Clear Steps Recovery Staff

Brittney is an accomplished Executive professional who has been recognized for her passion in the field of Behavioral Health. Brittney holds a Drug and Alcohol License as well as a degree in Human Services.

Brittney has worked in Behavioral Health for almost a decade in multiple organizations and held several different leadership positions throughout her career. She has had success as a leader, skilled in directing high-performing teams to develop solutions and solve operational and technical problems to better serve the community.

Brittney has success in implementing systems across multiple operations with superior organizational and communication skills for her teams. She has an in-depth understanding of behavioral health and treatment performance in both individual and group settings.

Sarah brings over 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field, including 8 years specializing in direct substance use care. She is a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in NH and MA. She is deeply passionate about meeting clients where they are and takes a client-centered approach focused on improving emotional regulation, strengthening conflict resolution skills, and developing healthy coping strategies for life's challenges. Sarah is dedicated to empowering staff and mentoring her supervisees to deliver the highest quality of care to our clients. Her leadership will help Clear Steps continue to foster healing and growth across every client's emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Debbi brings decades of clinical experience in mental health and substance use disorders. As a seasoned and compassionate Clinical Director, she has provided exceptional care to countless individuals facing mental illness and addiction. Her expertise in evidence-based treatment, combined with her empathetic approach, has established her as a trusted leader in the field of addiction treatment. Debbi's leadership is pivotal to the center's comprehensive and holistic approach, addressing the complex needs of individuals struggling with mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

In addition to her clinical work, Debbi has extensive experience in operations and start-ups, having helped launch several successful mental health clinics and addiction treatment centers. She has held managerial roles throughout her career, leading teams of healthcare professionals with the guidance and support needed to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. Debbi also has a deep understanding of the business side of healthcare, including leadership training, monthly audits, renewals, and reaccreditation.

Outside of her professional life, Debbi enjoys gardening and cherishes time spent with her spouse, two daughters, and her beloved dog. She is an avid film and theater enthusiast, appreciating all genres, and loves spending sunny days at the beach, where she can unwind and enjoy the ocean breeze.

Debbi's passion for helping others is evident in everything she does, and her commitment to making a positive impact is unwavering.

Heather graduated from Keene State College in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in psychology and an associate degree in chemical dependency. From there, Heather went on to pursue one year of special education before going to Southern New Hampshire University to work on a master's degree in Community Mental Health Counseling, where she graduated from in 2013. Heather has worked with numerous populations including school settings, special educational settings, residential and outpatient settings for people with substance use disorders.

Heather's passion for education and helping people with substance use disorders comes out in the teaching style she implements to help people through the recovery process, in innovative and creative ways to facilitate group topics. Heather's primary goal in utilization of the Three Principles of Mind, Consciousness, and Thought, is to increase client's awareness to their thinking, realize their resilience, and increase their self-worth.

Erica has been working as a dedicated substance use professional since 2020, with a Certification in Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) and a wealth of experience in operations and team management. With a strong background in case management, she excels at developing personalized recovery plans that empower individuals on their path to healing.

Erica has a passion for facilitating group sessions, utilizing evidence-based practices and 12-step knowledge to create supportive and transformative environments for clients. Erica's passion for art allows her to incorporate creative expression into recovery, helping individuals explore their emotions and experiences in a unique and impactful way.

Committed to fostering a culture of empathy and support, she believes in the power of community in the recovery process.

My name is Anna Moore, Director of Community Outreach for Clear Steps Recovery. With a strong background in addiction, behavioral health and community engagement, I am dedicated to building meaningful relationships with referral partners, clinicians, healthcare organizations to ensure that patients receive the treatment, care and support that they need. My passion for recovery, combined with my expertise in program development and client advocacy, drives my commitment to connecting people and communities with life-changing treatment resources.

Addiction has become a rising epidemic that can affect people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Consequently, there is a great need for treatment resources. Addiction medicine has made great strides in establishing addiction as a chronic disease with known physiological changes and treatment for this disease.

I first became aware of how great the need was while working in internal medicine and found the need for additional education in the field. Since then, I have found the addiction medicine to be fascinating and greatly rewarding, particularly with successes in treatment. Being able to educate people about this disease and assist in their management of it is the least I can do to give back to the community.

I am a therapist with a master's degree in social work and a background in psychology and criminal justice. I specialize in substance use treatment and am committed to this work, having seen firsthand how meaningful support can create real and lasting change. My approach is person-centered and collaborative, integrating evidence-based practices to support sustainable recovery. I work with clients to build insight, resilience, and practical skills that can be applied beyond the therapy setting.

On 3/14/2019, after multiple years of debilitating addiction, I hit rock bottom. I checked myself into rehab with what little courage I had and started my personal journey in recovery. I have my bachelor's in human services and a minor in family studies. I have learned that sobriety is a journey of self-discovery and reinventing yourself. It's never too late to turn around, no matter how far you're gone. I meet my clients where they are at with compassionate guidance.

Leona has a strong background in substance use disorder treatment, recovery support services, crisis intervention, and case management. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a concentration in Addictions from Southern New Hampshire University and is a Certified Recovery Support Worker. Leona is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at New England College and working toward licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor in New Hampshire.

Drawing from both her professional experience and personal recovery journey, Leona is passionate about helping individuals overcome barriers, build resilience, and create meaningful lives in recovery. She believes in meeting clients where they are, fostering genuine therapeutic relationships, and empowering individuals to recognize their strengths while developing the skills needed for long-term recovery and wellness.

Hello, my name is Jacob DeRusha. I am 28 years old and was born and raised in New Hampshire. I have spent the past nine years working in the mental health field in various capacities. I love using my life experiences to reach out to others and let them know they are not alone.

Growing up, I spent many years in group homes and residential treatment centers, far removed from my family and loved ones. It was a traumatizing and unique upbringing. As an adult, I began working with at-risk youth for the Beckett Family of Services, starting in an entry-level position and later becoming a Community Manager, helping oversee staff and daily operations.

After moving back to southern New Hampshire, I began working at Hampstead Hospital, an inpatient psychiatric hospital for children and teenagers. I spent one year in direct care roles such as Counselor and Senior Counselor, followed by four years in management as a Milieu Supervisor. This job allowed me to provide help to some of the most at-risk children in the state, a dream for someone who was once an at-risk youth himself.

Most recently, I worked as Program Manager for The Ridge RTC, a residential facility for teens struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. When I learned about Clear Steps Recovery, I was excited for the opportunity to transition from working with youth to supporting adults struggling with addiction. I am also a proud recovering addict, which brings personal meaning to the work I do.

I love the team here at Clear Steps. It truly takes a village to recover, and we look forward to being that village. My role at Clear Steps Recovery is Case Manager.

John brings a lifetime of service to both country and community into his work in substance use disorder treatment. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1999 to 2010, an experience that continues to shape his commitment to discipline, accountability, and teamwork in recovery.

John specializes in relapse prevention planning and strategic processing, helping clients identify risk patterns, develop practical coping strategies, and build structured, sustainable recovery plans. He is known for his active, outgoing approach and his ability to engage clients through direct communication and collaborative problem-solving. John works closely with the VA and veteran communities, offering informed, culturally competent support to those navigating recovery after military service.

Kyle is a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) in the state of New Hampshire and is currently finalizing a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a focus in Addiction Studies. He brings a mindfulness-based, person-centered approach to substance use disorder treatment, integrating evidence-informed practices with experiential techniques to support long-term recovery.

Kyle teaches the Pillars of Mindfulness and draws from Buddhist psychology to help clients build awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience in early recovery. His therapeutic approach incorporates breathwork, guided imagery, yoga, and meditation to support nervous system regulation, relapse prevention, and increased insight into thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Kyle is committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can reconnect with themselves and develop sustainable recovery skills.

Mike has been working in the field of substance use disorder for over three years. He got his start as a Behavioral Health Technician and has since taken on a variety of roles, all focused on helping people find hope and healing in recovery.

As someone in recovery himself, Mike understands the challenges and rewards that come with the process. He brings genuine empathy, personal insight, and a person-centered approach to every interaction. Mike is passionate about supporting others as they build confidence, find connection, and create meaningful lives in recovery.

Courtney is a Substance Abuse Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field, including a strong background in inpatient treatment settings and leadership roles. Courtney is passionate about empowering clients to build resilience, maintain long-term recovery, and improve overall well-being.

John brings both professional experience and personal recovery insight to his role supporting clients in evening treatment services. With over three years in recovery himself, he is passionate about helping individuals navigate the challenges of early recovery while building healthy, sustainable lifestyles. John focuses on creating a supportive and welcoming environment where clients feel heard, respected, and encouraged to grow.

Matthew Carnevale is a dedicated recovery professional who brings both personal recovery experience and professional passion to his work at Clear Steps Recovery. Having worked in the substance use treatment field for the past year as a Behavioral Health Technician, his personal connection to recovery allows him to relate to clients with empathy while serving as an example of hope and resilience. Matthew genuinely loves the work he does and is dedicated to helping individuals build meaningful, fulfilling lives in recovery.

Gregory Gundberg is the Program Director for Clear Steps Recovery in Massachusetts. A full biography is coming soon.

Susan Smiga is the Medical Director, Mental Health for Clear Steps Recovery in Massachusetts. A full biography is coming soon.

Jake Hyde is a Primary Therapist with Clear Steps Recovery in Massachusetts. A full biography is coming soon.

William Ewing is the Client Care Coordinator for Clear Steps Recovery in Massachusetts. A full biography is coming soon.