Meet Our Team

At Insight Recovery Treatment Center, our dedicated team is the foundation of the high-quality care we provide. Each member brings unique expertise and a deep sense of compassion, ensuring that every aspect of our clients’ recovery journey is addressed with professionalism and empathy.
Our multidisciplinary team is made up of experienced professionals across various fields of addiction treatment and mental health care. From medical care provided by our clinicians and doctors to innovative therapeutic modalities offered by our therapists and counselors, our team ensures a holistic treatment experience that fosters physical, mental, and emotional healing in a supportive environment.

Steven Kent

Co-Founder and Executive Director

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Steven Kent is the Executive Director of Insight Recovery Treatment Center, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting individuals in recovery. As the founder and operator of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals with substance use disorders, Steven has devoted his career to transforming lives and creating hope for those in need.

In addition to his role at Insight Recovery, Steven is the director and owner of sober living recovery homes, where he fosters safe and supportive environments for individuals rebuilding their lives. He actively collaborates with local communities and recovery organizations, expanding resources and support systems. Known for his compassionate leadership, Steven combines personal experience with professional expertise, inspiring those around him to find their path to healing and stability.

Richard Trainor, LMHC

Co-Founder and Director of Clinical Operations

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Richard Trainor is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over eight years of experience treating behavioral and substance use disorders. He specializes in co-occurring disorders and has worked with clients of all ages across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Rich has held supervisory roles at multiple organizations and has contributed to the success of residential and 12-step programs.

Currently, Richard serves as the Clinical Director at Insight Recovery Treatment Center. His background as a clinical supervisor in outpatient substance abuse treatment, combined with his own personal recovery journey, informs his compassionate and understanding approach. Rich’s leadership empowers clients and staff alike to achieve meaningful, lasting change.

Jon Baer

Director of Admissions and Community Outreach

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Jon Baer is a dedicated advocate and mentor in the recovery community, with over 13 years of personal experience in sobriety. Through the 12-step program, Jon found a path to sustained recovery and has since become a passionate supporter for others on similar journeys. His commitment extends beyond his own sobriety; he actively collaborates with local recovery organizations and community initiatives to support individuals struggling with addiction. Known for his empathy and dedication, Jon plays a vital role in guiding, mentoring, and inspiring those seeking to rebuild their lives and find strength in recovery.
AnnieKaye Ficarra

Christopher M. Lackey

Program Director

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Meet Chris, a proud Insight Recovery alumni that brings passion and purpose to his work in addiction treatment. With a deep commitment to the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, Chris believes in the power of community, accountability, and spiritual growth. His personal and professional journey fuels his dedication to helping others find lasting recovery and a new way of life.

Christopher Leston

Christopher Leston

Recovery and Resilience Facilitator

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Christopher Leston is a seasoned recovery professional with over 15 years of experience working in residential recovery programs. Immersing himself in these communities as an on-site team member and leader, Christopher gained invaluable insight into the challenges faced by individuals in early recovery. His work focuses on creating safe, structured, and supportive environments where people could begin their journey to sobriety.

Amy McBrine

Primary Therapist

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Amy brings a diverse skill set and extensive experience to her role at Insight Recovery Treatment Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor (LADC II), providing her with a strong foundation in addiction counseling. Additionally, Amy is a licensed art therapy practitioner, Reiki Level 1 certified, and has completed a 200-hour yoga certification, demonstrating her commitment to a holistic approach to healing and well-being.

Amy has been working in the field of substance use since 2009, with over four years of dedicated experience in supporting individuals with substance use disorders. By integrating traditional counseling techniques with art therapy, energy healing, and yoga practices, Amy offers a unique, comprehensive approach that supports clients on their path to recovery and healing.

AnnieKaye Ficarra

AnnieKaye Ficarra

Primary Therapist

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AnnieKaye is a Pre-Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Boston area specializing in Substance Use Disorders, women’s mental health, and anxiety disorders. She studied at Lesley University, completing a Master’s in School & Community Mental Health Counseling, and brings experience from working in public schools, children and families, and adults struggling with their mental health. She leans into humanistic and relational therapy styles, taking inspiration largely from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, expressive art therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. AnnieKaye completed her Master’s level experiences working in public high schools with adolescents and their families in the realm of School Adjustment Counselor.

Post masters, AnnieKaye has been completing her clinical requirements for a full Licensed Mental Health Counselor by working in clinical settings. She has worked with children starting at age 5, up to adults at age 85. She worked in in-home family therapy settings and inpatient substance use disorder settings. She enjoys working with therapy groups of all types and modalities, and is consistently impressed to be witnessing people as they navigate the challenges of healing and reforming. She is a clinician at Insight Recovery working with adults (18+) on a dual diagnosis level, treating both substance use disorders and mental health issues. She enjoys incorporating art, nature, reflection, and connection into her practice. She sees the work of attending to oneself, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, and some of the most important work we get to do.

Meet Nick McLeod

Nick McLeod

Clinical Case Manager

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Meet Nick McLeod, a dedicated recovery professional whose personal journey fuels his passion for helping others. With three years in recovery, Nick brings lived experience, empathy, and authenticity to his work at Insight Recovery Treatment Center.

Nick is a proud full-time single father, a role that deeply shapes his values and commitment to growth, stability, and connection. In addition to his role at Insight, he works as a recovery coach supporting young adults and teens, meeting individuals where they are and helping them build the tools needed for lasting recovery.

Nick is also the current Northeast Coordinator for Massachusetts Young People in Recovery, where he advocates for recovery resources, community connection, and peer support across the region. Passionate about walking alongside others on their recovery journeys, Nick is driven by the belief that recovery is possible with the right support, structure, and community.

Keith Dunning

Bonnie Allen MSW, M.Ed., LICSW

Clinical Social Worker

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Bonnie is an independently licensed Clinical Social Worker with 30 years experience in human behavior and over 10 years as a therapist in outpatient addiction treatment. She was drawn to this work after 15 years as a high school teacher, witnessing patterns of adolescent development and behaviors linked to substance use. Subsequent research on these topics led Bonnie to pursue a second masters degree in order to share psychological perspectives and support people with addictions.

Bonnie is energized by facilitating psychoeducation groups, and her individual therapy sessions guide clients in gaining insight as they connect within themselves to access healing. She regularly utilizes aspects of Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

sarah carpenter

Sarah Carpenter, LICSW

Clinical Supervisor

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Sarah brings over 25 years of experience in mental health, special education, and program development. She specializes in treating anxiety, OCD and related disorders, co-occurring ASD/OCD, learning disabilities, early childhood trauma, adoption-related challenges, parenting, and broader family dynamics. Her approach is deeply rooted in aligning each client’s diagnosis and unique profile with the most current, evidence-based practices.

A licensed social worker in Massachusetts, Sarah holds a BA in Psychology from Middlebury College and an MSW from the University of California, Berkeley. She received specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) through the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute, and is certified in Addiction Studies through Harvard Medical School.

At Insight Recovery Mental Health, Sarah serves as the Clinical Director and a lead therapist within the day treatment program, which provides intensive care for adults (ages 18+) for 3 to 6 hours per day. Our team treats a wide range of mental health diagnoses, with continued support offered on an outpatient basis.

If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, anxiety, or other mental health concerns, you’re not alone—and effective help is available. Please call us for a consultation or assessment.

Meet Nick McLeod

Tianna Guerra, LMHC

Clinical Director

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My name is Tianna, a dual diagnosis therapist with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Salem State University. I have extensive experience working in the mental health field in various settings, including a specialty in substance use disorder, working at a structured outpatient addiction program, and in medication-assisted treatment, in addition to later specializing in OCD. I have also worked in outpatient counseling, in-home therapy, and have experience in case management as well a group facilitation. My clinical interests include co-occurring substance use disorders, OCD, trauma, mood disorders, self-esteem, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I integrate strength-based, trauma-informed, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavioral (DBT), exposure response prevention (ERP), and solution-focused approaches while always emphasizing and utilizing a client-centered approach to find the right fit and approach to treatment with each client.

Keith Dunning

Veronica Arseneault

Primary Therapist/OCD Coach

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Veronica is a Master’s level clinician. Previously Veronica worked as a behavioral therapist, providing in-home and in-school support for children with Autism. The role provided experience and insight and also offered the opportunity to work with clients facing dual diagnoses like Down syndrome, OCD, ADHD, and PTSD. As an ERP coach my goals are to work through and support client’s while working on their exposures to promote independence, reduce anxiety and distress, improve daily functioning and quality of life, and increase distress tolerance. 

AnnieKaye Ficarra

Susanne Smiroldo

Primary Therapist

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I am a Brazilian Clinical Mental Health Counselor providing therapy in English, Portuguese, and Spanish to culturally diverse populations across the lifespan, with clinical experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families ages 7 and older in outpatient and IOP/PHP mental health settings. My work has focused on supporting individuals experiencing anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, trauma-related symptoms, emotional dysregulation, acculturation stress, addiction-related concerns, and complex life transitions. I am deeply committed to offering mental health care that is culturally responsive, trauma-informed, evidence-based, and grounded in human dignity.
My therapeutic approach integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, CBT-informed strategies, somatic awareness, and person-centered care. I am particularly interested in the relationship between mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and anxiety reduction. My recent research and clinical focus explore the impact of mindfulness practices on emotional resilience, psychological flexibility, stress reduction, and overall mental health outcomes across diverse populations.
In addition to my counseling work, I am a mindfulness instructor trained through the Harvard Divinity School, a Vinyasa and trauma-informed yoga teacher.  My clinical philosophy is strongly influenced by mind-body approaches that emphasize presence, breath awareness, compassion, and the integration of mental and physical wellness in the healing process.
As a Brazilian immigrant living in the United States for two decades, I bring a multicultural perspective, authenticity, and deep respect for each client’s lived experience into the therapeutic relationship. Outside of clinical practice, I am passionate about nature, Capoeira, yoga, and Zen meditation. 
AnnieKaye Ficarra

Shannon Flaherty

Admissions Coordinator

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Shannon is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II), bringing both academic dedication and hands-on experience to her work in addiction recovery. She has extensive experience coordinating reentry and aftercare planning, helping individuals build strong foundations as they transition from treatment back into their communities.

Shannon has worked closely within the admissions process and finds deep purpose in being part of those important first steps into treatment. She understands that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, and she strives to make the process supportive, welcoming, and stigma-free from the very first conversation.

Passionate about addiction recovery, Shannon is committed to building meaningful resources, strengthening support systems, and reducing the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Outside of work, she is a proud dog mom to three and values connection, compassion, and community in every area of her life.

AnnieKaye Ficarra

Lisa Passacantilli

Clinical LADC Intern

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Coming soon.