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.

Bruce was introduced to Human Services in 2008 when a friend asked if he would be interested in helping develop a curriculum for a co-occurring adolescent program at Easter Seals of NH. This led to him going to work for them in their adolescent residential facility. He worked mainly on the co-occurring unit. He also had the opportunity to work on other units, including the non-verbal neuro unit. He was working with families as well as the medical, education, and judicial systems.

Greta has a background in working with homeless youth, crisis services, domestic violence, and residential treatment. She feels enthused to work with our clientele in a traditional outpatient treatment program here at our agency.

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.

Michelle has completed her studies in addiction treatment at Beal College and graduated magna cum laude. After obtaining her Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, she is continuing her education to expand her career treating substance use. She has a lot of experience with working with people in this field and brings a sense of true passion for the help and healing of anyone needing treatment.

April has worked with those struggling with addiction for nearly 15 years. She has experience in group and individual therapy. She spent eight years in the military and has a passion for working with veterans. April is dedicated to assisting her clients in obtaining life skills to maintain sobriety and recovery.

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 is currently completing his Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Husson University in Bangor, and working towards conditional LCPC licensure. He is excited to join the Dirigo team and has been trained to work with 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. One of the most satisfying things about counseling for him is educating clients about their brains and bodies, and the connections between them. The 'eureka!' moments, where clients gain understanding and insight into their emotions, reminds him of his own self-discovery. He learns something new from everyone he works with.

Kimberly is a clinical social worker who practices with adults, families, couples, adolescents and children. Kimberly serves individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, bipolar, and other mood disorders, executive functioning disorders, personality disorders, trauma recovery, and substance use recovery. Kimberly has several years experience working with adolescents and adults who identify as part of the LGBTQ community. Kimberly uses a customized approach to therapy based on each client’s needs, utilizing evidence based practices of parts work therapy, narrative therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational conversations and psychodynamic approaches. Kimberly is committed to meeting clients where they are at, acknowledging, and supporting needs, and empowering healing.

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.

Danielle graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May of 2021. Her passion has always been to try to understand and recognize life experiences and trauma, and how those affect our current state of being. She relies heavily on Erik Erikson’s eight stages of psychosocial developmental theory to identify how childhood trauma and experiences shape who we are in all stages of life. She uses a strength-based approach while incorporating CBT, DBT, interpersonal and psychodynamic therapy when appropriate. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, exploring new sights, gardening, and being anywhere on the ocean.

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."

I will use a client-centered approach as my patients and I develop a positive therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic modalities I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused therapy. These approaches allow my patients to make the association between how our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are connected. Recognizing patterns of maladaptive behaviors, emotional dysregulation, and irrational thoughts are essential for making positive changes. When small changes occur in any one area changes in all facets of a person's being follow suit. Together, we will develop both long and short-term goals that provide the patient with a direction in how to move from a state of emotional unreset to a clearer understanding of their individual situations.

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

Katarina graduated from the University of Maine in Orono with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She has experience working in adult case management with Dirigo Counseling as well as working in a crisis stabilization unit for individuals experiencing mental health crises. Katarina is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Antioch University New England where she intends to graduate and obtain her LCPC licensure. Katarina loves empowering people to be assertive, educating on communication skills and supporting people through their toughest moments and greatest successes.

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 majors in Mental Health and Human Services with concentrations in addictions and adult mental health. She is on track to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC) and is ambitious to work toward her LADC. She has previous experience in inpatient settings. She is highly motivated and passionate about this field of mental health. Felicia is excited to start her career at Dirigo Counseling, empowering and supporting one individual at a time.

After working for over 20 years in various aspects of the manufacturing industry, Michael desired to work in a field that placed people above profit. After returning to school 10 years ago, Michael started working part-time for a social service agency and has been in the field since that time, working extensively in crisis work and adults with developmental disabilities.

Julia graduated from the University of Maine, Augusta with a bachelor's degree in Social Science and a minor in English. She is currently enrolled at Husson University pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so that upon graduation she can continue to do what she loves: helping her community and advocating for Maine's mental health.

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.

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.