Wellspring Staff

James Donaghy, MBA, CPA

Dan joined Wellspring in 1991, and currently serves as CEO and Clinical Director for Wellspring and the Arch Bridge School. In this role, he is responsible for clinical and educational programs and services at Wellspring. He also provides Presentations, Parent Trainings & School Consultations on handling psychiatric and emotional issues and raising resilient children by building and restoring relationships.

Dan has held a variety of positions in his tenure at Wellspring, most recently as Chief of Professional Services. As a Program Director, he developed the Children’s Services at Shiloah, including the clinical dimensions of the Lower School Program. He also served as Clinical Supervisor of the Arch Bridge School, Team Leader for the Adolescent Program and Psychotherapist for children, adolescents and young adults.

Prior to joining Wellspring, Dan worked and trained in both public and private psychiatric hospitals, served clients and families across three different outpatient clinics and has consulted and provided trainings in a number of schools throughout the state. He brings a combined total of over 35 years of experience in psychotherapeutic and educational services.

Dan earned his BA in Psychology from Lycoming College, and graduated with honors from the University of New Haven with an MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Dan also obtained an MA in Clinical Practice and his Doctorate (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the University of Hartford. In his spare time, Dan enjoys working and playing outdoors, music, reading, travel, and spending time with his wife and family.

Marcy Russo, PhD

Dr. Marcy Russo joined Wellspring as the Clinical Director in 2024. In this role, she is responsible for the oversight of therapeutic and clinical services offered across all therapeutic programs, therapeutic school and outpatient services. For over two decades, Dr. Russo has worked in both private and nonprofit healthcare facilities and hospitals. She has worked collaboratively with school and state partners to provide care across all levels of community and congregate care setting, and has experience developing programs and mentoring and supervising teams of clinicians. Her training includes working with trauma, grief, life-transitions adjustments and emergency behavior response.

Dr. Russo received her Master’s degree and Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology from the New School for Social Research in New York City and her Bachelor of Science from Central Connecticut State University. She maintains an Adjunct Faculty appointment at University of Connecticut, teaching in the Psychology Department at the Waterbury campus and is the owner of Pathway, LLC, a private practice offering individual, couples and family therapies. In her spare time, she enjoys working and having fun outdoors, traveling, staying active and spending quality time with her children, family and friends.

Jessica Zoltani, MD

Dr. Zoltani is a Harvard- and Yale-trained psychiatrist, triple board-certified in adult, child, and addiction psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  Dr. Zoltani received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in 2012.  She subsequently completed adult psychiatry training at the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, with training at both Massachusetts General Hospital and McLean Hospital.  She also completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, where she remains on the clinical faculty as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry.

Prior to joining Wellspring, Dr. Zoltani worked at Yale for 7 years, including roles in both young adult and addiction treatment teams, as well as serving as the Associate Medical Director for Adolescent and Young Adult Addiction Services at the Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital.  Dr. Zoltani’s areas of clinical expertise include complex co-occurring disorders, psychotherapy, autism spectrum disorder, and affirming care for LGBTQIA+ patients.  She has published and presented at national conferences on topics including substance use disorders, personality disorders, and the psychiatric care of adolescents and young adults.  In addition to expertise in adult and pediatric psychopharmacology, Dr. Zoltani prioritizes a patient-centered approach and has additional training in mindfulness, dialectical behavioral therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.  Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, fitness training, and participating in a long-standing book club.

Laurie Collins

Amy Langevin

Coming Soon

Vikki Palmer, RN

Coming Soon

Nancy Thurston

Cathy Nagle, LPC

Cathy Nagle, LMFT-Psychotherapist at Angelus House

Wellspring is more than just a place of work for Cathy.  It is a community with a mission so closely aligned to her own that she has stayed tethered to Wellspring for 12 years, working with our three residential programs, Wellspring’s Arch Bridge School and outpatient.  Her clinical approach is rooted in Wellspring’s relational model, and her calm and centered demeanor makes those around her feel safe, heard and open to emotional growth. Cathy sees the world through the eyes of building relationships and making connections.   When she knits (and boy does she knit!), she connects with her grandmother who first inspired her love of fiber arts.  When she discovered roller derby, she joined a local team of friendly and open-minded women were united in their no-judgement, ‘come as you are’ approach to the sport.    In short, when Cathy makes connections, she does it thoughtfully and with gusto.  She has a master’s degree in counseling and art therapy, and enjoys live music, hiking, going to fiber festivals, and spending time with her family and friends.  She and her husband are proud parents of an adorable 11-month old son who is on the brink of taking his first steps!  When asked if her Wellspring experience will make her a better parent, she responds, “It already has.”

Sara Osborne, LPC, LADC

Sara Osborne, LPC, LADC, Assistant Program Director, Angelus House

Sara joined Wellspring in 2014 as a per diem milieu counselor, a position she held for four years before leaving to explore and pursue a career in community substance use, and mental health treatment that ranged from macro level prevention initiatives to direct care in clinical care.  In 2024, she found her way back to Wellspring as a Psychotherapist and Assistant Director of Angelus House.

Sara has a master’s degree in community psychology from Sacred Heart University and clinical mental health counseling from University of Bridgeport. In addition to her work at Wellspring, Sara maintains a small private practice with a focus on providing EMDR and consultation.  She is working towards completing her PsyD in Clinical Psychology.  Sara enjoys attending live music concerts, spending time in nature, photography and finding joy in laughter.

Ashley Walters

Jeff Culhane, MS

Jeffrey Culhane, MS, Program Director- Adolescent Residential Program

Jeff joined Wellspring in 1994 and serves as the Program Director for Beauvais House, our adolescent girls program. In this role, he coordinates the integration of traditional, clinical and therapeutic milieu programs and activities. He also carries a clinical caseload as a therapist leading expressive groups.

Prior to his current role at Wellspring, Jeff was Clinical Supervisor at Wellspring’s Arch Bridge School. In that role, he supervised all clinical services of the Arch Bridge School and provided clinical direction to both the therapeutic school and parent programs.

Jeff is trained in Attachment, Expressive and Adlerian therapies. He earned his BA in Psychology from Southern CT State University and his MS from Southern CT State University. In his spare time Jeff is an assistant coach for youth soccer and enjoys sports, traveling, outdoor activities, writing, music, and spending time with his wife and two children.

Liz Bunovsky, LMFT

Elizabeth Bunovsky, LMFT, Primary Therapist

Liz joined Wellspring in 1999 as a Primary Therapist in our adolescent girls program.  Her role includes providing individual and family therapy, and leading substance abuse groups. Liz also sees clients through our outpatient counseling center.

Prior to joining Wellspring, Liz was the Outpatient Clinic Coordinator for Gilead Community Services, and worked in the partial hospitalization and inpatient programs at Natchaug Hospital. Liz has been a practicing Master’s Level Clinician for 22 years.

She earned her BA in Philosophy and MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at The University of Connecticut, and is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of CT. She has been a Girl Scout troop leader for 6 years, and is the proud mom of 2 children.

Holly Savage, MA

Holly Savage, MA, Primary Therapist

Holly is a primary therapist at Beauvais House, our adolescent girls program. She conducts individual, group and family therapy and runs our mind and body group. Her work has been informed by trainings in Jungian Sand Tray, eating disorders, women’s issues and relational treatment modalities.

Prior to her role here at Wellspring, Holly worked at Natchaug Hospital’s adolescent crisis unit and for Trinity College’s counseling center, bringing over 25 years of experience to Wellspring.

Holly earned her BFA from Southampton College, her BA in Psychology from Southampton College, and her MA in Clinical Practices in Psychology from the University of Hartford. She is a participant in the NPR Charter of Compassion, and is involved with the organization Free Tibet. Holly’s work is informed by Buddhist practices. In her free time, Holly enjoys spending time in her garden.

Sarah Vogt

Frankie McEneany, LMFT

Joe Mancinone, LMFT

Joe Mancinone, LMFT, Program Director- Shiloah

Joe first began working at Wellspring over 25 years ago.  His love of the outdoors inspired him to help develop a more experiential based programming with an emphasis on fun.  He and his wife are raising two daughters of their own and Joe has been an active soccer coach for their girls since they were old enough to kick a ball.

Joe is an Iraqi war veteran who began his education while stationed overseas.  Once stateside he attended the MFT program at SCSU.  As a LMFT he holds a clinical case load while working as the Girl’s Residential Program Director.  Joe takes every opportunity to find and share playful moments with the residents he works with.  Whether it’s impromptu dancing or multi day campouts with the residents, if there’s fun to be had you can usually find Joe out in front.

Stephanie Panico, LMFT

Stephanie Grimaldi, Psychotherapist/Assistant Program Director-Shiloah

Stephanie joined Wellspring in June of 2012 as a Milieu Counselor for 4 years and returned in 2019 becaming a Therapist for the Beauvais House.  She was promoted soon after and became the Assistant Program Director at the Shiloah House.  Her responsibilities are, but not limited to, gardening and running Flowers and Feelings Groups, Co-facilitating Expressive, Clinical and Multi-family Groups, and conducting weekly individual and family sessions.  Stephanie is known to fill in as a milieu counselor as needed and even cooks and cleans on occasion for the residents.

Stephanie graduated from UCONN with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology in 2013 and then went on to get her Master of Arts in Human Development and Family Studies which was completed in 2017.

After her first encounter with Wellspring Stephanie worked as a clinician at Stafford Family Services but eventually found her way back home to Wellspring.

Stephanie grew up in Burlington, CT and loves horses, reading and podcasts, gardening and camping trips with the residents of Shiloah.

Angela Allen

Krystyna Pasquariello

KRYSTYNA PASQUARIELLO Director of Education, Arch Bridge School

Drawn to the therapeutic education model of Arch Bridge School, Krystyna moved from her native New Hampshire nine years ago to begin her career as a Social Studies teacher.  She arrived with special education teaching experience, triple-state teaching certifications, a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, and notable musical and theatrical experience.  That said, what rose to the top was her unwavering commitment to help our students learn and thrive. Krystyna sprints with an undercurrent of curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm. A born leader, she is certified as an administrator and working towards completing her Special Education certification and is our new Director of Education!  Both at work and at home, she is a lifelong learner.  She loves to explore new music, new restaurants, and new places.  She has traveled to Croatia, Iceland, South Africa, Poland and many European countries.   She and her husband hope to resume travel and they have a few places on their list – New Zealand, Thailand and Viet Nam.   When she wants to relax, she finds a yoga mat or escapes in the company of a few super hero friends from Harry Potter, Marvel comics, Lord of the Rings, Start Wars and Star Trek.

Barbara Stolarik

Bio coming soon

Sabrina Tiso, LCSW

Sabrina Tiso, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor-Arch Bridge School

Sabrina joined the Wellspring team in 2002 and is the Clinical Supervisor of the Arch Bridge School’s Middle and High School Programs. Her responsibilities include coordinating intake interviews, communicating with prospective parents and Local Education Agencies, assisting in administrative decision making, and leading clinical groups for day students. She also supervises the School Clinicians who provide therapeutic support throughout the school day.

Her previous positions at Wellspring include the roles of Behavioral Specialist and School Social Worker.

Sabrina obtained her BA in Psychology at Fairfield University and her MSW at Columbia University. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified School Social Worker. Sabrina is a dessert aficionado and accomplished baker.

Susan Garthwait

Janet Gueli, LCSW

Janet Gueli, LCSW- School Clinician

Janet joined the Arch Bridge School at Wellspring in 2016 as a Behavioral Specialist.  Five years later her title was changed to School Clinician.

Janet obtained her Bachelor and then Master in Social Work along with a Master of Education.  She earned her license in Clinical Social Work in 2010 and holds a CT certificate 071-School Social Worker.

Before Janet came to Wellspring she was an Outpatient Therapist, an IICAPS Clinician and a Birth to Three Social Worker along with social work experience with CT DCF and NY ACS.  On top of all that, Janet also was a shelter worker for Domestic Violence and taught elementary education in CT and taught junior high and Pre-K at a private school in NYC.

As evident in her experience, Janet has always had a passion for working with children and teens.  She often refers to her students as her children and is very committed to Wellspring.

Leslie Persson, LCSW

LESLIE PERSSON-School Clinician, Wellspring’s Arch Bridge School

Leslie began her career at a Los Angeles based organization whose mission was to build safe, nurturing and resilient families. She worked with teenage girls who had experienced homelessness, family abuse and the ensuing mental health issues that come with childhood trauma.  The focus of the work was resource driven, and Leslie saw that as a sign to build up her counseling toolbox with a master’s degree in Social Work – a perfect complement to her bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  When Leslie describes her work as a School Clinician, her narrative Is a veritable gift to the Wellspring and Arch Bridge School community: “I help young people get out of their struggles to build better lives for themselves.” Not only does Leslie empower her students, she also inspires her two daughters to be their best.   She beams with joy when she shares stories about her 13-year old fraternal twins, and describes them as kind and smart.  Leslie makes a conscious effort to balance work and family with personal time. She subscribes to a steady routine of weight training and running and never misses an opportunity to feel grateful for life and for her work at Wellspring.  She loves to bake, travel and LOVES to speak French.

Kendra Pfahl

Kendra, Special Education Teacher

Kendra, our Consumer Math and Study Strategy teacher, is naturally inclined to introduce real-life practicality and loads of fun to her day-to-day curriculum.  An animal lover at heart, Kendra enjoys taking her students to Wellspring’s barn- the home of our goats, sheep, chickens and our bunny rabbit, Willow, that she helped bring to campus several years ago.  When you see her on campus, ask her to tell you about the 8-day journey she took on a horse across Ireland!

Frank Robacker

Frank Robacker, Special Education Teacher

Frank joined the Arch Bridge School at Wellspring in 2015 as the Assistant Director of Education.  In this role he supervised and evaluated staff and Teachers but Frank’s true passion was working closely with the students providing behavioral and instructional support.  Frank made the decision in 2019 that he would prefer to follow his heart and stepped into the role of Special Education Teacher.

Frank grew up in Branford, Ct and acquired a Master in Education and became CT State Certified in Social Sciences, Special Education and Intermediate Administration and Supervision.  Frank was the Director of Education for Road High School in Waterbury/Wallingford, Summit School in Manchester, Lake Grove in Durham, Deborah-Tennant Zinewicz School in Norwich and Natchaug Hospital School. He is a peer reviewer for the New England Association of Schools and a CT TEAM Mentor for beginning Teachers.

Frank’s personal passions are birding, Piano Improvisation, NBA, his children and grandchildren and promoting diversity.

Kellie Ahearn

Kellie Ahearn-Science Teacher

Kellie started at the Arch Bridge School at Wellspring in 2008.  She teaches Biology, Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science.

Sara Markman

Sara Markman, Science and Mathematics Teacher

Sara joined the Arch Bridge School at Wellspring as a Science and Math Teacher in the summer of 2021.  In her free time she is also a Religious School Teacher at Congregation Kol Haverim in Glastonbury CT.

Before Wellspring Sara worked at the Science Faculty at The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT after graduating with her Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University Of CT Neag School Of Education.

Sara is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AACT).

Sara’s hometown is in Wethersfield, CT and she is the proud owner of two dogs.

Rebecca Hoyt

Rebecca Hoyt, Social Studies Teacher-Arch Bridge School

Rebecca joined the Wellspring team in November of 2021 and is the Social Studies Teacher of the Arch Bridge School’s Middle and High School Programs. Her responsibilities include creating dynamic and multimodal lessons that help students to process and build a greater understanding of the essential ideas of social studies; working with students to develop core academic skills such as analytic writing and issue debating; working with the special education team to develop options for students with specific academic needs.

She earned an Artium Baccalaureus in German Studies and Government: International Relations at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, a Juris Doctor in Law at Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law in Oregon and a Master’s of Science in Education at the University of New Haven in Connecticut.

Rebecca has recently returned to her hometown of New Milford, CT after living in Norwich for 6 years.  Some great discussions have been formed as a result of her making herself known to her students as a huge fan of board/card/RPG games and anime.

Julie Armentano

Bio coming soon

Donald Amodio

Steve Smith, MBA

Cassandra Beauvais, DVM

Cassandra Beauvais, DVM, Animal Program Coordinator

Cassandra joined the Wellspring team in 1999 and is currently the Animal Program Coordinator. She works with residents and students in our unique land and animal programs and oversees the health and daily care of the farm animals on each of our campuses.

Prior to her current responsibilities, Cassandra was one of the original Milieu Counselors in our children’s program. She has also worked with at-risk youth in farm and forestry work at the Smokey House Center in Danby, Vermont.

Cassandra obtained her BS in Natural Resources from Cornell University and her DVM at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She also holds a certificate in animal-assisted therapy from University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work. She currently serves on the Bethlehem Conservation commission and spearheads Wellspring’s recycling efforts.

Marty Newell

Bio coming soon

Karen Anderson

Celia Pomerantz

Bio coming soon

Heidi Corey

Bio coming soon

Stephan Sundlof

Bio coming soon

Ronnie McQueeney

Bio coming soon

Timothy Keegan

Dawn Madigosky

Bio coming soon

Kristine

Donna Dickinson

Bio coming soon

Greg Miller

Tarah Zeiner

Joel Balisciano