Counselors & Staff

Practice of counseling and psychotherapy at Dirigo Counseling Clinic since 2004 with a long history of a diverse practice in human services. Alan provides psychotherapy primarily for adults with mood, personality, and addictive disorders.

Jill played an instrumental role in the agency’s start-up phase in 2004 and has remained as the Administrative Director ever since. She brings many years of management experience to the agency. Jill oversees many gears in the day to day operations. She enjoys listening to all the success stories from clients and colleagues.

Jody works as Operations Manager for the four facility sites. He coordinates their development along with initiating proposals to the Board of Directors when studies of new catchment areas calls for our expansion.

Wayne has specific training in managing insurance claims and database management. He assures that claims are valid and accurate. He participates in utilization reviews, internal quality assurance audits, and statistical reports.

Robin shares her passion for the field of Mental Health and those served through her positions as the Community Support Supervisor and a Mental Health Therapist. Her tenacity, courage, and commitment fuels her service. She strives to help community support workers and clients rise to their potential and achieve their goals.

Lisa comes to Dirigo with 18 years experience in the medical field and the past 10 years in the billing department at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Her great skills and experience are esteemed by our practice.

Holly is the service supervisor for the
Substance Use programs. She earned her BS degree, summa cum laude, in Mental Health and Human Services with a concentration in addiction studies. Holly has experience working with individuals suffering from the disease of addiction as well as affected others. Holly has experience in individual and group counseling. Her focus is to assist her clients with building skills that will allow them to manage daily stressors more effectively; have healthy, intimate and interdependent relationships; and to handle stressful situations without the use of substances.

Wyatt works as our Facilities Manager for our three sites.. He brings 15 plus years experience in management and team building. We are grateful to have his knowledge and expertise keeping our facilities pristine.

I earned a Master of Science degree in Human Services, and throughout my studies, I focused on Clinical Mental Health Counseling, consequently, I developed a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by individuals in need of support. Over the years, I have worked with a diverse range of client populations including young adults, children, adolescents, and the geriatric population. I am well-versed in various approaches that have been proven effective, and I am dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest studies and integrated practices. I have had managerial and supervisory roles throughout my career. These experiences have allowed me to develop a well-rounded skill set and a keen understanding of the ever-changing and demanding conditions of the mental health industry. I am confident in my ability to adapt and thrive in this challenging environment, and I am motivated to make a positive impact in the lives of those I serve.

Katelyn is now a part of our admin team after moving from upstate New York in 2022. She is excited to join the Dirigo team and help the office run smoothly. When she is not at work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two dogs and going to see live music whenever possible!

Nicholas works as an Office Admin and brings along a little over 4 years of experience from patient access services. He has lived in Maine his whole life, but loves to travel to see and try new things. He is a foodie at heart, enjoys Strongman sports/events, strength training on his own time, and is an avid fan of Dragon Ball Z.

Olivia provides support to the clinical team through office management. She was born and raised in Maine. She loves to read when she isn’t in the office. She enjoys traveling and can be seen anywhere from Rhode Island to the very most northern part of Maine during summer weekends!

Greta is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Master Social Worker- Conditional Clinical Provider, bringing over 5 years of experience in providing personalized outpatient counseling services. With a strong commitment to promoting mental health and well-being, she employs a client-centered approach to address a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges. By fostering a supportive and nonjudgmental environment, she strives to empower individuals to discover their inner strength and resilience. Greta values the importance of building a collaborative therapeutic relationship, tailored to each individual’s unique needs and circumstances. With a deep understanding of various therapeutic modalities and evidence-based practices, including Solution Focused Approach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, she works diligently to guide clients toward positive growth and lasting emotional transformation. She is currently meeting with client’s utilizing telehealth.

Starting in the field in 2003 as a Direct Care Professional, Shannon worked at a residential treatment facility for dually diagnosed adolescents. Becoming very interested in both mental health and substance dependence, she went on to further her education at the University of Maine, Orono, gaining her Master’s in Social Work in 2007, and later her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). She has worked with a diverse population after graduating, including adolescents, adults, and families, allowing for growth of a diverse skill set.

Amanda has experience working in a community mental health clinic including forensic outpatient and the treatment of drug and alcohol disorders. She also has experience in a prison setting conducting individual and group therapy. Amanda’s approach to therapy is largely strength based which includes solution focused and cognitive behavioral models.

John has been trained to provide both mental health and substance use counseling to clients of all ages. John employs a person-centered approach, making clients the leaders of their own treatment and empowering them to make positive changes in their lives while drawing on additional techniques from CBT and mindfulness approaches to target thoughts and behaviors clients want to change. One of the most satisfying things about counseling for him is educating clients about their brains and bodies, and the relationship between them. The ‘eureka!’ moments, where clients gain understanding and insight into their own patterns, reminds him of his own self-discovery.

Jeff is completing his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Husson University. He enjoys serving clients from all backgrounds and creating dynamic and positive therapeutic relationships. Jeff employs a number of evidence-based counseling approaches and is committed to helping clients with their challenges while simultaneously uncovering their personal strengths and resilience.

Katherine comes to us as a therapist for the Department of Corrections with specialties in trauma treatment, depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. She uses a theoretical base of solution-focused, existential, and cognitive, behavioral orientations. “I have the basic belief that all people can change if they have skills and develop confidence that they can master their own destiny.”

Dominique has recently completed her Masters in social work from the University of New England and has become licensed as an LMSW-cc. She is excited to join the Dirigo team and has been trained to work with adolescents and adults in inpatient and outpatient settings. She is a certified drug and alcohol counselor and has experience running group and individual therapy. The modalities that she uses are motivational interviewing, CBT, and solution-focused approaches. She enjoys serving clients from all backgrounds and helping them feel empowered to guide their treatment. She focuses on creating a strong therapeutic alliance with clients and strives to provide a safe space, free from judgment

Jenna is a graduate from the University of Maine where she completed her Master’s in social work. Her goal is to create a grounding and safe space to explore complex emotions and experiences. She enjoys spending time in nature in her free time and tries to bring the peaceful aspects of the forest into the therapy setting. Nothing in nature stays the same all year, it has cycles and deaths and rebirths. Humans are a part of nature and therefore are always transforming and transitioning. Jenna honors this state of transformation in the therapy setting. She has experience working with survivors of trauma, children, and people struggling with depression and anxiety, though her office is open to people of all backgrounds. She uses a number of evidence-based interventions in her work, personalizing treatment based on the individual.

Shelly is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who brings to Dirigo over 10 years of experience in providing person-centered out patient therapy for all ages. She believes in providing a non-judgmental, supportive environment where individuals can develop resiliency and strength to face life’s many difficulties. She strives to build a collaborate therapeutic relationship with her clients and tailors approaches to each individual’s needs and situation. She brings her experiences as a school-based counselor, HCT therapist and individual outpatient therapist to help guide clients to be the best they can be. Shelly uses a variety of evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, solution focused, and trauma-based CBT. She has additional training related to treating individuals with Autism, those suffering from PTSD and those who are affected by addiction. She will meet with clients face-to-face and through telehealth. Shelly shares, “The most satisfying part of counseling is when the flame of hope is reignited thereby empowering individuals to be the best they can be.”

Marissa is a graduate of the University of Maine with her Master’s in social work, and is currently licensed as a LMSW-cc. Her approach to therapeutic practice is grounded in a deep belief in the transformative power of human connection. She aims to foster an environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, increase insights, and develop the tools necessary for a fulfilling life. She utilizes evidence-based practices to cultivate a personalized treatment plan tailored to each individual.

Erin recently graduated from Washington County Community College with
an Associates Degree in Mental Health and Human Services. She is enthusiastic about starting her new career to be of service and help to those that she longs to serve.

Taylor studied mental health at KVCC with plans to continue her education
in the field in the future. She brings years of experience helping to care for others in the medical field with great enthusiasm to continue to serve the wellbeing of others in the community.

Roseann brings to Dirigo with a variety of skills as having been in the medical field for almost 30 years. She is now a Certified Peer Support Specialist. She is excited to be a part of our team, giving her best for the people who need us. She has a passion for finding joy in small things in life, as she has beaten many obstacles toward success. She believes, “Success is not just based on monetary value.

Felicia graduated summa cum laude, earning her B.S. in Mental Health and Human Services, with concentrations in addiction and adult mental health. She is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor and is highly passionate about this field of mental health, community support, and substance use. She has previous experience in inpatient settings and enjoys empowering and supporting every individual.

Hello, my name is Christopher Foss. I grew up in New Hampshire, moved to Maine back around 2003, and over the years I have come to call this great state home. I have been a stay at home dad for almost as long as my children have been alive, so during Covid I decided to pursue a college degree and after two and half years I earned my Associates degree in Applied Sciences in Mental Health in May of 2023 along with my Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician/Community (MHRT/C) certification from KVCC (Kennebec Vally Community College) in Fairfield Maine. My wife and I have three children together and are very proud of them and all their achievements. Some things I enjoy are outdoors activities like fishing, biking, and hiking, I also consider myself a bit of an amateur mechanic. In my down time I enjoy playing video games with the kids, working on my 1917 Ford Model T and hanging out with friends when I get the chance.

Gianna has recently graduated from the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology accompanied by a minor in Mental Health and Rehabilitation. She will be pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to further her knowledge in the mental health field. She is excited to use her education and experience to provide support, guidance, and empowerment to individuals in the community.

Chandler is on course to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health. For 10 years, he has served as an advocate for persons who are on the autism spectrum and he has a wide variety of certificates in the mental health field. With a background in construction, he enjoys building many different things, especially items that can be of assistance to others. When he is not working, he is usually spending time with his family and working on craft projects at home.

A recent graduate from Eastern Maine Community College, Savannah earned her degree in Human Services. Savannah is originally from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and has lived in Maine since 2018. Savannah has previous experience in the fields of Behavioral Health, equine-assisted therapy, and hospitality. Savannah is passionate about providing quality mental health services and has close experience assisting loved ones through crisis and recovery.

I have been in the mental health field for 3 years. I just recently graduated the University of Maine in Augusta with a Bachelors in Health and Human Services. I love to be connected to nature. I also enjoy getting out to concerts and plays and could be lost on the streets of NYC.

Dr. Patten passionately shares the vision that is carried in the Mission Statement. He is an esteemed professional in the medical community and cares deeply about issues such as quality of patient care, the model of “recovery oriented” treatment, and patient empowerment. He provides Dirigo Counseling Clinic with consultation, policy formation, and strategic planning.

Dr. Jude has a long and diverse career as a Primary Care Provider and providing medical treatment. Mary seeks to follow her dual passions in public health and social justice in a mission-driven organization that puts people first, considers healthcare a basic human right and tirelessly pursues solutions to health disparities that are the result of social determinants of health. We feel very fortunate to have this highly trained and experienced professional to be a part of our team.

Ben is a Clinical Professional Counselor and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who has been practicing in the Bangor area since 2017 and is passionate about client-centered care with evidenced-based practices. Ben has been working in the mental health field since 2003 and has attended Hartwick College, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Malcolm X College, and University of Southern Maine. Ben has experience in hospitals, schools, and community mental health clinics in both urban and rural settings.