Leadership
Executive
Ken Kosza
Ken Kosza earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from LaSalle University in Pennsylvania. Ken began his professional career as an Adolescent Counselor. With nearly a decade of clinical work under his belt, Ken began to take on more leadership roles and shifted into administration. Ken worked his way from Entry-Level to VP & Executive Director within one of Pennsylvania’s largest networks of outpatient counseling centers – Onward Behavioral Health. Ken then transitioned to Retreat Behavioral Health, where he directed operations and facilitated significant growth of a multi-state, multi-location network of mental health and substance use disorder treatment centers. Ken is excited to represent Altior and get back to his roots and true passion of helping young people. Ken enjoys good food and is an avid NCAA Wrestling fan. He lives with his wife and five children where he can often be found coaching and cheering them on at their sporting events.
Ken Kosza
Dustin Wagner
Dustin oversees all operations at Paradigm Treatment locations, including programming, treatment content and quality, growth management and strategy, and team support to all therapeutic and operational staff. Having previously worked at Paradigm in the roles of Chief Operating Officer, Program Director, and Therapist, Dustin is also a skilled clinician with an emphasis on family systems . Prior to joining the Paradigm team, Dustin served as Program Manager at Arizona Child and Family Support Services in Flagstaff, an agency providing community-based wraparound services for youth and family treatment. At CFSS, Dustin also built, facilitated and oversaw an Intensive Outpatient Program. He also served as an individual and group therapist for Northern Arizona Substance Abuse Services working with the Drug Court; as a therapist for youth in juvenile detention; and as a wilderness therapist for a program that worked throughout Northern Arizona.
Dustin holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Northern Arizona University and has over 15 years of experience working with adolescents in a variety of settings. He is also trained in EMDR and Parent Effectiveness. Dustin’s motivation as both a therapist and a manager exemplify his deep desire to provide the insightful support and guidance that youth need to make the changes that will profoundly improve their well-being, relationships, and their futures.
Dustin Wagner
Megan Gerbino, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Megan is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in treating patients across the lifespan. She has been with Shortridge Academy since 2021. Her previous work includes 6 years working as a Registered Nurse at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Department.
Between 2012 and 2014, Megan held various roles at Shortridge Academy , starting as a student mentor before advancing to the position of Residential Manager. In this role, she managed the residential environment and organized student trips. The experience she gained at Shortridge Academy was so influential that she eagerly embraced the chance to collaborate with the students and staff once more.
Prior to Shortridge Academy and her medical training, Megan was employed at a community mental health agency as a Case Manager where she worked closely with people diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness. Megan would ensure these patients had their daily and case-specific needs met, as well as assisted in community integration.
Megan Gerbino, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Randy Clunan
Randy Clunan brings 12 years of sales and marketing experience in the Behavioral Health industry. Having run several admissions and Business Development teams at various programs throughout the country. Randy is an accomplished sales leader with a depth of experience building strong sales teams, enhancing the process of the client journey into care. His own personal journey in recovery led him into the field and credits the foundation of “helping those struggling and finding relief” as his “why?”. Before joining the company, Randy served as Vice President of Sales for an Inpatient program in Arizona. Randy is originally from Mississippi and attended the University of South Alabama. The joy of his life is his three kids and an occasional round of golf.
Randy Clunan
Jonathan Monroe
Jonathan Monroe brings nearly 20 years of finance and accounting experience in private equity–backed and privately owned multi-site healthcare services, direct to consumer retail and wholesale services, and large-scale manufacturing companies. Jonathan is an accomplished finance executive with a depth of experience building strong finance/accounting teams, enhancing the organizational financial reporting through the partnership with operations and has repeatedly built and led high-impact finance and accounting teams to successfully improve operational and financial performance in high-growth situations. Before joining the company, Jonathan served as Vice President of Finance and Accounting for Newport Healthcare through the acquisition by Onex. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from California State University San Bernardino and is an active CPA in the state of California.
Jonathan Monroe
Sarah Chintawat
Sarah is an accomplished futurist and HR executive. With over 20 years of diverse experience drawn from her unique background and reflected in her global perspective and out-of-the-box approach to people-centric programs, Sarah has worked with her colleagues to develop business process optimization initiatives and strategic people-focused programs.
Prior to Altior, Sarah was Chief People Officer at Agile, having previously served as the Vice President of Human Resources for Profit Recovery Partners, a management consulting firm focused on cost reduction solutions for Fortune 1000 firms. Earlier in her career, she led both the Human Resource Strategic Initiatives and Advertising Revenue Generation Groups for Panasonic Avionics Corporation, where she leveraged data to create human capital programs and drive revenue growth.
Sarah’s expertise lies in diagnosing human capital dysfunction and translating business needs into dynamic talent imperatives. She has implemented programmatic talent solutions across numerous industries, including engineering, financial services, management consulting, and technology. Known for her probing questions and innovative mindset, she consistently seeks better, faster, and simpler ways to solve problems – an approach that has served her well in both large multinational organizations and small startups.
Sarah holds an MBA from San Diego State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. Sarah, her husband, and two children spend their weekends watching soccer and planning their next adventure.
Sarah Chintawat
Lucy Nguyen
Lucy helms all clinical treatment directives, programs, and services across Paradigm Treatment’s southwestern territory, and provides ongoing clinical group supervision specifically to our Southern California staff. Lucy also worked extensively with young adults in a private practice setting. She also treated children and teens with emotional and behavioral needs at multiple school sites as a therapist. Lucy has comprehensive experience as a behavior interventionist working with teens with developmental disorders, and as a therapist at an intensive outpatient program for mental health and substance dependency. Additionally, Lucy has a background that includes working at a residential facility that uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to treat borderline personality disorder and is EMDR-trained.
Lucy is passionate about helping her clients discover their own strengths and use their unique qualities to create a more fulfilled life. She integrates the practical components of various cognitive-behavioral approaches with the gentle practice of mindfulness, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Lucy received her Master of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health at California State University, Fullerton. She also received an Excellence in Research Award studying parent-adolescent relationships when she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine.
Lucy Nguyen, LMFT #101033
Veronica Vargas
Bio coming soon
Dr. Veronica Vargas, DSW, LCSW
Megan Ryan
With over two decades of experience in Behavioral Healthcare, I’ve navigated through a spectrum of roles, from hands-on direct care to assuming pivotal senior and executive leadership positions. My journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, initially paving the way toward a Master’s degree and a career as a therapist. However, serendipity intervened, guiding me to an organization that resonated with my passion—bestowing upon me a gratifying 17-year tenure in Business Administration for a Mental Health Residential Treatment Center.
In my capacity as the Executive Director, much of my work unfolds behind the scenes, yet I take profound pride in understanding that my contributions are purpose-driven. Bearing witness to remarkable transformations and the reunification of families over the years has been an immense honor.
Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of exemplary professionals, I find joy in the collaborative effort dedicated to changing the lives of youth. Guiding and inspiring my team to uncover, nurture, and deploy their strengths and skills in roles that bring them fulfillment is a source of personal satisfaction. Together, we relentlessly strive to make a positive impact and enhance the well-being of the individuals and families we serve.
Being a Maine native, I cherish the beauty of the changing seasons, the tranquility, and the lifestyle that this state has to offer. Raising my two sons here adds another layer of gratitude to my life. I look forward to continuing this meaningful journey and making a lasting difference in the field of Behavioral Healthcare.
One of my favorite quotes is, “The heart of leadership is connection, and connection is about empathy, curiosity, and emotional courage.” ~ Brene Brown.
Megan Ryan
Sarah Stevens, B.S.
Upon graduating with honors from Western Baptist College (now known as Corban University) in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Sarah Stevens’ dedication to serving others began with the Spokane County Sheriff’s department, where she served six years as a deputy sheriff.
After taking some time to raise her four children with her husband, Sarah continued her pursuit of helping others by joining the direct-care team at Innercept Residential Treatment Center working in every program with special emphasis on stabilization. With nearly a decade of experience in transforming the lives of young people, she now leverages her strengths and expertise by serving as Executive Director. Sarah is also deeply committed to enriching the lives of young people in our community by serving as a soccer coach at both high-school and club levels.
Sarah Stevens, B.S.
Kendall Edkins | Associate Executive Director
In his role as Associate Executive Director of Ridge New Hampshire, Kendall brings over 20 years of experience working with at-risk teenage boys with a variety of emotional, behavioral, neurological, and learning needs. Before joining the Ridge as Program Director, Kendall served as Program Director of the Kindle Farm School therapeutic day school in Vermont, where he valued the learning that happened across the entire program—whether in the classroom, the outdoors, therapeutic groups, or on the sports field. He consistently aimed to provide diverse experiences throughout the day and took advantage of teachable moments as they arose. The relationship-building that happened on the basketball court, the ski mountain, or sitting around the kitchen table playing board games helped Kendall and his students work through more challenging behavioral or emotional issues.
Now, as Associate Executive Director of Ridge New Hampshire, Kendall brings his extensive experience working with youth and his passion for fostering growth and resilience to this leadership role. His focus is on ensuring that the Ridge program meets the complex needs of youth in crisis, helping them chart a path to a brighter future.
Kendall recently returned home to New Hampshire with his wife and twin daughters after living in Vermont for 20 years. He holds a deep love of early American history, particularly that of New Hampshire and Vermont, and is an avid metal detectorist. In his free time, you can find him searching for relics and artifacts from the colonial past.
Kendall Edkins
Lex Remillard, MSW, LCSW
Lex Remillard earned his Master of Social Work from University of California and soon afterward moved to the Philadelphia area and began his career as an individual and Intensive Outpatient Adolescent Therapist working with substance-use/mental health disorders as well as family systems treatment. During this time, Lex expanded his skill set by developing and successfully launching a mental health Intensive Outpatient Program, became the director of a satellite office and expanded offices into neighboring counties. In his 20-year professional career Lex has taught graduate course work at the University of West Chester and the University of Southern California, given numerous lectures/radio and video interviews, supervised/ mentored junior therapists, ran a successful private practice, and provided professional consultation with local burgeoning residential centers. Lex is driven to continue to utilize his clinical and empathetic approach to assist both clients and employees in this specialized field of practice. Lex is excited to join the Altior Healthcare Team to continue to promote and grow thriving mental health programs. Lex looks forward to cooking with his family, hiking with his dogs and fishing.
Lex Remillard, MSW, LCSW
Krista MacKinnon
Krista MacKinnon has worked in the mental health field for 20+ years in various capacities. She is a firm believer in the power of recovery and has delivered mental health recovery trainings across Canada, USA, and Australia. Her work is rooted in both personal and professional experience. She is driven by the power of love and connection.
Krista MacKinnon
Admissions
Mindi Proffitt
Mindi is completing a Bachelor of Science in International Business. Before discovering her passion for supporting clients to navigate and access care, she was a small business owner and successfully managed high profile restaurants in the Denver Metro area. After going through a healing journey of her own, Mindi decided to pursue a career in a field that aligns with a desire to support others in an impactful and meaningful way. After serving as Admissions Manager for psychology clinics specializing in eating disorder recovery, Mindi found her way to Paradigm Treatment. Outside of work, Mindi enjoys spending time with her partner and dogs, and is passionate about collecting and restoring antiques.
Mindi Proffitt
Sydney Marino, MS, AMFT
Sydney is a compassionate therapist who is dedicated to guiding families through the admissions process. A graduate of the University of Alabama and California Lutheran University, Sydney began her career in 2016 working at a halfway house for individuals transitioning out of prison. Since 2016, she has worked and volunteered in a variety of settings including residential treatment, outpatient, private practice, substance use treatment, and sober living homes. Since joining Altior Healthcare in early 2020, Sydney has found immense fulfillment in guiding families through the admissions process. She uses a multitude of evidence-based modalities including CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused therapy, and Bowenian techniques.
Sydney Marino, MS, AMFT
Alex Lincoln
Alex has had a passion for helping others since she started working in the treatment field in 2017. Alex’s prior experience includes working as a case manager and an admissions coordinator for a treatment center in New Hampshire. Her passion for this work comes from both personal and professional experiences. Alex’s favorite part of working at Altior is helping to initiate positive changes for families and young people. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, working out, and being outdoors.
Alex Lincoln
Jesse Carrillo
Jesse is a dedicated professional who brings a wealth of experience in the healthcare industry. With a background in admissions since 2017 and a keen understanding of the intricacies of the process, Jesse plays an important role in facilitating seamless transitions for clients and family members alike. Jesse’s approach to admissions ensures a positive experience for patients and their families, reflecting Altior Healthcare’s commitment to compassionate and efficient healthcare services.
Jesse Carrillo
Business Development
Rudolph Novak, JD CIP
Rudolph (Rudy) Novak earned his Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University School of Law and his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Montclair State University. During his junior years he clerked for a Superior Court Judge in New Jersey and continued in the private practice of law afterwards.
As an attorney he realized early on that his work often intersected with those who may be in a behavioral health crisis. His own personal journey of [family] recovery began in his adolescence and through this, he developed a passion for the behavioral health field. With a personal investment and a stark need in the community for access to care, Rudy dedicated his career path to filling this void.
Since his formative years as an attorney, Rudy has sought out opportunity to learn and grow in the recovery industry; he has worked as a certified interventionist, an attorney, an advocate, a case manager, and a clinical outreach director, amongst various volunteer positions. Through advising on intervention and treatment planning for thousands of clients and their families nationwide, Rudy has visited, evaluated, and assisted in developing of hundreds of treatment programs across countless miles and diagnoses.
Through his own efforts to increase accessibility to treatment and recovery, Rudy maintains relationships with organizations and practitioners globally. In his own investment in accessibility and community service he has co-founded a nonprofit foundation and private organization that are dedicated to serving marginalized populations and expanding access to therapeutic services.
In his free time, you will find Rudy spending time with his son, eating, traveling, hiking, and seeing live music.
Rudolph Novak, JD CIP
Jeremy Manné
Born and raised in New York City, Jeremy attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for his undergraduate studies. Jeremy’s passion to give back to the community began in high school, during which time he volunteered at a local soup kitchen and worked as summer camp counselor for young children. Through his late teens and early twenties, Jeremy experienced severe bouts of anxiety and depression, and experienced first-hand the lack of quality mental health treatment options for young people. For the past twelve years, Jeremy has worked in mental health residential treatment in a variety of roles, with a focus on admissions and marketing. In 2018, Jeremy founded Pacific Teen Treatment, a boutique residential treatment center for teens struggling with mental and emotional health issues. Jeremy oversaw the day to day operations and acted as Director of Admissions and Outreach until joining Altior Healthcare in 2024. Throughout his career, Jeremy is proud to have guided and helped thousands of parents and families towards appropriate treatment for their teens and young adults. Jeremy lives in Los Angeles with his wife, two sons and two rescue dogs.
Jeremy Manné
Sam Peterson, MBA
The treatment of veterans and their families is very close to Sam’s heart. Following a notable career as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician in the U.S. Army, including two combat deployments to Afghanistan, Sam lost several friends and mentor to suicide. After battling through his own personal mental health challenges Sam dedicated himself to improving mental health treatment for veterans and first responders.
He has founded several organizations in this space, focusing on mental health and traumatic brain injury treatment. Sam’s experience with start-ups, combined with his knowledge of business administration, makes him a strong asset to the Altior team. His qualifications are further enhanced by a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration from Regis University.
As Altior’s Director of Veteran Programs, Sam is responsible for launching new mental health initiatives for veterans. His dedication to helping others, along with his extensive experience and knowledge, makes him well-suited to lead these programs, positively impacting the lives of veterans.
Sam Peterson, MBA
Robert Blume, B.S.
Robert has a degree in business management from Clemson University in South Carolina. He started his career in Atlanta, working for one of the city’s first companies, helping clients adapt their business to an online environment. Innovation and “What’s Next” interested Robert from the start. He relocated from Atlanta to California in 2007, continuing his career in the high tech industry. Robert later started his career in mental health in 2015 with a Los Angeles treatment center as Director of Admissions.
Robert is a natural empath and is passionate about helping others take the necessary steps to achieve a better life. In his time away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and taking care of his rescue pup, Bowie.
Robert Blume, B.S.
Danielle Bousquet
Danielle is a dedicated mental health professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for empowering individuals to achieve mental wellness, particularly focusing on adolescent mental and behavioral health. Holding a Bachelor of Social Work attained in 2023 and currently pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University, Danielle is committed to continuous growth and development. Her journey includes serving as the Program Director for a women’s treatment program, which helped hone her understanding of behavioral health needs. Through her professional and educational experience, she has been able to foster meaningful relationships within the community. With her diverse skill set, unwavering dedication, and compassionate approach, Danielle is a trusted ally in the realm of behavioral health, committed to facilitating growth and well-being in those she serves.
Danielle Bousquet
Stephanie Conni | Senior Behavioral Health Advisor
Stephanie is a dedicated business development professional who specializes in the mental health industry. Her passion lies deeply in adolescent mental health and substance use disorder services. With over a decade of experience, she has excelled in forging strategic partnerships that have broadened access to mental health services for adolescents. Stephanie’s expertise lies in understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by adolescents, and in crafting innovative business strategies to effectively meet these needs. She is deeply committed to improving mental health outcomes for adolescents and is devoted to the development of programs and services tailored to their specific challenges. As a dedicated mom and bonus mom to three wonderful children, Stephanie is actively involved in running a nonprofit organization that advocates for youth and provides support. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new cuisines through cooking and is an avid traveler, always seeking new experiences and perspectives to enrich both her work and personal life.
Stephanie Conni
Alicia Hernandez, BSW
Alicia joins Paradigm Treatment with an extensive background in mental health. She began her career in Reno, Nevada, as a licensed social worker in a Level 1 trauma hospital. She then moved to Austin, Texas, where she worked in marketing for a large mental health hospital. Alicia is passionate about providing assistance to those in need of mental health services and is ready to make a difference!
To care for her own mental health, Alicia enjoys pool days with friends, boating on the lake, and just about any outdoor activity.
Alicia Hernandez, BSW
Alicia Kennedy
Alicia has limitless compassion and empathy for people going through life’s challenges and transitions and feels privileged to work with those who are seeking support. She grew up in Seattle, Washington and moved to Los Angeles in 2017. Alicia has worked in the behavioral health field for 5 years. As someone who has had family and close friends struggle with mental health, she understands the importance of our industry and the services we provide. Alicia is passionate about eliminating the negative stigmas in society associated with mental health care and normalizing public discussion surrounding this topic. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, pilates, and being outdoors.
Alicia Kennedy
Jamie Paolini
Bio coming soon
Jamie Paolini
Christopher Spositi, Veteran – U. S. Army
Chris is a Combat Veteran of the U.S. Army Infantry and a former Texas Police Officer. Throughout his tenure in the military and law enforcement, Chris encountered firsthand the devastating impact of untreated mental health issues and substance use disorders within the military and Veteran communities. This experience ignited a profound dedication to supporting Veterans and Active-Duty military members during their mental health journey. Committed to making a difference, Chris continues to dedicate himself to the mission of combating Veteran and military suicide.
Chris Spositi
Kristen Thompson
Kristen Thompson
Mera West, B.A.
Mera West has a strong foundation in psychology, combining her academic background and extensive practical experience to guide individuals toward stability and wellness. She began her career at the Berkeley Therapy Institute, working with adults facing mental health challenges, where she developed key skills in advocacy, supervision, and structured care within a residential setting. Mera earned her degree in psychology from UCLA, where she contributed to groundbreaking research at the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and the David Geffen School of Medicine. Her work focused on developmental psychopathology and autism spectrum disorders, with a special emphasis on early intervention for adolescents and young adults, particularly in enhancing social function and communication. As a UCLA PEERS Certified provider, specializing in evidence-based social skills intervention for adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other socio-emotional difficulties, Mera understands that early intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes. With this commitment, she integrates clinical expertise, research, and compassion, making her a trusted advisor in the field of behavioral health. In her free time, she enjoys painting, pilates and exploring the world with her trusted canine companion, Mochi, adding a touch of adventure and balance to her life.
Mera West, B.A.
Finance
Michelle Linsley
Michelle Linsley has recently assumed the role of Vice President of Revenue Cycle at Altior Healthcare. Formerly the Director of Revenue Cycle, she will now be overseeing this department across all programs and locations. She will lead and oversee all aspects of Revenue Cycle processes which include utilization review, billing, collections and financial services with a significant focus on streamlining and improving the insurance utilization review processes to increase insurance coverage and access to care, increasing timely payment collections and improving our client and family communication support by providing consistent, thorough and accurate follow up to our clients and their families.
Michelle comes to Altior with over 25 years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle with over 15 years in leadership roles with a proven track record of maximizing talent by leading teams up to 300 employees to achieve results that drive companies to the next level.
Michelle Linsley
Lindsay Fenton, CMHC, LPCC
Lindsay has over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field. She obtained a BA in Communication Studies at Loyola Marymount University, and then went on to earn a MS in clinical mental health counseling. She is currently a licensed therapist. Lindsay’s clinical focus is trauma, addictions and substance use disorders, and she is a trained EMDR clinician. In Utilization Review, as the liaison between the clinical teams and insurance care managers, Lindsay and her team work with insurance to establish initial and ongoing medical necessity for Altior clients. This behind the scenes work with insurance companies allows clients and their families to focus on receiving the lifesaving treatment they need without the added financial burdens and headaches of navigating insurance. Outside of work, Lindsay enjoys traveling, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog.
Lindsay Fenton, CMHC, LPCC
Christopher Sutton
Christopher Sutton
Human Resources
Yoanca Reyes
Yoanca Reyes graduated from UCLA in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Spanish. Her interest in the HR field led her to seek an HR certificate through Cal State Dominguez Hills. During this time, she also volunteered for Latina Republic as a tutor to elementary school students who needed extra assistance. Her enthusiasm for a positive work environment and stimulating work culture match her role at Paradigm Treatment, where Yoanca assists the HR team in assuring that employees are in accordance with company guidelines and that employees’ questions and concerns are answered.
Yoanca Reyes
Administrative
Avonlea Ware
Avonlea Ware holds a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, where she also earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Philosophy. Focused on working in behavioral health, she joined Paradigm Treatment Centers in 2016 as a Clinical Assistant. Since then, Avonlea has worked in numerous departments including admissions, outreach, human resources, and compliance. Avonlea has a vast understanding of how residential facilities operate and is determined to create access to these programs across the country. She prioritizes the importance of being ethical and compliant throughout every component of treatment. A high-energy team player, Avonlea possesses a broad range of interpersonal and administrative skills and strives to meet the needs of clients and families. Born and raised in California, she enjoys spending time at the beach and around nature. She finds beauty in everything and aims to bring that light into her work.
Avonlea Ware
Aaron Logan
Aaron develops all of the technology systems for Altior Healthcare, from networks for student computers to communications platforms, device management systems, and databases. He has worked with clients to explore building game networks, creating virtual 360 video tours for the facility, and producing music on digital audio workstations. Aaron has worked to improve the client technology experience since he started at Shortridge Academy in 2003. His most important goal has been creating the structure for clients to learn a balanced and healthy approach to personal technology and, more recently, helping families as they navigate device management at home. When he’s not “plugged in,” Aaron can be found enjoying the lakes region with his family, whether boating on lake Winnipesaukee or skiing, biking, hiking, or scuba diving.
Aaron Logan
Kelli Salafia
Kelli Salafia
