Connecticut's Premier Detox, Residential Treatment & Sober Living Campus
Insurance Accepted | 860-927-3772
Connecticut's Premier Detox, Residential Treatment & Sober Living Campus
Insurance Accepted | 860-927-3772
We’re here to support you in your recovery. Let us know the type of information you’d like to see added to the web or have emailed to you. We welcome your ideas on how to build a strong community and a better alumni connection.
Ready to Start Your Journey toward Recovery?
High Watch Recovery Center
P.O. Box 607 Kent, CT 06757
860-927-3772
Copyright © 2023 High Watch Recovery Center. All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Notice
Director of Development
Bill Wilson, in a letter to Sister Francis about Joy Farm, now High Watch, wrote: “Some of us have a little money and a few of us have none but I am sure that you may depend on each to contribute according to his ability…”
Alice Bemand, Director of Development, is proud to have created the first fund development program in the history of High Watch. Ms. Bemand was brought on board to help develop a capital campaign to build the desperately needed detoxification facility. Overseeing the gala to celebrate the 80th anniversary of High Watch has been a highlight! Alice most enjoys her relationships with donors, many of whom are alumni of High Watch.
Alice would love to take you on a tour, enjoy lunch in the High Watch dining room and discuss the ways that your donation will make a difference in the lives of those suffering from the disease of addiction. Your gift of any amount is a gift of hope.
Human Resources Generalist
Lauren is a licensed clinical social worker having treated individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders in both residential and outpatient settings prior to her arrival at High Watch. Lauren has a warm, yet direct approach and believes that the healing relationship built within the therapeutic space is incredibly important for those in recovery from addiction and trauma. Lauren believes that true recovery is more than just putting the drink or drug down; it is about shifting perspective, accountability, repairing families, emotional connections, self-forgiveness, and living a life of integrity. She strives to connect, understand, and walk beside each of her clients throughout their process. She understands the importance of individualized care and incorporates various evidence-based practices into both her private and group therapy sessions. Lauren also acknowledges the value of family inclusion in guest care to strengthen at-home resources, improve relationships that have been damaged, and offer support to loved ones who have, too, been impacted by active addiction along the way. She has received training in Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the 12-steps, Trauma therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Lauren completed the Advanced Standing Program at Southern Connecticut State University and holds her Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Human Resources Generalist
With over 5 years of experience in HR, Crystal has learned the importance of communication, collaboration and teamwork.
She obtained her Master’s degree in Human Resources Management while being a mother of three children, which is no easy task.
Ultimately, her goals as an HR professional are to drive the organization forward, be a motivator for others, and gain a sense of personal achievement.
Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Rory Condon is a board-certified lifespan psychiartic-mental health nurse practitioner. He has been working in mental health for over a decade in a variety of different patient centered roles. Rory’s previous professional experience has been with individuals across the spectrum of psychiatric care from those requiring acute stabilization to ongoing maintenance care. He worked at Yale Psychiatric Hospital, the Crisis Intervention Unit of Yale Emergency Department, headed the psychiatric consultation liaison service at Griffin Hospital, residential substance abuse care, and in private practice among other settings. In 2018 Rory received the Outstanding Newcomer Award from Yale New Haven Health System, being named one of the two best APRNs hired across that system that year.
Rory did his advanced practice training at Yale School of Nursing. He holds a Masters in Applied Psychology from Fairfield University as well as two bachelor’s degrees from Quinnipiac University in both Nursing and History.
Rory takes a holistic approach to helping individuals manage mental illness through psychopharmacological, psychotherapeutic, and lifestyle interventions. He emphasizes psycho-education and shared decision making in his approach to supporting clients in reaching their goals.
Step Coaching Services Coordinator
Finding purpose and the tools to cultivate a meaningful life through the Twelve Steps inspired Bronwyn to work with others to provide education, guidance, and accountability to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders. Through individualized Step work, one-on-one coaching sessions, and recovery group facilitation, she encourages the guests’ compassion and acceptance of self and others through spiritual principles.
Bronwyn has been in sustained recovery since 2002. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2007 with a B.A. in Sociology and became a Certified Addiction Counselor in 2022. She has experience working in the mental health field since 2007 and joined High Watch as a 12-Step Coach in 2019. Her favorite pastimes include nature walks, baking, travel, performing in local community theatre productions, and spending time with family. Bronwyn lives in Kent with her loving husband and their two beautiful children.
Continuing Care
Lou is an alumnus of High Watch and came through in 2004. He has been working here since 2005 and has been doing continuing care since 2010. “One of the greatest gifts I get from working here is to help our guests find themselves after they have been lost for so long.”- Lou
Director of Utilization Review
Megan Miller(CAC) has been working with High Watch since 2017 in the insurance department. As a guest once, herself, she knows how critical it is to stay in treatment as long as possible to ensure the best possible outcomes for long term recovery.
She credits High Watch with helping her learn how to live a sober life and enjoys watching guests learn this as well.
Clinician
Lauren is a licensed clinical social worker having treated individuals struggling with substance use and mental health disorders in both residential and outpatient settings prior to her arrival at High Watch. Lauren has a warm, yet direct approach and believes that the healing relationship built within the therapeutic space is incredibly important for those in recovery from addiction and trauma. Lauren believes that true recovery is more than just putting the drink or drug down; it is about shifting perspective, accountability, repairing families, emotional connections, self-forgiveness, and living a life of integrity. She strives to connect, understand, and walk beside each of her clients throughout their process. She understands the importance of individualized care and incorporates various evidence-based practices into both her private and group therapy sessions. Lauren also acknowledges the value of family inclusion in guest care to strengthen at-home resources, improve relationships that have been damaged, and offer support to loved ones who have, too, been impacted by active addiction along the way. She has received training in Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and the 12-steps, Trauma therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Lauren completed the Advanced Standing Program at Southern Connecticut State University and holds her Master’s Degree in Social Work.
Physician Assistant
Meghan received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Cornell University. She spent the majority of her career practicing Emergency Medicine prior to transitioning to Addiction Medicine. Although she loved working in Emergency Medicine, Meghan was often frustrated by the short term care she was able to provide in the Emergency setting for those suffering from complications of poor mental health and untreated addiction. She is thrilled to be working at High Watch and thoroughly enjoys working with each guest to achieve better physical health.
Meghan received her Bachelor of Arts from NYU where she studied vocal performance. Following this she attended Penn State University and received her Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate. She is currently enrolled in Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions Psychiatry Certificate program with the aim to provide exceptional, comprehensive care to our guests.
Counselor
Jesse is a Licensed professional counselor specializing in both mental health and recovery for over a decade. Jesse brings a wealth of experience with family work, prevention and 12-step facilitation into his role at High Watch as a primary therapist. Jesse is trained in Family Constellation Therapy and specializes in men’s issues. Jesse received his Master of Science in Community Mental Health Counseling from Southern New Hampshire in 2011. Jesse is also a certified school counselor and has experience working with youth. Jesse believes that building rapport and guiding guests to become the most authentic version of themselves while making lasting healthy connections, helps in building long term recovery.
Counselor
Kimberly has been working with individuals struggling with addiction and mental health for over a decade. She has worked in both private and non-profit settings and has helped individuals through residential and detox recovery.
Working directly with High Watch guests and seeing them progress is the most rewarding part of Kimberly’s work and she works directly with our guests do develop individualized treatment based on their unique needs and strengths.
Kimberly holds a certification in Co-occurring Disorders and Addiction. She is a Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Kimberly received her MS in Community Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.
Kimberly has completed 200 hours of specialized trauma training through Spirit to Spirit to become a Certified Trauma Therapist.
Therapist
Danielle is a talented therapist with a specific expertise and interest in Art Therapy. She is licensed as a registered art therapist working towards her board certification.
Danielle has many years of experience in both outpatient and residential recovery settings. In addressing the needs of High Watch guests, Danielle utilizes a number of treatment modalities including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Seeking Safety protocols, and Trauma-focused Interventions.
Danielle received her Bachelors Degree from Assumption College and her Master of Science Degree in Art Therapy/Counseling from Springfield College.
Clinical Coordinator
Janet is a seasoned social work professional with over 30 years’ experience working with clients spanning all age groups. She has held both clinical and administrative roles and has received four awards for outstanding performance in the social work field in the past six years.
Janet has expertise in treating individuals with co-occurring disorders. She has a strength-based approach to treatment and believes strongly in empowering individuals to take charge of their recovery. She utilizes evidence-based treatment including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Janet believes that the greatest calling in life is to be of service to others.
Janet received her BA in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University and her MSW from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Janet has completed 200 hours of specialized trauma training through Spirit to Spirit to become a Certified Trauma Therapist.
Clinical Director
Tami-Jo has worked in the behavioral health field and with individuals in crisis in residential and outpatient settings.
At High Watch she utilizes Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help guests work through their addiction. She believes in the importance of evidence-based practice in preventing relapse, which is a central focus of her work.
She is very active as a volunteer and leader in the non-profit behavioral health community and serves on the Board of Directors of the McCall Center for Behavioral Health in Torrington, CT.
Tami-Jo received her BA in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University. She received a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University. She is certified in Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Suicide Prevention, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate.
Tami-Jo has completed 200 hours of specialized trauma training through Spirit to Spirit to become a Certified Trauma Therapist.
Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
A Board Certified Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Specialist. Donna brings extensive management and nursing experience to the High Watch clinical team.
As a clinician, Donna’s approach is holistic. Her education in psychotherapy was Interpersonal, but as her style has developed, it has become more eclectic, including more CBT and mindfulness techniques.
She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Honor Society of Nursing, and is a member of the American College of Nurse Practitioners, AANP, and the American Nursing Association, ANA. She is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatric Nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Ms. Hoskins is credited with being one of the founders of Women’s Support Services in Sharon, CT, as well as, one of the developers of the Cornwall Child Center in Cornwall, CT.
Ms. Hoskins holds a BA from George Washington University and a Masters degree in Psychiatric Nursing from St. Joseph’s College, in West Hartford.
Therapist
Lauren is an experienced therapist having treated individuals struggling with substance use disorder in both residential and outpatient settings prior to her arrival at High Watch..
She focuses on providing person-centered, individualized care from a trauma informed perspective. Lauren runs High Watch’s women’s relapse prevention groups and creates strong bonds within the group, modeling healthy relationships.
Lauren received her BS and MS in social work from Southern Connecticut State University.
Clinician
Jessica brings a wealth of knowledge about gender sensitive, trauma informed care in her role as a clinician at High Watch Recovery Center. Jessica has specialized training in “A Woman’s Way Through The 12 Steps” which is directly in line with High Watch’s philosophy of care. Jessica has prior experience working with other residential treatment programs. She finds addressing all areas that encompass addiction including behaviors associated with cross addiction and co-occurring disorders, is critical to building solid foundations of recovery. Jessica employs a number of treatment modalities but maintains a strong preference for the power of group work.
Jessica holds her Master’s Degree in Human Services with a concentration in alcohol and drug counseling from Post University. Jessica is also an LADC and a CAC.
Coordinator of Trauma Services
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dana Pollack is recognized for her ability to develop individualized treatment for residents based upon their strengths using an eclectic approach. Ms. Pollack is a specialist in relapse prevention using cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Helping someone to better understand themselves or move through a difficult situation in their life, is what Dana finds the most rewarding part of her work.
Ms. Pollack received her MSW in Social Work with a specialization in addictions from Fordham University and her BS from Dominican College.
Ms. Pollack has completed 200 hours of specialized trauma training through Spirit to Spirit to become a Certified Trauma Therapist.
Director of Psychiatry
A Board Certified Psychiatrist, Dr. Williamson brings a special focus on emotional health and well-being to our guests.
Prior to joining the medical team at High Watch, she served as Attending Psychiatrist in the partial hospitalization program at Backus Hospital in Norwich, CT.
Dr. Williamson has spent her career working closely with clinicians, social workers, and other medical professionals to treat the whole individual on a collaborative manner. She most enjoys building connections with guests and helping them to comprehend the challenges they face in their lives and how best to feel empowered to work through them.
Dr. Williamson received her degree in medicine from Ross Medical School. She completed her residency at the University of Alabama in Birmingham.
Vice President of Communications and Chief Marketing Officer
“Our storied history demands that we remain stewards of Bill Wilson and the many trailblazers in recovery who have defined High Watch. As world leaders in alcohol and addiction treatment, we have an obligation to share our mission and our programs with colleagues, our alumni, and those seeking recovery.”
Jason is a communications strategist with many years of experience in healthcare and advocacy.
He focuses primarily on spreading the word about High Watch’s 80 year history, its close ties to the Twelve Steps, and the tremendous work the High Watch family does every day. In his role, he oversees all external communications including Alumni Relations, Development, Outreach and Business Development, Outcomes Research, digital and social media, and community and public relations.
Jason is a frequent presenter at conferences, seminars, and webinars speaking primarily about public affairs, advocacy, and the ethics of marketing. He is proud of the work that his team does in maintaining close ties with alumni and in sharing High Watch’s expertise with colleagues both locally and around the world.
View Jason’s webinar at this link for the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.
View Jason’s webinar at this link for the NCAD 2020 Virtual Conference, titled “Policy, Power and Politics: Advancing Your Agenda with Legislators and Regulators”
Listen to Jason’s podcast at this link about marketing in the addiction recovery industry.
Vice President of Operations
“I believe in High Watch because I am a product of this amazing place. I can relate directly to what our guests face every day and I love watching them grow in their recovery. The clinicians and staff here do amazing things for our guests and I’m very fortunate to be a part of it.”
After twenty years managing some of New York’s top restaurants, Brendan came to High Watch as a guest and never looked back. He began working with High Watch in 2011 as a member of our Admissions team and has accelerated to his current position of Vice President of Operations.
Brendan works directly with all departments to ensure that the needs of each and every one of our guests are met uniquely in the way that best guides them along the path to recovery. He leads and oversees the care, services and treatment delivered to our guests and he ensures that those services are delivered in a safe and effective manner.
Vice President of Medical Affairs
Board certified in Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Boris is an award-winning physician.
He has served most recently as the Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT from 2002 – 2020. He is also an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Quinnipiac University School of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Boris believes that guests of High Watch should receive holistic care for more than just their mental health and addiction needs. He believes that their physical health is equally important in ensuring that guests are able to manage their addiction successfully.
Dr. Boris received his degree in medicine from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health center in Bronx, NY. He is certified as a Medical Review Officer by the AMMRO.
Chief Financial Officer
“None of our truly talented clinicians can do their work if we do not have the financial resources to facilitate it. Central to our effort here is our ability to pay for the treatment we provide to our guests. We take that responsibility very seriously.”
Derek has an extensive background in non-profit, medical research and healthcare finance and administration having served as a Chief Financial Officer exhibiting strong organizational and leadership performance.
His role at High Watch is to ensure that we have the financial capacity to deliver the care and services our guests need day in and day out. His work and the work of his team is critical to our mission of seeing the disease of addiction go into remission for each individual who passes through our door.
He is directly responsible for overseeing our core mission of Fiscal Stewardship: “We shall manage responsibly the resources of the Farm and commit ourselves to be good and faithful stewards of all donations.”
Vice President of Programming
Jess serves High Watch as Vice President of Programming. In that role, she oversees all recovery programs and manages the guest experience.
Jess has spent much of her career with international non-government organizations. She has volunteered in African and Asian nations caring for and supporting displaced, vulnerable, and underserved populations.
Jess graduated summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut with a degree in International Social Justice. She then graduated with High Honors from the University of Connecticut School of Law, and is a member of the Connecticut Bar. While at UConn Law, Jess served as a Notes and Comments Editor for the Connecticut Law Review, and published an article, Identity and Personhood: Advocating for the Abolishment of Closed Adoption Records Laws, in a 2017 edition of the law journal. She also served as a Judicial Intern for the Honorable Victor A. Bolden in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. Before coming to High Watch, Jess worked as an attorney at Shipman & Goodwin LLP.
Jess has spent considerable time visiting temples, backpacking, and engaging in spiritual exploration in India and Thailand.
View Jess’s webinar with Russell Brand at this link.
Vice President of Admissions
“My role is to break down barriers to recovery. When someone battling addiction comes to us seeking help, the admissions staff and I do whatever it takes to get that person into High Watch. I know this is the best place with the best people and we in admissions are the gateway to the help guests need.”
Rob has been with High Watch since 2007 and ensures that individuals in need of assistance can be placed with us immediately.
He works directly with guests, their families and caregivers to navigate the insurance approval process and to make arrangements for self-paying individuals. Rob believes that it is essential that individuals seeking help with their addiction not be turned away. The fact that they have come to High Watch seeking help is so important and there may not be another opportunity to get that person on the road to recovery.
President & Chief Executive Officer
“I believe in The High Watch Way and our Core Set of Values and I see first-hand every day how we save lives and families here at High Watch. I am proud to ensure that our guests are treated respectfully and with integrity by our team of compassionate, talented staff.”
Jerry has over twenty years of experience as an executive with non-profit healthcare organizations. Prior to joining High Watch, Jerry was the Executive Director of a Connecticut-based emergency medical service provider. Jerry is a licensed paramedic and served for many years as the President and Chairman of a large non-profit paramedic service in Southern Connecticut. He also serves on the State of Connecticut Alcohol & Drug Policy Council.
Outside of his work with High Watch, Jerry is very active in charitable social service organizations. Domestically, Jerry has served as a municipal Ethics Commissioner, as a Board member of the Pomperaug Health District, and as a member of the Connecticut Department of Public Health EMS Advisory Board. Internationally, he is the Co-founder of Empowering Communities Worldwide, which sponsors and organizes free medical aid missions to traditionally under-served, sub-Saharan African nations.
Vice President of Medical Affairs
Board certified in Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Boris is an award-winning physician.
He has served most recently as the Chairman of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Griffin Hospital in Derby, CT from 2002 – 2020. He is also an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Quinnipiac University School of Medicine, and Adjunct Professor at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Boris believes that guests of High Watch should receive holistic care for more than just their mental health and addiction needs. He believes that their physical health is equally important in ensuring that guests are able to manage their addiction successfully.
Dr. Boris received his degree in medicine from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health center in Bronx, NY. He is certified as a Medical Review Officer by the AMMRO.
