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Holgate Mental Health

MEET OUR TEAM

Clinical Team

Natasha Davalt

Clinical Director

I have been working in the mental health/recovery realm since 2004 and the most rewarding part of the work is knowing that the care we provide can impact various areas of a person’s life. Areas that allow them to feel empowered in their capabilities, enlighten them to their potential and allow them to forgive themselves. I was drawn to Holgate Mental Health because I’ve worked in organizations that just treated people like a number; depersonalized, dismissed, and not valued. These companies see the individual as someone who has the potential to live a fulfilling life, and our team is enthusiastic in guiding them through this journey. What I love most about our staff here is that we’re humbled because addiction and mental health have impacted us personally and we use that experience to better relate and support those we serve. I am honored to be working in such an accepting environment and with such an amazing team.

Outside of my position as Clinical Director, I’m the mom of two beautiful boys and spend a lot of time emersed in their hip hop dancing, acting classes, playdates, and everything that comes from having two active kids. On the rare occasion that I have a moment to myself, I enjoy canvas painting, history tours, and Zumba. I am married to my best friend and our blended family, with all the adversities we’ve faced, not only fills me with pride but allows me to serve others with a more understanding perspective.

I’ve had the privilege of working in the criminal justice system, foster care, child and adolescent mental health, and with adults with physical and mental disabilities throughout my career but my heart always remained with dual diagnosis adults. As a mom balancing a career, family, personal interests and my own healing, I can sincerely appreciate the work it takes for this community to put their recovery first and I praise the resilience needed for them to continue their journey long-term.

Dr. Jeffrey Simon

Medical Director

Coming Soon

Nwadike Nwakanma

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Nwadike Nwakanma, PMHNP-BC, APN is a dedicated and compassionate psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner committed to delivering evidence-based, individualized care. She combines clinical expertise with a patient-centered approach to support mental wellness, promote recovery, and empower patients to achieve meaningful, lasting outcomes.

Nicole Potenza

Primary Therapist

Nicole is a compassionate Licensed Social Worker with extensive experience in trauma informed care, co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction recovery. With a foundational belief that healing is not one size fits all, Nicole is committed to meeting clients exactly where they are and ensures a safe, non judgemental environment for growth, resilience and change.

Having worked across diverse clinical settings with different populations including veterans and first responders Nicole brings a holistic approach to therapy. With a focus on evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and trauma informed care, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Her dedication to clients’ well being allows for a therapeutic alliance built on trust, empathy and empowerment prioritizing each individual’s autonomy and voice throughout the healing process.

With a strong belief in resilience Nicole is not only a therapist but a dedicated advocate for hope, healing and transformation. Her goal is to ensure every client feels seen, heard and supported as they navigate the path to emotional wellness.

Pablo Valdez

Primary Therapist

Pablo V. is a Licensed Associate Counselor who takes a warm, collaborative, and practical approach to therapy. He helps clients better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing healthy coping skills and working toward meaningful personal goals. His approach draws from CBT, DBT, and Motivational Interviewing, with an emphasis on meeting clients where they are while supporting growth, accountability, and lasting change.

Jean Morgan

Therapist/Case Manager

Jean Haig Morgan, M.A., MSW, LSW, is a licensed social worker with over 20 years of comprehensive experience across the mental health, medical, educational, and legal sectors. Holding advanced degrees in Social Work and Educational Administration from Temple University and Rowan University, respectively, she has served in a wide range of impactful roles—from school social worker to principal and director of special services. In addition to her academic and professional background, Jean holds certifications in family mediation, divorce mediation, and crisis intervention. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of her clients, whether guiding families through the complexities of divorce or helping individuals manage acute mental health challenges.

Currently practicing as an individual and family therapist, Jean is known for her compassionate, culturally sensitive approach and her ability to effectively support clients in crisis. Her extensive and varied experience allows her to stay calm under pressure and provide targeted, responsive care in high-stakes situations, including psychiatric and behavioral emergencies. Whether working in-person or remotely, Jean brings a strong foundation in clinical practice, exceptional communication skills, and a deep sense of empathy.

Megan Hunter-Couram

Group Facilitator

Megan Hunter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families across school, behavioral health, and hospital settings. She brings a practical, supportive approach to treatment, helping clients manage stress, anxiety, emotional regulation, family challenges, and life transitions while building healthier coping skills and greater confidence.

Julia Hyman

Behavioral Technician

Coming Soon

Ashley Massimino

Clinical Coordinator

Coming Soon

Business Team​

Kenneth Sass

Operations Manager
Kenneth Sass serves as Operations Manager of Holgate Mental Health, providing strategic oversight of organizational operations, program development and service delivery. With more than 25 years of leadership and business experience, he brings a disciplined approach to operational growth, staff coordination and performance improvement.

His work is focusedon strengthening clinical systems, supporting high-quality behavioral health services and advancing Holgate Mental Health’s commitment to accessible, effective and professionally delivered care.

Emily Di Stasi

CCO

With over 15 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Emily serves as Chief Commercial Officer for Peak Mental Health, leading the organization’s growth and admissions strategy with a strong focus on expanding access to quality mental health care.

 

Known for building high-performing teams and developing meaningful referral and payer relationships, Emily brings a strategic yet compassionate approach to leadership. Throughout her career, she has successfully driven organizational growth while maintaining a patient-centered focus rooted in integrity, collaboration, and clinical excellence.

 

As Chief Commercial Officer, Emily oversees strategic planning, admissions strategy, and community partnerships, helping ensure individuals and families can access the support and treatment they need. Her passion for behavioral health is grounded in the belief that recovery and healing are possible when care is accessible, personalized, and delivered with empathy.

 

Emily is committed to advancing innovative outpatient mental health services that empower clients, strengthen communities, and create lasting positive outcomes.

Jonathan Curl

Director Of Operations

Helping people become the people they were always intended to be is truly what working in this field is all about. Being a support in helping people become the best version of themselves is by far the best feeling in the world.

 

I knew that I had a vision for what treatment should look like, and the vision and mission statements at CDRC encompass the same vision I believe in. Having a working environment where there is no “I,” but rather “we,” is a valuable concept to me personally, and it has been that way here at CDRC since Day 1! “When ‘I’ becomes ‘WE,’ even illness becomes wellness.”

I love traveling all over following Phish. Away from that, spending time on the softball field, golf course, and with my five children is where I can be found. Before working in the recovery field, I had always worked in the restaurant business, from pizza shops to fine five-star dining.

At CDRC, I am the Program Supervisor. I am a clinical counselor, as well as an overseer of the operational duties in our clinical building. I personally believe that we all work best when an environment is created where we, as a staff, can all feel comfortable to the point that we can be our true selves, as this is what will best help our patients. Genuine, honest, humble, and approachable is who I aim to be on a daily basis, which I believe is what gives people a feeling of ease in coming to me for any reason at any time.

My favorite aspect of working at CDRC is that it is truly family! The team could not have been hand-selected any better than it has organically been put together. I know that I can rely on and trust every move made by my colleagues.

William Haight

Director of HR

With more than 10 years of experience in Human Resources, Will is a dedicated HR professional with a proven commitment to building high-performing teams, strengthening workplace culture, and helping organizations achieve their goals through effective people strategies.

Holding two degrees in Human Resource Management, he combines academic expertise with extensive hands-on experience in employee relations, talent acquisition, compliance, leadership development, performance management, and organizational growth.

Using a people-centered approach, Will works to create workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. With a strong understanding of both the business and human sides of an organization, and provides practical HR solutions that promote accountability, engagement, and long-term success.

Driven by integrity and results, Will brings a passion for developing people and creating stronger organizations – one employee, team, and workplace at a time.

Rosie Wells, MBA

Director of Business Development

Rosie Wells is a mental health professional with over 14 years of experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment. She currently serves as Director of Business Development for Peak Mental Health, Clear Directions Recovery, and Holgate Mental Health.

Rosie holds a BS in Behavioral Science and an MBA. She is passionate about building strong community partnerships, connecting individuals to quality care, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.

Kyle Cary

Admissions Coordinator

With more than 10 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare field, Kyle serves as an Admissions Coordinator dedicated to helping individuals and families take the first step toward healing and recovery. Drawing on extensive knowledge of mental health and substance use treatment services, he provides compassionate guidance and support throughout the admissions process.

 

Known for a warm, empathetic approach, Kyle works closely with prospective patients, families, referral sources, and treatment professionals to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition into care. He understands that seeking treatment can be overwhelming and is committed to making the process as straightforward, supportive, and informative as possible.

Throughout his career, Kyle has developed a deep understanding of behavioral health treatment and the unique needs of those seeking help. By listening carefully, answering questions, and connecting individuals with appropriate levels of care, he helps ensure each client begins their treatment journey with confidence and support.

Bridget Hanna

Admissions Coordinator

I’m an Admissions Coordinator specializing in mental health and substance use treatment. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the admissions process and connect with the care and support they need. I strive to make every person feel heard, respected, and supported during what can be a difficult time. I take pride in being compassionate, responsive, and dedicated to helping people take the first step toward recovery.

Drew Bowker

Admissions Coordinator

As an Admissions Coordinator at Holgate Mental Health, I play an essential role in helping individuals and families navigate the admissions process and connect with the appropriate level of behavioral health care. I bring a compassionate, patient-centered approach to working with prospective clients, families, referral sources, and clinical staff.

 

I understand that reaching out for mental health treatment can be a difficult and overwhelming decision. Through clear communication, responsiveness, and personalized support, I strive to make the process of accessing care as comfortable and seamless as possible. One of my favorite aspects of the recovery field is the sense of community it creates. I find it incredibly rewarding to see individuals support one another, celebrate milestones, and build hope and resilience throughout their recovery journeys. As part of the Holgate Mental Health team, I am committed to building meaningful relationships with clients, families, and community referral partners while helping individuals take an important step toward recovery and improved mental health.

Will Wilcox

Outreach Coordinator
With four years of dedicated service in the behavioral health and substance use disorder sector, will serves as a vital link in Business Development and Client Care. Will combines a deep understanding of facility growth and professional networking with an unwavering commitment to client well-being.
By fostering strong relationships with healthcare providers and families alike, he ensures that those struggling with mental health challenges and SUD are seamlessly connected to the resources they need to thrive. His work is centered on empathy, integrity, and clinical accessibility.

Debbie Breheny

Business Development Representative

Debbie Breheny brings a relationship-centered approach to business development at Holgate Mental Health, combining her experience in behavioral healthcare with a genuine passion for mental health advocacy, community connection, and improving access to quality care.

 

Throughout her career, Debbie has worked across the behavioral health and substance use fields, building meaningful relationships with professionals and organizations throughout New Jersey and the surrounding region. She believes that strong community partnerships and open communication play an important role in creating a more connected behavioral healthcare system.

 

Currently pursuing her degree in psychology, Debbie has a deep interest in human behavior, mental health, and the experiences that shape an individual’s overall well-being. Her commitment to the field extends beyond business development, with plans to continue her education and ultimately pursue clinical licensure.

 

Debbie is known for her warm, energetic, and authentic approach to relationship building. She values getting to know the people and organizations she works with, understanding their needs, and developing lasting partnerships rooted in trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to improving mental healthcare.

 

At Holgate Mental Health, Debbie is passionate about strengthening Holgate’s presence within the community, developing meaningful partnerships, increasing awareness of mental health resources, and helping make quality behavioral healthcare more accessible to those who need it.

Alexis Harvey

Alumni Outreach Coordinator

I’m a dedicated recovery professional with long term sobriety and a deep passion for helping others reclaim their lives from addiction and mental health challenges. My personal journey gives me a unique understanding of the courage, vulnerability, and resilience it takes to heal and grow. 

At Peak Mental Health, Clear Directions Recovery Center and Holgate Mental Health, I strive to create a safe, supportive and judgement-free environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered. 

I believe recovery is about more than just abstinence- its about rebuilding confidence, restoring relationships and finding purpose again. I am passionate about walking alongside people through some of the hardest moments of their lives and reminding them that change is possible. Watching clients rediscover their strength and take their lives back is the most rewarding part of the work I do.