Equine Assisted Learning Program | Equine Therapy for Human Physical & Mental Health Therapy

Andrew Roberts

CEO

“I have been engaged in the process of recovery since 1987. In 2001, I relapsed and found my way to High Watch, lost and in need of treatment. I felt the spiritual energy on the Hill of Hope the moment I arrived. My experience at the farm transformed my life for the better. It is filled with amazing people who really understand the disease of addiction and taught me everything I needed to know to recover again and lead a productive and peaceful life. And that is exactly what I did.

Fast forward to January 2024, when a recruiter who did not know me or my history contacted me about an East Coast job opportunity. My wife Mimi thought it might be at High Watch, as we have often joked about it being a good role for me. A week later, I received confirmation that the new job opportunity would be to lead High Watch, the world’s oldest treatment center, with direct ties to Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. I knew then, and I know now that this is my calling.

In life, I believe we all strive to reach our full potential and be the best version of ourselves. This incredible opportunity is the chance of a lifetime to serve others. I feel honored to bring my experience and knowledge to a place that changed my life. I want to show the world what I and a legion of others see in High Watch and convey to everyone who needs it that recovery is not only possible, but in fact likely if they are willing to take the first step.”

Andrew’s professional journey is a testament to his leadership and commitment to serving others. He has held impactful leadership positions, including serving as the COO of Volunteers of America OH & IN, CEO of Central Ohio YMCA, and CEO of Greater Waterbury YMCA. His role as a health care consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, his consultancy at Triangle2 Solutions and his management of the strategy and operations for a national substance abuse resource center at Join Together at Boston University School of Public Health further highlight his expertise in leading and influencing other business leaders. Andrew holds a master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University (MBA) and a master’s of management in human services from The Heller School at Brandeis University (MMHS).

Andrew loves spending time with his wife, Mimi Rivard, an award-winning nurse practitioner serving specialized populations, and their three children, Simone, Andre, and Derara. In his spare time, Andrew rides his road and mountain bike at ever-decreasing speeds and distances, and cheers on his three children, who all play soccer!

Marlene Moranino

VP of Quality and Compliance

Marlene’s over three-decade journey as a compassionate healthcare professional reflects her dedication and passion for making a difference in the lives of others, beginning as a registered nurse in various clinical specialties before taking on executive leadership roles for nonprofit healthcare organizations. Over the last decade, her focus has been on healthcare operations, building and strengthening organizations and leading programs related to HIV/Ryan White, Special Populations, Healthcare for the Homeless, Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorders, Intimate Partner Violence/Human Trafficking, and various Quality Improvement projects. Marlene is passionate about health equity and reducing disparities to ensure that high-quality care is accessible to everyone. She brings a caring and supportive approach to fostering a positive culture around compliance and continuous quality improvement. Marlene values the partnerships with and involvement of all stakeholders, staff, and guests most in supporting and improving outcomes through quality improvement initiatives. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Miami. Additionally, Marlene holds certifications in healthcare quality and patient-centered medical homes, serves on several advisory committees, and acts as a supportive, caring mentor to many.

Lauren Woods LCSW

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.

Danielle Colopy, LPC, LADC, ATR, CTT

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.

Our Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program is recruiting its inaugural class, which will begin training in July 2024.

Our Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program is located in Kent, Connecticut, and is a community-based fellowship program looking to recruit two residency graduates. During our 1-year fellowship, fellows will have experiences in substance use detoxification, residential treatment, medication-assisted treatment, pain management, and research endeavors. We are an ACGME-accredited program.

Anyone interested can email our Program Director, Dr. Gregory Boris (gboris@highwatchrecovery.org), for more information and how to apply.

Tami-Jo Stevenson, SEP, Level I IFS, CTT

Vice President of Clinical Services

Tami-Jo has worked in the behavioral health field and with individuals in crisis in residential and outpatient settings. Currently, she is the VP of Clinical Services at High Watch Recovery Center in Kent, CT.

She has completed her advanced level of training in Somatic Experience making her an SEP, and is certified as a Level I IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapist. Additionally, she is a certified trainer in Sociometrics and has been training with Tian Dayton for three years in Psychodrama. Tami-Jo has completed 200 hours of specialized trauma training through Spirit to Spirit to become a Certified Trauma Therapist. Other certifications include; Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Suicide Prevention, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate.

At High Watch she utilizes these advanced modalities to help guests work through their trauma and addiction. She believes in the importance of 12-step recovery as well as other 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 for the last 14 years.

Tami-Jo received her BA in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University. She received a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University.

A horse with a mind and a soul as sensitive and playful as a kid, he was rehabilitated after starvation and neglect. Victory is adored by many, and he embraces the moments and joy with his humans.

The youngest and newest member of the herd, Tex is curious and playful. Although not handled frequently before High Watch, he will thrive in the guests’ and staff’s love and care.

Rehabilitated after neglect and starvation, Star is a determined horse with focus and persistence to stand his ground, and when he feels safe, he falls into a deep place of relaxation and trust with his humans.

After 8 years of neglect and isolation, Moon came to us having to learn how to be a horse in a herd, trust humans, and face newness and fear. He has settled into one of the sweetest horses in the herd.

Our herd leader is always looking out for the safety and wellness of his fellow horses. Hiro will teach boundaries, ask for respect, and is an ultimate teacher of presence and dignity.

Beau arrived at Joy Farm shaking with fear and mistrust of humans. He is a branded, retired ranch horse. Each day, he gets braver and builds strong bonds with guests.

Kimberly Cognato, LPC, LADC, CTT

Counselor

Kimberly has been working with individuals struggling with addiction and mental health for over 17 years. She has worked in both private and non-profit settings and has helped individuals through detox, residential and outpatient services in their recovery journey.

Working directly with High Watch guests and seeing them progress is the most rewarding part of Kim’s work and she works directly with our guests to develop individualized treatment based on their unique needs and strengths.

Kim is certified as an Advanced Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and in Co-occurring Disorders. She is also a Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist.

Kim completed 200 hours of specialized trauma training through Spirit to Spirit to become a Certified Trauma Therapist. She is also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Kim is also certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). She has also completed The Experiential and Learning with Horses course through The Equus Effect Training Program and is a facilitator in High Watch’s Equine Assisted Learning program

Kim received her MS in Community Counseling from Western Connecticut State University.

Dana Pollack, MSW, LCSW, CTT

Coordinator of Trauma Services

Dana Pollack received her MSW from Fordham university with a specialization in addictions. She is recognized for her ability to develop individualized treatment for guests based upon their strengths using an eclectic approach. Dana has the ability to help people understand the underlying causes and conditions that have led them to self-medicate their pain. Teaching people the tools that they need to lead a healthy and sober life is what Dana excels at. She is trained in many types of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). She is also working toward her certificate in Sociometrics and Psychodrama. In addition to individual therapy sessions, Dana facilities the monthly Family Education Workshop and several weekly trauma groups for the guests.

Jason Perillo

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 strategist with many years of experience in healthcare finance, operations, 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, Financial Development, Business Development, Continuing Care, Outcomes Research, digital and social media, and public relations. He also oversees High Watch Media projects.

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.

Crystal Rivera

Human Resources Manager

Crystal Rivera is the Human Resources Manager at High Watch Recovery Center. In 2019, Crystal accomplished earning her Master’s degree in Human Resources Management while being a mother of three. With over 5 years of HR experience, Crystal understands the value of communication, collaboration, and teamwork. Her main objectives as an HR professional are to propel the organization forward, inspire others, and achieve personal growth.

Cynthia Mejorado-Flint

Vice President of Business Development

“I love High Watch, our people, and our program. My role is to spread the word about High Watch’s excellence in the field. My team and I partner with healthcare providers to get their patients into High Watch where we know they will receive best in class care.

I believe that strong ethical practices are the most important thing when sharing the message about the care we provide.”

Cynthia has over twenty years of experience in healthcare sales and outreach. She has been with High Watch for over a decade. She works to build strong relationships with healthcare providers who trust High Watch to give their patients the best chance at a successful recovery. She has developed a network of colleagues across the nation who trust her to do what is best for incoming guests and their families.

Jessica Colin-Greene, JD

Vice President of Programs

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.

Colin joined High Watch’s clinical team in 2022. He is passionate about helping guests improve their relationships with themselves and helping them better meet their social and emotional needs. Colin is a High Watch alumnus, and he completed his undergraduate education at Yale University and Masters in Social Work at UConn School of Social Work.

Joseph Wessex has been studying Psychology, Addiction, and Clinical Counseling since he began exploring the world of Mental Health and Psychology in 2010. He received a BA in Psychology, certification in Drug and Alcohol Counseling, and a Master’s in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health. Since then, he’s worked in multiple settings that provide diagnosis, assessment, and counseling for individuals struggling with both addiction and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. He is passionate about the work he does, and has worked towards implementing what he’s learned, to his own life for his own continued personal growth. Joseph is always looking for opportunities to learn more and grow his skillset with the central goal of improving the lives of those around him.

Joseph sees individuals as part of a system and looks to understand how their upbringing, personal biology, and social context play a role in shaping that individual. He utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment that draws upon practical features from various evidence-based practices including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Mindfulness-Based treatments, and Solution-Oriented Brief Therapy. Through this approach, Joseph aims to address challenges in a way that best fits the unique needs of the individual.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. She has worked in the psychiatric/behavioral healthcare field since 1996. She began her career with leading community mental health center, The Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester (NH), spending ten years serving in various capacities. She continued counseling for the highly regarded WestBridge treatment program, ultimately serving on the WestBridge leadership team as Customer Relations Coordinator managing the Admissions and Marketing team. She worked with Boston-based, Ellenhorn, as the Director of Community Relations and, most recently, with Cornerstones of Maine.

Melissa is thrilled to bring her diversified background and purpose-driven energy to the exciting, innovative Global Exchange Conference, a new division of High Watch Recovery. In tandem with her experience and enthusiasm, Melissa carries with her the steadfast goal of helping professionals and consumers further their knowledge base and networks in order to access support and strengthen resolve. The Global Exchange provides just this offering educational events that are content and esteemed-speaker-rich, heavily attended, and intentionally located to encourage self-care and play.

If you need to find her, she is either listening to music, going to live shows, at the beach, at Fenway Park or spoiling her rescue Great Pyrenees, Hoyt. Melissa was born and raised in New Hampshire and currently resides on the seacoast of NH.

Personal Mission Statement

To live a life of honesty and integrity, while continuing to be of service in the behavioral health industry by providing guidance, resources and/or advocacy whenever possible.

Communicating with clarity, compassion and a high standard of ethics is paramount within this mission.

Favorite quote

“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others;
For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness;
And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone”
– Audrey Hepburn

Lizzy McGlothlin

VP of Events

Lizzy McGlothlin has worked in the behavioral health field for over 15 years in various administrative and leadership roles. She previously worked with Onsite since 2009, where she has served in admissions, marketing, programming, business development, and entertainment services.

In every area she has served, Lizzy has found success and impact. During her time in business development and entertainment services, she worked to connect professionals and clients alike to the work of Onsite. During her time leading the programming team, she brought efficiency and added structure to Onsite programs. Her efforts increased the number of programs offered, the quality of the experience, and the number of clients served.

Lizzy has a unique ability to balance both the strategic and relational thinking required to grow and sustain a high-performing team. She firmly believes that courage and vulnerability are essential leadership skills needed to meet the challenging demands of today’s organizations. She is passionate about connecting with people and helping them find the right next step in their emotional wellness journey. Lizzy’s recovery journey sparked her passion for helping others and inspired her desire to change and grow as a leader in this particular field.

Allison Gennings

Barn Manager/Equine Program Facilitator

Degree in Outdoor and Experiential Education from Acadia University, Certified Massage Therapist, and Visual Artist with a focus on abstract paintings, horse photography and vignettes.

Alice Bemand

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.

Crystal Rivera

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.

Rory Condon, APRN

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.

Bronwyn Hamill

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.

Lou Sarandrea

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

Meg Miller

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.

Lauren Baylis LCSW

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.

Meghan Lunnie PA-C

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.

Jesse Mancinone, LPC

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.

Janet Prindle, LCSW, CTT

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.

Donna Hoskins, APRN

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.

Lauren Woods, LMSW

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.

Jessica Niek, LADC, CAC

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.

Sarah Williamson, MD

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.

Brendan Miller

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.

Dr. Gregory Boris

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.

Derek Tranzillo

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.”

Robert Schwarz

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.

Jerry Schwab

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.

Dr. Gregory Boris

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.

The Equus Effect at High Watch

Equine Assisted Learning Experiences

Beau arrived at Joy Farm shaking with fear and mistrust of humans. He is a branded, retired ranch horse. Each day, he gets braver and builds strong bonds with guests.

Diesel is the youngest and newest member of the herd. He is curious and intelligent. A purebred Arabian, he will thrive in the love and care of the guests and staff.

Our herd leader is always looking out for the safety and wellness of his fellow horses. Hiro will teach boundaries, ask for respect, and is an ultimate teacher of presence and dignity.

After 8 years of neglect and isolation, Moon came to us having to learn how to be a horse in a herd, trust humans, and face newness and fear. He has settled into one of the sweetest horses in the herd.

A horse with a mind and a soul as sensitive and playful as a kid, he was rehabilitated after starvation and neglect. Victory is adored by many, and he embraces the moments and joy with his humans.

Why Horses?

Our Facilitators