World Class Therapists & Clinicians

About

Brian brings to Newport decades of leadership experience across the healthcare industry, with a proven record of driving growth and business transformation. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of Health & Wellness at Walmart, overseeing retail pharmacy, optical, and healthcare delivery operations. Brian also held executive leadership roles at Highmark Health and Cigna, managing major business segments as president, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer. With deep expertise in healthcare services, payor reimbursement dynamics, and creating customer value, he is dedicated to expanding Newport’s reach to serve more individuals and families in need of the highest-quality care. Brian holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Tennessee.

About 

Joe has spent more than three decades in the medical and treatment field, gaining specialized skills in business development, strategic planning, fiscal analytics, and process improvement. As CEO of Newport Healthcare, Joe led the company’s growth from 75 treatment beds and three outpatient programs to over 800 beds and 21 outpatient programs. Prior to joining the Newport team, he served in executive leadership positions with Acadia Healthcare Company (NASDAQ: ACHC) and CRC Health Group, and in management positions with Susquehanna Health and Geisinger Health System. In his role on the Board, Joe continues to employ his wealth of insight, knowledge, and innovation in service of Newport’s mission to provide results-driven, clinically integrated behavioral healthcare to individuals and families.

About

Jameson has created, led, and served on trusted and high-performing teams in some of the most challenging and dynamic environments in the world. Prior to joining Newport, he served as CEO of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics, where he led behavioral health services for Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, and school-based mental health programs administered by the company. During his time there, he achieved unprecedented growth in outpatient, inpatient, emergency psychiatry, telehealth, and integrated behavioral health services across the company. Before that, Jameson was CEO of Acadia Healthcare’s North Tampa Behavioral Health facility, where he oversaw a large inpatient expansion and launched three new services, including a military program commended for its innovative approach to empowering post-traumatic growth and recovery.

About

Kristin Wilson brings to her role more than 25 years of leadership in behavioral healthcare. Her strategic vision, clinical expertise, and passion for transforming the delivery of care guide her mission of advancing access, quality, and meaningful outcomes for individuals and families.

Clinical Expertise 

Since beginning her career in 1997, Kristin has led across the continuum of care—including inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings—with expertise spanning a broad range of mental health and substance use disorders, including trauma, mood disorders, process addictions, and eating disorders. A licensed clinician and a Level II Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Kristin has served as a clinical supervisor, executive director, trainer, interventionist, and outreach leader.

About

Dr. Nelson works across Newport Healthcare’s inpatient, residential and outpatient programs, identifying opportunities to build leading-edge solutions that advance exceptional clinical care, strengthen operational efficiency, and support long-term financial performance. He previously served as Newport’s Chief Medical Information Officer and led the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) program at our PrairieCare division in Minnesota.

Dr. Nelson brings a background in both clinical practice and technology-driven innovation: He spent nine years in software development before earning his medical degree at the University of Minnesota, where he completed a general psychiatry residency and a clinical research fellowship in neuromodulation. After graduating, he served as Executive Director of the TMS program at the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis VA Medical Center. Dr. Nelson is active in treatment advocacy, working to improve access to novel therapies for those on public and low-income medical plans.

About

With over 30 years of extensive experience in the healthcare industry, Jeff has a proven track record in business development, strategy, managed care contracting, and fostering strong payor relationships. Throughout his career, he has worked with some of the nation’s largest healthcare providers, specializing in areas including behavioral health, substance use disorder, medical care, specialty pharmacy, and laboratory services. His deep expertise includes 15 years in direct payor and provider contracting roles, where he has successfully navigated complex negotiations and developed strategic partnerships that enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes. Jeff’s commitment to excellence and his comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape make him a vital asset to our team as we strive to build and maintain robust relationships with payors.

About

Dr. Roeske has worked in the mental health field since 2003, providing a wide range of clinical services, including acute psychiatric care, outpatient community therapy, and residential treatment for those dealing with the challenges of sobriety and mental health. Her experience as a CEO, clinical director, program developer, family program director, therapist, and supervisor have afforded her an intimate understanding of the key ingredients for providing quality treatment, and the essential components of a strong clinical and organizational team. She currently serves as the Executive Director for our boys’ campus in Connecticut.

About

Ryan brings over a decade of academic leadership and classroom experience to her role at Newport Healthcare. As an educator, she is passionate about working with high-risk adolescents and is trained in restorative practices. Ryan works with the Marin County (California) Youth Court and is a member of various community organizations working to combat youth substance abuse. She develops educational and intervention programs to prevent teen and young adult mental health struggles and drug use.

Clinical Expertise

Prior to joining Newport Academy in 2014, Ryan was a student activities director, leadership teacher, and mathematics teacher at Tamalpais Union High School District in Mill Valley, California. She holds a master’s degree in Education Administration, and has also served as secondary summer school principal, mathematics teacher, and student activities director for the Novato (California) Unified School District. Ryan works alongside clinicians to create interventions to assist students dealing with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. She also collaborates with special education teams to create protocols for managing classroom challenges for students dealing with auditory processing and executive functioning deficits.

About

Blake Kinsey brings to Newport Healthcare extensive experience in finance and admissions. In addition, he has strong skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, and creative conflict resolution. He works closely with incoming clients and families and serves as a liaison with insurance companies to guarantee coverage for clients’ treatment needs. Blake’s past experience includes managing companies’ insurance contracts, benefits, policies, and managed care. He worked with employer groups and state, local, and academic entities to fund treatment costs. In addition, he developed strategies for holding insurance companies accountable for providing coverage to their members.

About

As CEO of Newport’s PrairieCare division since 2020, Todd has been a key player in developing one of Minnesota’s largest psychiatric health systems, including the state’s largest psychiatric hospital for youth and young adults. In his current role, he continues to oversee PrairieCare operations, in addition to Newport’s residential programs in Minnesota and Utah. Todd was recognized as one of the Most Admired CEOs of the Year by the Minnesota Business Journal in 2024. He also serves as executive director for the Psychiatric Assistance Line (PAL), a Minnesota service aimed towards increasing collaboration and support between psychiatrists and primary care providers.

About

Kim brings to Newport a brilliant track record of performance across a 22-year career in healthcare. She has held field and leadership roles in pharmaceutical sales, referral-based account management, and clinical sales team management. Kim brings multidimensional experience, a tireless work ethic, and an ability to create strategic partnerships, lead change initiatives, and develop high-performing professionals. She joined Newport in 2021 and served as our Northeastern Senior Director of Clinical Outreach before ascending to her current role managing the activity and development of Newport’s National Clinical Outreach team.

About

Dr. Nosal has worked with teens, young adults, and families in the field of mental health and addiction treatment for nearly 30 years. She has held supervisory and leadership positions, as well as serving on the faculty of National University and University of Phoenix. As Founding Clinical Director of Newport, she developed our clinical and family treatment model, and now oversees clinical operations and services at our residential and outpatient programs for adolescents and young adults.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Nosal holds a Doctorate in Transpersonal Psychology and Master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology and Human Services. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Specializing in attachment and relational trauma, Dr. Nosal integrates family systems concepts with attachment-based practices to heal childhood trauma and deepen relationships among family members.

About

Dr. Hadzic has worked in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings, including serving as Associate Medical Director for six Rogers outpatient clinics in three states. Board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in Adult Psychiatry and in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, he brings specific expertise in treating severe OCD/anxiety disorders, as well as autism spectrum disorder.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Hadzic’s other areas of interest include eating disorders, misophonia, rare genetic disorders, and the emerging role of technology and novel therapeutics in psychiatry. He completed a Medical Scientist MD/PhD training program at Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, followed by a general psychiatry residency at Washington University and child psychiatry research track fellowship at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.

About

Mandy is responsible for overseeing quality, safety, and adherence to regulatory standards at Newport. As the Chief Nursing Officer at PrairieCare, a program of Newport Healthcare, Mandy successfully led the organization to achieving ANCC Pathways to Excellence accreditation in 2024. She has received a number of awards, including the March of Dimes Distinguished Nurse of the Year, National Association of Counties achievement award for developing the Mental Health Response Program for the Hennepin County (MN) Jail, and a Pierce Family Trust award for clinical excellence and leadership in nursing.

Clinical Expertise

Mandy holds a master’s degree in nursing, is certified in Executive Nursing Practice, and has achieved Fellowship status in the American College of Healthcare Executives. She brings to her role 30 years of experience in healthcare, dedicated to improving access and quality of care for underserved populations in various settings, including emergency rooms, inpatient units, clinic and correctional settings.

About

Dr. Mennesson thrives on finding new and creative solutions by drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches. A longtime practitioner of yoga and meditation, he is a strong proponent for integrating mindfulness principles into clinical treatment. Dr. Mennesson is dedicated to providing the highest-quality evidence-based care in a safe, secure environment. He firmly believes in the power of a strong social support network, and he uses Attachment-Based Family Therapy to restore and reinforce healthy relational dynamics for young people and their families. 

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Michel is board-certified in general psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, with an added qualification in Addiction Psychiatry. Originally from France, he trained as a pediatrician and internist before entering the field of psychiatry. He is also an Assistant Professor in the Yale University Department of Psychiatry. At Newport Healthcare, Dr. Mennesson specializes in treating young people struggling with issues such as substance use, depression, grief and loss, and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

About

Dr. Alexander is skilled healthcare leader with two decades of experience in administration, quality assurance, risk management, and compliance. His accomplishments include redesigning protocols for utilization and fiscal management, strategic planning, quality, performance improvement, utilization metrics, and daily operations for a Fortune 500 managed care insurance company. Most recently, Dr. Alexander led quality assurance, compliance, risk management, privacy, and utilization review at chemical dependency and acute care inpatient behavioral health hospitals.

Clinical Expertise

Dr. Alexander is a licensed clinical psychologist. He began his career in behavioral health as the Director of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Division for a large nonprofit focused on improving the general well-being and education of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and other underserved communities.

About 

Dr. Dragonette is dedicated to helping teams come together to support clients in creating more authentic, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. She was the founding Executive Director of Newport’s Northern California location and now serves in a clinical training and supervisory capacity. As a specialist in her field, Dr. Dragonette understands the importance of whole-person treatment—encompassing physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual health as well as psychological. She believes that true healing begins when a young person shifts from an external locus of control to an internal locus of control, and she carries this philosophy into her treatment practices.   

Clinical Expertise

Prior to joining our team, Dr. Dragonette was the Director of Behavioral Health for Petaluma Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Petaluma, California. In that position, she oversaw the Behavioral Health department and coordinated all aspects of operations. In 2017, she developed curriculum for a program to support parents and children in the aftermath of wildfires that ravaged the Petaluma community. She also served in both clinical and leadership roles at Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa’s Chemical Dependency Services.

About

Jude is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with children, adolescents, and young adults. Prior to practicing as a Psych NP, Jude was a healthcare executive for more than 20 years, with broad experience in clinical, medical, nursing relations, utilization management, quality assessment, business development, regulatory compliance, and nursing practice.

Clinical Expertise

Jude has a successful track record of implementing safe and effective care to his patients, based on recommended practice guidelines for optimum clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. He holds a Master’s degree in nursing from Walden University and an MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix

About

With over 10 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field, Meredith holds a master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from Central Connecticut State University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She started with Newport as a Family Therapist and has since held various leadership positions, including Associate Family Program Director and Clinical Director. Her experience in the field includes working with individuals ranging from early childhood through geriatrics, treating a wide array of mental health, behavioral, and relational needs. She specializes in working with adolescents and young adults. Meredith is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, Attachment-Based Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. She is also a certified yoga instructor.

About

Samantha is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has been working from a family systems perspective throughout her career. As Newport’s National Director of Family Therapy Services, she oversees all family programming, which utilizes Attachment-Based Family Therapy to provide support and psychoeducation to families throughout the treatment process. Samantha has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma, including sexual and physical abuse. She also has expertise working with the LGBTQ community and issues related to gender and sexuality. Samantha believes that a necessary step in the healing and recovery process is a strong and genuine therapeutic connection that creates safety and allows for growth.

About

Michael Roeske, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, executive leadership, and research. As Senior Director of the Center for Research & Innovation at Newport Healthcare, he leads Newport’s outcomes monitoring and behavioral health research programs. Previously, Michael held leadership roles as Executive Director and CEO in premier treatment settings. A recognized thought leader, he also serves on professional boards and has been featured in online outlets such as CNN, Verywell Mind, and the Huffington Post.

About

Gary has been working with high-risk teens for nearly 15 years, in settings ranging from community centers to juvenile drug court. He excels in treating adolescents who have lost a sense of connection to self and others, and who are open to new experiences and activities that help them build self-esteem and perspective. Prior to moving into his current role, in which he develops and implements curriculum for Newport’s Adventure Therapy program, Gary served as our Program Coordinator of Intensive Outpatient Services.

About

Caydin joined the Newport Healthcare team in 2014, and established Newport’s Alumni Program as Director of Alumni Services, before becoming our National Director of Experience. Today, her contributions positively impact young people, families, and our team on a national level. Caydin continues to oversee Newport Healthcare’s Alumni Network while working to ensure that every aspect of Newport’s programming exceeds clients’ expectations. She has a degree in sociology, with an emphasis on social work, from California State University. Caydin is also a community volunteer for Mercy Without Limits, a nonprofit providing humanitarian relief around the world.

About

A key member of the Newport team since 2004, Adam Furtado provides comprehensive support around case conceptualization, treatment planning, and implementation of treatment interventions. He has worked in the mental healthcare field for more than two decades, primarily in clinical supervisory roles. Adam finds it incredibly rewarding to support young people during this critical stage of life when they are defining their identity, building connection with peers and community, and stepping into their emerging adulthood. He specializes in ensuring that clients receive culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care that honors their individual beliefs, life circumstances, and family history.

Clinical Expertise

Along with his certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Adam is highly experienced in conjoint family therapy and trained in Attachment-Based Family Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. He also has extensive training in serving diverse and minority populations, including LGBTQ, first-generation immigrant, and Hispanic/Latino communities. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, Adam is an adjunct faculty member for Chapman University’s graduate marriage and family therapy program.

About

Kara leads the growth and development of evidence-based treatment initiatives across Newport Healthcare’s nationwide programs. Passionate about education and advocacy, she has presented at major conferences on integrating eating disorder treatment into general psychiatric settings, and has been a featured expert for Parents magazine and FOX11 Los Angeles, among other national shows and publications.

Clinical Expertise

An AAMFT Approved Supervisor and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Consultant, Kara trains clinicians in best practices and provides national program oversight. With more than a decade of experience in clinical leadership, she has directed multiple residential and outpatient programs focused on eating disorder recovery and mental health. She holds a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southern Connecticut State University.

About

Olivia Lynch brings more than 15 years of experience in the treatment field to her role with Newport, as well as a deep dedication to supporting young people and their families. A Licensed Professional Counselor, Olivia trains clinicians at both Newport Institute and Newport Academy, our teen treatment program, in using EMDR therapy to address acute, chronic, and relational trauma, as well as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and other mental health challenges. Before moving into her current role, Olivia was an Individual Therapist at Newport. She has also served as an adjunct family member at the Institute for Creative Mindfulness.

Clinical Expertise

Olivia is an EMDR Certified Therapist, an EMDR Facilitator trained through the Institute for Creative Mindfulness, and an EMDR Consultant approved by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). She holds a Master’s in Community Counseling from Western Connecticut State University and is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Somatic Processing, and Attachment-Based Family Therapy. Prior to joining Newport, Olivia spent eight years as a clinician with Family and Children’s Aid in Connecticut, providing in-home and outpatient therapy to children and families.

About

As the Regional Executive Director in Northern California, Kristina leads our service delivery in the Marin, East Bay, and Sacramento markets. Kristina is an experienced behavioral health leader who has spent much of her career has been with Sunstone, Navos BHN MultiCare Health System, an adolescent residential treatment program where she held the positions of Children’s Residential Administrator, Operations Manager, and Director of Residential Services. Prior to her time there, she was a Manager of Admissions for Seattle Children’s Home. Kristina is an avid hiker whose hiking team, Alpine Trekkers, placed sixth out of over 100 teams for a 2016 Washington Trails Association fundraising event.

About

Leigh McInnis supports team cohesion at Newport Healthcare, including the management and training of clinical staff and the facilitation of seamless collaboration among departments. She has worked in a variety of public mental health arenas, including nonprofit crisis prevention and response for adults, intensive in-home care for children and adolescents, and residential treatment facilities. In 2016, Leigh developed the clinical milieu for a non-suicidal self-injury unit in a Virginia residential treatment facility. She holds a Master’s in Community Counseling from Marymount University.

About

As Executive Director of Newport Institute’s programs in Connecticut, Helene brings an invaluable combination of therapeutic and management skills to her role. She has years of experience in the business world as a human resources professional, and extensive experience in her second career as a therapist. She previously served as Clinical Director for the Newport Academy campus in Connecticut. Helene believes that every young adult deserves unconditional acceptance and a nonjudgmental treatment setting in which they can feel safe to share and process difficult emotions and experiences.

About

Matthew Nonoshita brings to Newport extensive experience and proficiency in program development, management, leadership, team building, and promoting positive culture. He has worked alongside leading professionals to cultivate his expertise, while also providing direct support to clients. Matthew has played an integral role in the accreditation of multiple facilities according to Joint Commission standards of care. He has built and supervised clinical, utilization, and administrative teams, while increasing profit margin and decreasing operations costs. Matthew’s experience in crafting young adult programs, his personal recovery journey, and the diversity of his service give him a broad and multifaceted understanding of the treatment field.

Clinical Expertise

Matthew has held leadership positions at a number of companies, including CEO of Premier Health Group in Newport Beach, California; Executive Program Director for Beachside Behavioral Health in Fountain Valley, California; and Program Director at Balboa Horizons in Costa Mesa, California, among others. During his early career, he served as a substance abuse counselor at Oasis Treatment Center in Anaheim. Matthew holds numerous executive and clinical certifications, and also developed a surf therapy program used at multiple youth treatment centers.

About

Joe brings to Newport 25 years of experience in residential treatment, foster and adoptive care settings, and more. He comes to us from our PrairieCare division, where he joined the team in 2014 as a Needs Assessment Counselor and then transitioned into an administrator role. Joe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Corrections with a minor in Sociology, as well as a Master’s in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Clinical Expertise

Joe has been providing counseling and therapeutic services to individuals for more than 15 years. His professional experience includes work in residential treatment, foster and adoptive care settings, Level 4 school programming, and community-based in-home services.