Wellspring Staff

Dan Murray, PsyD

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.

Kenitra Johnson

Bio coming soon

Phyllis Beauvais, PhD.

In 1977 Phyllis, together with her husband Richard Beauvais, became the co-founder of Wellspring. She is a body-oriented psychotherapist who has done extensive work in designing expressive and meditative therapies, many of which are part of the fabric of Wellspring. As CEO of Wellspring, she helped bring it to JCAHO accreditation in 1984. In 1994, she retired from operative involvement in the day-to-day work of Wellspring, though she continued to serve as a Member of the Board and Secretary of the Corporation.

Phyllis is a graduate of Loretto Heights College, San Francisco State College, and The Hartford

Seminary. She served on the Board of Directors of Friends of the United Nations and along with her husband, Richard, Phyllis is a cofounder of Promisek Incorporated, a Catholic educational and environmental association dedicated to facilitating the emergence of an authentic lay spirituality for our time, in dialogue with other faiths. She is a Core Oblate of the Abbey of Regina Laudis.

Nicole Gentili, LCSW

Bio coming soon

John Ewing, MD

Bio coming soon

Sara Van Doren, LCSW

Sara joined Wellspring in 2007 and works as a therapist at Angelus House, our adult residential program. In this role she provides individual, group, and family therapy. Sara was recently promoted to Program Director during the 2020 pandemic.

Prior to her role here at Wellspring, Sara worked at Valley Memorial Hospital in Livermore, CA, and brings over 10 years of mental health experience to Wellspring.

Sara earned her BA in Sociology from the University of Michigan and her Masters in Social Work from Ohio State University. In her free time, Sara enjoys doing Yoga and is an avid walker.

Gabby Rodriguez, LMFT

Bio coming soon

Cathy Nagle, LPC

Cathy Nagle, LMFT-Psychotherapist at the Beauvais 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.”

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 joined the Wellspring team in XX and 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.

Cathy Nagle, LPC

Cathy Nagle, LMFT-Psychotherapist at the Beauvais 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.”

Ann Watson

Bio coming soon

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 Grimaldi, 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.

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.

Suzette Maschi

Bio coming soon

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.

Peter Tehan

Bio coming soon

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.

Peter Caswell

Peter Caswell-Math Teacher

Certified to teach math, physics and earth science, Peter blends his 27 years of teaching experience with an emphasis on how these disciplines help his students appreciate the beauty and awe of our universe.

He received his Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from University of Massachusetts Lowell and teaching certification from Southern Connecticut State University.

Peter lives in Waterbury with his wife who is also a math teacher.  When they aren’t discussing the Pythagorean theory, they are playing music together.  Peter is a big sports fan, enjoys reading and is passionate about roasting coffee beans.

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

Karen Frazine

Karen Frazine, Art Teacher

Karen is a certified art teacher with a BS and an MS in Art Education. She has taught art in every grade, K-12, both full and part-time, in Connecticut and in New York State – with some time off in between to parent and to take care of her mother.

She enjoys everything about nature, and making every kind of art, as well as learning and doing every kind of home and garden design and DIY. She also loves learning about every kind of faith practice, and their origins and histories, and the study of personality theories.

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

Dee Hughes

Bio coming soon

Nancy Thurston

Bio coming soon

Vikki Palmer, RN

Bio coming soon

Amy Langevin

Bio coming soon

Celia Pomperantz

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Heidi Corey

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Bill Bailey

Bio coming soon

Ronnie McQueeney

Bio coming soon

Dawn Madigosky

Bio coming soon

Donna Dickinson

Bio coming soon

Sangeetham Mathi

Bio coming soon

Kelly Walsh

Bio coming too