Meet The Team
Josh Benton, BSBA
Chief Executive Officer
Josh specializes in business leadership and consulting for behavioral health companies, with over two decades of experience as Executive Director and founder of recovery programs across Connecticut and Massachusetts. He has been in personal recovery since 2001.
Jill Griffin, LCSW, LADC
Chief Operating Officer
Jill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor with EMDR certification, specializing in trauma and co-occurring disorders. She is the founder of Inspire Recovery and has served as Clinical Director for veteran and DMHAS residential crisis programs across Connecticut.
Sarah Allen Benton, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC
Chief Clinical Officer
Sarah is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor with clinical experience at McLean Hospital and programs across Connecticut and Massachusetts. She is a published author and international presenter on behavioral health topics.
Teo-Carlo Straun, M.D.
Medical Director
Dr. Straun is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, with a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry from Yale School of Medicine, where he serves as a Research Scientist and Lecturer.
Lex Banks, LPC
Clinical Director
Lex is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in mental health disorders, eating disorders, and ADHD, with experience across private practice, IOP, and residential treatment settings serving clients of all ages.
Joanna Ahern, LMSW
Program Director
Joanna is a Licensed Master Social Worker with experience across detox, residential, and outpatient settings, including specialized work with first responders. She holds dual social work degrees from Florida Atlantic University and is trained in CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care.
Brianna Nash, LCSW
Primary Therapist
Brianna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, and gender and sexuality concerns. She holds an MSW from New York University and integrates CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness in her work with children, families, and young adults.
Jocelyn Scallion, LMSW
Primary Therapist, Mission Reset
Jocelyn is a Licensed Master Social Worker and U.S. Army combat Veteran with deployment experience in Operation Enduring Freedom. She specializes in veteran mental health, trauma-informed care, CBT, and somatic therapy, with experience at the VA in West Haven and Aware Recovery Care.
Rebecca Washington, LCSW
Individual and Family Therapist
Rebecca is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, UConn School of Social Work graduate, and Connecticut Army National Guard Veteran with over a decade of experience in co-occurring disorders and substance use recovery. She specializes in group facilitation for mental health and substance use treatment.
Alexandra Heller, LPCA
Primary Therapist
Alexandra is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate holding a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of New Haven. She specializes in anxiety, depression, behavioral dysregulation, and crisis intervention, with experience serving clients ages 6 through adult.
Timothy Hall, LPCA
Primary Therapist
Tim is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate and retired 10-year Police Officer specializing in PTSD, trauma, and first responder mental health. He is trained in Trauma-Focused CBT and Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization (ASSYST) and works with adults, couples, active military, and veterans.
Madeline Sadlowski, Physician Assistant
Prescriber
Maddie is a Physician Assistant specializing in psychiatry and addiction medicine. A Yale School of Medicine graduate, she offers patient-centered psychiatric evaluation and medication management for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges.
Jewel Walters-Davis, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC
Prescriber, Mission Reset
Jewel is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of nursing experience across emergency, inpatient psychiatry, and medication-assisted treatment settings. She earned her MSN from MCPHS and her BSN from the University of Rhode Island.
Nikki Fabish
Office Manager
Nikki brings extensive administrative experience in behavioral health settings, including roles at The Retreat in New Haven, CT. She serves as a patient advocate and is dedicated to maintaining an efficient, welcoming environment for clients and staff.
Mike Radke
Admissions and Marketing Associate
Mike transitioned from the construction industry to dedicate himself to the behavioral health and recovery community. He supports individuals and families through the admissions process with a compassionate, detail-oriented approach.
Rachel Hottin, LPC
Group and Intake Therapist
Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Connecticut with over 6 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults across PHP, IOP, and Eating Disorder Treatment settings. She is trained in DBT and skilled in group therapy and crisis management.
Nicole Castiglioni, LPC
Group Therapist
Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified EMDR Therapist, and EMDRIA Approved Consultant specializing in traumatic stress, anxiety, and substance use disorders. She is an EMDR Training Facilitator with the Humanitarian Assistance Program and a member of the Fairfield County Trauma Response Team.
Keith Abare
Peer Support Specialist, Mission Reset
Keith is a certified peer support specialist with 27 years of public service, including 22 years as a Corrections Officer. He is certified by the National Critical Incident Stress Foundation and specializes in peer support for first responders following critical incidents.
Marva Beckford, LCSW
Individual and Group Therapist
Marva is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in individual and group therapy for mental health and substance use disorders. She holds an MSW from the University of Connecticut and has held leadership and supervisory roles at Natchaug Hospital and Root Center for Advanced Recovery.
Dana Ashby
Admissions and Alumni Coordinator Intern
Dana holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Forensic Psychology from the University of New Haven and brings nearly 20 years of experience supporting justice-involved individuals with mental health and addiction challenges. She currently serves as Director of Community Forensic Services at the Connecticut Mental Health Center.