionals, and young adult clients. Outside of work, there is a good chance Bill can be spotted at the opera or a Broadway show.

Brittanie Cavanaugh

Job Titles:

Director of Substance Abuse Counseling Services - Ramsey

Brittanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (Master), and a Certified Clinical Supervisor with a Master of Science in Drug and Alcohol Counseling and Professional Counseling. At Mountainside, Brittanie has held multiple roles, gaining valuable knowledge in various aspects of client care and much experience working with individuals with behavioral issues while utilizing her EMDR certification. She has a unique ability to empower individuals to take an active role in their recovery, educating them on how each aspect of their treatment factors into their plans for long-term success. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with family and friends and play tennis.

Brittney LaBonte

Brittney is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University. Brittney has a 10-year certified background in alternative healing techniques such as yoga, reiki, meditation, and mindfulness. She brings a positive and nurturing approach to her counseling style allowing clients to feel safe and explore their struggles. Brittney guides her clients to identify their worth, cultivate resiliency, develop emotional regulation and practice mindfulness. In her leisure time, Brittney enjoys yoga, spending time with her dog, and training for triathlons with her family.

Bruce Dechert

Job Titles:

Director, Family Wellness

Bruce is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, who has been working at Mountainside for over a decade and has served us in many different capacities, mainly involving the clinical and family wellness departments. He has always been a visionary for Mountainside family services and worked hard to bring a parallel process to the clients' and families' experience. As Director of Family Wellness, he oversees the services to clients and their families over the continuum of care including residential and outpatient services. In his leisure time, Bruce enjoys hiking, tending to his farm, and spending time with his family.

Candace Dean

Job Titles:

Director, Continuing Care and Alumni

Candace is a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor and a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Human Services. She has considerable experience working with individuals in a dual diagnosis setting and is very knowledgeable about a wide array of mental health disorders. In her current role, Candace oversees both the Continuing Care and Alumni team to ensure each client has a customized aftercare plan developed to meet their specific needs and that upon leaving, they have the foundation to build positive connections in their recovery journey. She is passionate about utilizing a person-centered humanistic approach to provide each client with the tools and support they need during and after treatment. In her spare time, she enjoys riding dirt bikes, hiking with her rescue dogs Tracker and Evie, and spending time with her family.

Caroline Newton

Job Titles:

Medical Director

Dr. Newton is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She is board-certified in both Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry. Through her previous experience at the University of California and the University of Southern California, she developed a nuanced understanding of trauma and substance use. Dr. Newton works with clients throughout our continuum of care and is skilled in psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. As Medical Director, she oversees the medical and psychiatric staff along with the detoxification program. Outside of Mountainside, Dr. Newton enjoys traveling and exploring nature with her family.

Casey Kiszka

Job Titles:

Wellness Coordinator

Casey holds a bachelor's degree in Health Promotion Studies with a focus in Wellness Management. In addition, he is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He is passionate about showing clients the healing benefits of spending time in nature, whether through hiking, camping, or finding a quiet place to meditate. He draws on his own past experiences and therapeutic practices to help strengthen clients' beliefs in their own abilities to heal and live their best lives. Outside of work, Casey loves challenging himself physically, being outdoors, and spending time with his family.

Christina Feola

Job Titles:

Certified Addiction Recovery Coach
Recovery Coach - Chappaqua

Christina is a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach, Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, and a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (Trainee). She has worked closely with detox and inpatient clients - including adolescents, young adults, mothers, veterans, and LGBTQI+ in recovery - to ensure each receives the personalized experience they deserve. As a cancer survivor and person in long-term recovery specializing in alcoholism, she values holistic wellness, healing mind, body and spirit. Christina practices self-care through volunteering, 12 Step, and yoga, and encourages clients to adopt wellness techniques that best suit them. In her spare time, Christina can be found at her local yoga studio, walking through a nature preserve, or enjoying a tropical beach destination.

Collin Wainwright

Job Titles:

Certified Recovery Specialist With a Bachelor of Science
Recovery Coach - Philadelphia

Collin is a Certified Recovery Specialist with a Bachelor of Science in psychology and currently pursuing a master's degree in social work. As a person in long-term recovery, Collin has worked in peer support with young professionals, college students, and many diverse communities across Delaware county and Philadelphia helping them meet their recovery goals. As a native of Delaware county, Pennsylvania, Collin has established solid connections in the area's recovery community and pulls from various resources to support clients. Additionally, he has worked in a range of treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient, and sober living homes. Collin serves clients with compassion and integrity and encourages them to find and embrace their passions in recovery. As a dedicated runner who competed in six marathons, Collin uses action-oriented plans incorporating health and wellness to help people rediscover their drive for self-betterment.

Courtney Hulse

Job Titles:

Outpatient Regional Director - Huntington, Chappaqua, Ramsey

Courtney is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and over a decade of clinical practice in the treatment of substance use and mental health disorders. She has extensive experience in both clinical and supervisory roles in substance abuse outpatient and residential treatment programs. At Mountainside, Courtney helps clients achieve self-awareness and holistic healing through psychoeducation as well as mind-body techniques in her individual and family counseling sessions. With a systemic approach to treatment, Courtney prioritizes incorporating the client's family in the parallel recovery and healing process. Outside of work, Courtney enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, dancing, and crafting.

Cynthia Chouinard

Job Titles:

Psychiatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Cynthia is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing and over 15 years of clinical experience working in mental health and addiction treatment. At Mountainside, she supports clients during their addiction recovery, working with them to manage their symptoms through focused pharmacology, as well as collaborating with them to create personalized wellness plans in support of their physical and mental health needs. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and spoiling her dogs.

Dan Smith

Job Titles:

Vice President, Strategic Operations

Dan is a Certified Addiction Counselor and a Certified Recovery Coach Trainer. As an advocate for people in recovery, he works with legislators and community leaders to improve access to quality addiction treatment. Through community development initiatives, he empowers local leaders and educators to push for legislation that removes barriers to care. Dan has extensive experience running extended care and sober living facilities and uses his expertise to provide residents with the assistance they need to achieve a sustainable recovery. As Vice President of Strategic Operations, Dan is responsible for maintaining focused and driven business operations, project management, and execution. Since joining Mountainside in 2014, he continues to assist Mountainside in roll out of new, innovative strategies to reach vulnerable populations on a greater scale and ensure the efficacy of treatment for all clients. Outside of work, Dan volunteers his time serving as the President of Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences.

Daniel Sexton

Job Titles:

Program Manager, Outpatient Services - Chappaqua

Daniel is an Advanced Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling. He is well-versed in treating co-occurring disorders and is trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. His previous experience in the behavioral health field includes creating treatment plans for people of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. At Mountainside, Daniel uses a person-centered approach to form meaningful therapeutic relationships and assist clients in finding practical solutions to early recovery hurdles. In his free time, Daniel enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Donna Martin

Job Titles:

Assistant Manager, Extended Care

Donna oversees the day-to-day operations and Case Management for the Women's Extended Care program. She is passionate about helping others and is constantly seeking new ways to ensure that her clients are always receiving Best in Class services. Prior to joining Mountainside, Donna had pursued a career in Early Childhood Education and has been a member of the local Emergency Medical Response Team for nineteen years. She holds certifications in EMR, CPR, FA, Mental Health First Aid and AED. Outside of work, Donna enjoys spending time with her family - either taking hikes, skiing, traveling, or enjoying being active members of their hometown community.

Emma Friedberg

Job Titles:

Licensed Master Social Worker

Emma is a Licensed Master Social Worker and graduate of New York University Silver School of Social Work. As an Outpatient Clinician at Mountainside, she utilizes Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy to guide clients through their recovery process. Emma has experience working with adults in treating substance use and co-occurring disorders, counseling loved ones affected by addiction, and harm reduction. In her free time, Emma enjoys painting, music, and spending time outdoors.

Erin O'Neil

Job Titles:

Outpatient Regional Director - Canaan, Wilton, Virtual

Erin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association-certified clinician, and EMDR Consultant in Training with ample experience in the treatment of addiction and post-traumatic stress. Through modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, IPNB, Ego State Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing, she collaborates with clients who are working toward healing. In her current role, Erin uses a trauma-informed approach to help clients develop coping skills as well as process and resolve the deeper issues that contribute to their addictions. Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors (activity doesn't matter), traveling, and reading.

Ghosia Raqib

Ghosia is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and Human Relations. She utilizes Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy techniques with her clients and encourages them to recognize their values and strengths, cultivate greater self-awareness, and develop interpersonal and emotion regulation skills. Ghosia has experience working collaboratively on multidisciplinary teams in psychiatric and detox units and treating a wide range of social and behavioral health conditions including substance use, violence, child abuse and neglect, and developmental disabilities. In her spare time, Ghosia enjoys cooking, writing poetry, and spending time with her family.

Gianna Chapman

Job Titles:

Program Manager, Outpatient Services - Virtual

Gianna is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor with a decade of experience in the mental health and addiction field. As Program Manager of Virtual Outpatient Services, she has been instrumental in ensuring high-quality treatment for clients and overseeing team members by enhancing their clinical skills and professional development while promoting a cohesive treatment environment. At Mountainside, Gianna has elevated our virtual outpatient services program while assisting with policy and procedure development in accordance with state and accreditation guidelines. She uses Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist clients in meeting treatment goals and developing a greater understanding of their substance use. Gianna uses a client-centered approach and prioritizes the importance of communication and teamwork to help clients achieve long-term success in recovery. In her leisure time, Gianna enjoys traveling, hiking, and cooking.

Isabel Donnelly

Job Titles:

Alumni Outreach Coordinator

At Mountainside, Isabel draws upon her personal experience in long-term recovery as well as her professional experience working with individuals who have co-occurring disorders, to provide compassionate support to our Mountainside alumni. Prior to Mountainside, Isabel supported individuals in the recovery community in the roles of a sober coach and case manager. As an Alumni Outreach Coordinator, Isabel's goal is to guide, support, and encourage Mountainside alumni to remain optimistic and motivated for their recovery journey. In her free time, Isabel enjoys painting, spending time with friends, and doing service work.