437 Girard Street

Havre de Grace, MD 21078

443-502-8606

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Staff Directory

Leadership

D. Kenneth Beyer
D. Kenneth Beyer
Firefighter/ EMT - Founder/President

Ken is a 24-year veteran of the treatment community where his personal recovery began in 1992. Soon after, he realized he wanted to spend his life working with chemically dependent people and started his new career at Father Martin’s Ashley. Co-Founders Father Joseph Martin, Mae Abraham and Leonard Angus Dahl all made huge impacts on Ken’s early recovery and his career at Ashley. He was the Director of Admissions and Insurance Advisor, and later became the business advisor to the President, Leonard Dahl, helping to guide Ashley with real estate acquisitions and business matters. Ken served on the Ashley Board of Directors for seven years and maintained a consultant relationship with Ashley prior to joining the Board. A former successful owner of several restaurants, retail stores and a hotel, Ken was able to use his entrepreneurial background to assist Ashley with their growth and vision.

Ken’s busy life also includes being a part-time career firefighter-EMT-B/IVT and a volunteer firefighter. He is a past Fire-line Officer and past President of the Susquehanna Hose Company, a 100-member fire company in Havre de Grace, MD.  Ken is currently the EAP for Harford County Fire Volunteer Fire Association and the Peer Support Coordinator for the Harford County EMS Foundation.  He is a consultant for many police departments and career fire companies for addiction related matters within their respectable departments.  Ken has assisted various regional career and volunteer fire companies with chemical dependency issues and he has performed countless structured interventions, which include assisting several law enforcement agencies.

Ken is married to Laurie (34 years), and they have four children and two beautiful granddaughters. They reside in Havre de Grace, MD.

W. David Hill
W. David Hill
DDS – Partner, Co-Founder

Dr. Hill is President and Chief Executive Officer of Caulk Management Company, Inc., a privately held real estate acquisition, development and management company. Dr. Hill has extensive development and management experience spanning the past forty years and multiple industries. Dr. Hill is the general partner in Idlewild Associates, a land development partnership which developed an 80-acre site in Easton, Maryland into the major medical community in Talbot County, MD.

Dr. Hill is also the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of William Hill Manor, a retirement/health care community serving the needs of the elderly population though the provision of skilled nursing, convalescent and rehabilitative care, with 105 nursing beds, 52 cottages and 63 apartments.

Dr. Hill was founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Easton Bancorp, Inc., which owned Easton Bank & Trust, of which he was Chairman of the Board and Director. Easton Bank & Trust was a locally owned, independent community bank that opened its doors in 1993. In 2015 Easton Bancorp, Inc., was sold to Delmarva Bank Shares, Inc.

Following the sale of the William Hill Manor in 2004, Dr. Hill acted on his vision to develop a hotel development and management company dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. There are currently four award winning hotels under operation, all performing exceptionally well. Two additional hotels are under construction.

Dr. Hill is a grateful recovering alcoholic that has enjoyed over 20+ years of recovery and is forever grateful to Father Martin’s Ashley.

Laurie Beyer
Laurie Beyer
RN - Chief Executive Officer, Chief Compliance Officer

Laurie earned her Associates in Nursing, RN at Harford Community College in 1993 and began working at Harford Memorial Hospital on the medical/surgical floor. While there she was promoted to Clinical Coordinator and earned the honor of Nurse of the Year.

Largely due to her husband’s recovery from Alcoholism, Laurie soon became interested in Psychiatric Nursing and the disease of addiction. She worked at Father Martin’s Ashley as a Staff and then Charge Nurse in 1996. After years of partnering and managing numerous businesses with her husband, Laurie rejoined the Nursing field with Father Martin’s Ashley as the Admissions Clinical Case Manager for the Pain Recovery Program. She is now the Director of Operations and Executive Vice President of Harbor of Grace where she feels most at peace alongside her husband, CEO, Ken Beyer, helping those afflicted with the disease of addiction. Ken and Laurie have 4 incredible children, an amazing daughter-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters.

Brian Lerner, MD
Brian Lerner, MD
Chief Medical Officer - Psychiatrist

Dr. Brian Lerner is board certified in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry.  He is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  He completed his general psychiatry training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where he served as Chief Resident.  He has also completed an addiction psychiatry fellowship at the University of Maryland.  Dr. Lerner comes to psychiatry with over two decades of clinical experience as a board certified ophthalmologist who is now following his long-time passion for psychiatry with interests in Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Disorders. He has participated in numerous medical investigations with scientific writings in professional medical publications.  Dr. Lerner is a compassionate, valued member of the Harbor of Grace Team.

Tiffany Beyer
Tiffany Beyer
Chief Operating Officer, HR Director - Executive Vice-President
Tim Thompson
Tim Thompson
Chief Clinical Officer

Tim volunteered at Father Martin’s Ashley in 1986, after beginning his personal recovery a year earlier. A proud graduate of Father Martin’s, Tim was hired at Ashley in 1987 as a counseling aide and realized he wanted to work with addicted people. He pursued his counseling degree and began a stellar 23-year career at Ashley. Upon his retirement, he was the Assistant Program Director and Director of the Primary Program. Tim received his special Relapse Certification in 2008.

Tim’s passion is working with others. Over the past couple of years, Tim has participated in a Cecil County School program, teaching high school students identified as having alcohol and drug problems. Tim brings experience, education, personal recovery and passion to Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery Center. We are grateful for his involvement and program guidance.

Lt. Rob Quick
Lt. Rob Quick
Retired BPD - Sr. Vice-President

Rob retired from Baltimore Police Dept. after twenty-six years and a day. He performed a variety of supervisory tasks that include acting liaison between the BPD and various federal law enforcement partners including the DEA, ATF, FBI and U.S. Marshal Service.  Rob specialized in crisis management at a mid-level management position and supervised hundreds of subordinates through complex, chaotic and very public law enforcement challenges.  His belief in strong relationship building and accountability made him an effective leader.   Over his career, Rob received eleven official commendations and numerous recognitions for performance and bravery.

Rob is a graduate of “the best all male high school in the State of Maryland” – Calvert Hall and the Police Executive Leadership Program at the University of Maryland College.

The National Law Enforcement & First Responder Wellness Center at Harbor of Grace is honored to have Rob on our Management Team.

Louise Ward
Louise Ward
RN - Director of Nursing

Louise earned her Nursing degree in 1998. After family time, she excelled as a paraeducator, mastering rapport and de-escalation. In ambulatory care and skilled nursing, she thrived. At Harbor of Grace since 2017, she’s now a dedicated charge nurse, passionate about Addiction and Recovery, driven by her veteran heritage. As the daughter of a Vietnam War Veteran Army Sgt, she deeply values our mission.

Clinical Staff

Tim Thompson
Tim Thompson
Chief Clinical Officer

Tim volunteered at Father Martin’s Ashley in 1986, after beginning his personal recovery a year earlier. A proud graduate of Father Martin’s, Tim was hired at Ashley in 1987 as a counseling aide and realized he wanted to work with addicted people. He pursued his counseling degree and began a stellar 23-year career at Ashley. Upon his retirement, he was the Assistant Program Director and Director of the Primary Program. Tim received his special Relapse Certification in 2008.

Tim’s passion is working with others. Over the past couple of years, Tim has participated in a Cecil County School program, teaching high school students identified as having alcohol and drug problems. Tim brings experience, education, personal recovery and passion to Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery Center. We are grateful for his involvement and program guidance.

Kathleen “Kat” Kennon
Kathleen “Kat” Kennon
LCSW-C – Clinical Director, First Responders Program

Kat is a board certified Social Worker Supervisor. She received her MSW from University of Maryland School of Social Work and has been a Mobile Crisis Clinician with the Baltimore County Police Department through their Mobile Crisis Response Unit for six years. Two of those years she has been a clinical supervisor.

Kat is trained in CISM, is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and helped train police officers and recruits in Crisis Intervention.

Alphie
Alphie
First Responder Therapist - HoG Dog
Sarah Dziwanowski
Sarah Dziwanowski
LCSW-C First Responder Therapist

Sarah is a licensed clinical social worker and board approved social work supervisor.  She received her MSW from Tulane School of Social Work, with a concentration in disaster mental health in 2011. Sarah has worked in a variety of health care and interdisciplinary settings that include mobile crisis in Anne Arundel County specializing in grief, life transitions and trauma.  She is trained in CISM, advanced trauma treatment and complicated grief treatment.

Sarah resides in Glen Burnie with her husband, who is a police officer.

George Plesniak
George Plesniak
First Responder Therapist - MS, ACRPS, CAC-AD
Jessica Ann Vickers
Jessica Ann Vickers
Acu-Detox Specialist - MS, LGPC, LGADC, NCC, ADS

Jessica brings immense training and knowledge to Harbor of Grace. Her clinical background includes working as a Pain Recovery Program Manager, Pain Program Counselor and therapist at Father Martin’s Ashley from 2016 to 2020.

C. Scott Dehorty
C. Scott Dehorty
LCSW-C - First Responder Therapist

Scott joins the Harbor of Grace Team with 25 years of experience in Mental Health treatment. He began his career at Father Martin’s Ashley, where he served as an admissions counselor, Assistant Director of Admissions, then assisted in the development and implementation of a clinical program for chronic pain. During his 25 years in the field, Scott worked six years at the Johns Hopkins Hospital as a Psychiatric Social worker in their Pain Treatment Program. As a private psycho-therapist, Scott’s caseload included individual, marital and family therapy with a special concentration on addiction.

Harbor of Grace Recovery Center is proud to have Scott as an integral part of our Clinical Team.

Marianna Garrigan Adams
Marianna Garrigan Adams
First Responder Therapist - LMSW/NRP Paramedic

We are proud to have Marianna on our team. As an active Paramedic, who still works part-time for the Harford County Fire & EMS Foundation since 2010, Marianna still serves as the CISM Coordinator with Harford County where she has supervised Peer Support and CISM activities for several major Mass Casualty Incidents.

Eileen Thompson
Eileen Thompson
BS, CRPS, CSC-AD, First Responder Trauma Therapist

Eileen’s three decades of experience spans all levels of care, such as Intensive Outpatient, Inpatient, Recovery Houses and Extended Care facilities. As a Licensed Addiction Counselor and Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist, Eileen has extensive training in Experimental Therapy and Integrated Eye Movement Therapy.  Many of Eileen’s thirty-three years in the field were spent at Father Martin’s Ashley, instrumental in developing their Intensive Outpatient Program. She has developed specific programs for several Women in Recovery Halfway Houses and other Extended care treatment centers.

Eileen is the mother of five adult children with eight grandchildren. She is passionate about recovery and excited about Harbor of Grace’s compassionate environment offering addicts and alcoholics the benefits of a wide range of healing therapies.

John Wanner
John Wanner
MS, ChE, MBA, MA Psychology

John’s diverse professional career includes working 18 years in both inpatient and outpatient drug/alcohol treatment settings as a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and  Drug Counselor (LCAD-C). He recently retired from Father Martin’s Ashley, where he worked for 12 years and was involved in all aspects of the treatment process. He developed a proficiency in understanding and lecturing on the neurobiology of addiction, spirituality in recovery and, in particular, the scientific basis of why spirituality reverses damage done by alcohol and drugs. He has been involved in developing treatment programs for young adults and has a strong interest in the present opiate epidemic among young people. He has over thirty year’s experience as corporate executive and small business owner.

Sheamus Moran
Sheamus Moran
C.S. C-A.D - Therapist / Counselor

Sheamus comes from Father Martin’s Ashley where he was a Relapse Counselor specializing in relapse prevention with an emphasis on recovery protection planning. Sheamus brings a foundational approach to recovery, providing solution focused strategies for sobriety. Through his own personal journey in recovery, Sheamus has learned to place emphasis and focus on helping others build their emotional, mental, and spiritual capital to sustain long term recovery and stable relationships.

Sheamus resides in Baltimore County and is a lifelong Notre Dame, Orioles and Ravens fan.

Medical Staff

Laurie Beyer
Laurie Beyer
RN - Chief Executive Officer, Chief Compliance Officer

Laurie earned her Associates in Nursing, RN at Harford Community College in 1993 and began working at Harford Memorial Hospital on the medical/surgical floor. While there she was promoted to Clinical Coordinator and earned the honor of Nurse of the Year.

Largely due to her husband’s recovery from Alcoholism, Laurie soon became interested in Psychiatric Nursing and the disease of addiction. She worked at Father Martin’s Ashley as a Staff and then Charge Nurse in 1996. After years of partnering and managing numerous businesses with her husband, Laurie rejoined the Nursing field with Father Martin’s Ashley as the Admissions Clinical Case Manager for the Pain Recovery Program. She is now the Director of Operations and Executive Vice President of Harbor of Grace where she feels most at peace alongside her husband, CEO, Ken Beyer, helping those afflicted with the disease of addiction. Ken and Laurie have 4 incredible children, an amazing daughter-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters.

Brian Lerner, MD
Brian Lerner, MD
Chief Medical Officer - Psychiatrist

Dr. Brian Lerner is board certified in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry.  He is a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  He completed his general psychiatry training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where he served as Chief Resident.  He has also completed an addiction psychiatry fellowship at the University of Maryland.  Dr. Lerner comes to psychiatry with over two decades of clinical experience as a board certified ophthalmologist who is now following his long-time passion for psychiatry with interests in Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Disorders. He has participated in numerous medical investigations with scientific writings in professional medical publications.  Dr. Lerner is a compassionate, valued member of the Harbor of Grace Team.

John Hafycz, MD
John Hafycz, MD
Emergency Medicine

Dr. John Hafycz is board certified in emergency medicine. He is a graduate of Sidney Kimmel Medical School at Thomas Jefferson. He completed his emergency medicine training at St Luke’s Bethlehem Hospital where he served as a Chief Resident. He is currently working on his Addiction Medicine fellowship.  His clinical interests are crisis services, substance use disorders, and patient centered care.

Bernadette Solounias, MD
Bernadette Solounias, MD
Addiction Psychiatrist
Derek McCoy, MD
Derek McCoy, MD
Emergency and Sports Medicine
Dr. John Dougherty
Dr. John Dougherty
Associate Medical Director - Psychiatrist

Dr. John Dougherty is board certified in General Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Prior to his psychiatric training, he completed a residency in Family Medicine at Bryn Mawr Hospital where he received the resident mental health award.  He is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Dr. Dougherty participates in medical research which has led to a Masters degree in Genetics from Thomas Jefferson University and is still involved in some work related to Traumatic brain injury.  His clinical interests include treatment resistant depression, traumatic brain injury, sports psychiatry and substance use disorders. Dr. Dougherty comes from a line of first responders and is passionate about working with them at Harbor of Grace.

Louise Ward
Louise Ward
RN - Director of Nursing

Louise earned her Nursing degree in 1998. After family time, she excelled as a paraeducator, mastering rapport and de-escalation. In ambulatory care and skilled nursing, she thrived. At Harbor of Grace since 2017, she’s now a dedicated charge nurse, passionate about Addiction and Recovery, driven by her veteran heritage. As the daughter of a Vietnam War Veteran Army Sgt, she deeply values our mission.

Lauren Letterio
Lauren Letterio
RN - Nursing Supervisor
Maren Campbell
Maren Campbell
RN
George Torbert
George Torbert
LPN, US Army Retired

At age 17, an Army recruiter approached George while he was cutting school. A few placement tests and parental approval, he later jointed the Army. He began his military career as an Army medic and graduated from the U.S. Army’s Practical Nurse Course in 1989. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2003.

Like much of the Harbor of Grace family, George has been personally impacted by addiction. His cousin became addicted to crack cocaine and resorted to prostitution to support her addiction. She was later raped, murdered and thrown in the trash where her case remained unsolved for 16 years until two retired police detectives reopened the case and brought the perpetrator to justice.

Since 2016, George supervises the “midnight” nursing detail and is a great employee who receives many complimentary surveys from our patients. George is loved by all!

Michelle Gibson
Michelle Gibson
RN
Emily Gonzalez
Emily Gonzalez
RN

With a healthcare journey beginning in 2012, I advanced from a nurse’s aide to a nurse by 2015. My experience spans medical/surgical, emergency, and psychiatric settings. Joining Harbor of Grace in 2022, this role holds great value to me. Outside of work, I find joy in baking, walks, and cherished family time.

John P. Haglauer
John P. Haglauer
RN

John P. Haglauer, a 55-year-old RN with 28 years of nursing experience and over 30 years in the medical field. He’s excelled in ER, ICU, OR, home health care, and addiction recovery. A proud parent of five and grandparent of six, John’s passion lies in holistic healing and supporting individuals through addiction. His journey showcases versatility and unwavering dedication to healthcare.

Markisha Pommells
Markisha Pommells
BSN, RN

Markisha Pommells, BSN, RN, a native of Maryland, empowers patients for better health and quality living. Pursuing an MSN-PMHNP-C, she finds solace in hiking, antiques refurbishment, and surprising musical genres like Opera and classical.

Victoria Baeten
Victoria Baeten
RN

Wisconsin native, I’ve been a nurse since 2014, experienced in med/surg, mental health/addiction, orthopedics, and urgent care. I find joy in helping patients thrive and enjoy hiking, singing, road trips, and family time in my spare moments.

FIRST RESPONDER STAFF & PEER SUPPORT

D. Kenneth Beyer
D. Kenneth Beyer
Firefighter/ EMT - Founder/President

Ken is a 24-year veteran of the treatment community where his personal recovery began in 1992. Soon after, he realized he wanted to spend his life working with chemically dependent people and started his new career at Father Martin’s Ashley. Co-Founders Father Joseph Martin, Mae Abraham and Leonard Angus Dahl all made huge impacts on Ken’s early recovery and his career at Ashley. He was the Director of Admissions and Insurance Advisor, and later became the business advisor to the President, Leonard Dahl, helping to guide Ashley with real estate acquisitions and business matters. Ken served on the Ashley Board of Directors for seven years and maintained a consultant relationship with Ashley prior to joining the Board. A former successful owner of several restaurants, retail stores and a hotel, Ken was able to use his entrepreneurial background to assist Ashley with their growth and vision.

Ken’s busy life also includes being a part-time career firefighter-EMT-B/IVT and a volunteer firefighter. He is a past Fire-line Officer and past President of the Susquehanna Hose Company, a 100-member fire company in Havre de Grace, MD.  Ken is currently the EAP for Harford County Fire Volunteer Fire Association and the Peer Support Coordinator for the Harford County EMS Foundation.  He is a consultant for many police departments and career fire companies for addiction related matters within their respectable departments.  Ken has assisted various regional career and volunteer fire companies with chemical dependency issues and he has performed countless structured interventions, which include assisting several law enforcement agencies.

Ken is married to Laurie (34 years), and they have four children and two beautiful granddaughters. They reside in Havre de Grace, MD.

Al Adkins
Al Adkins
Counselor Aide, Retired BPD

Al hails from Pittsburgh and came to Baltimore to join the Baltimore Police Department in 1985. His thirty-three-year distinguished career included being awarded the Baltimore Sun Officer of the Year in 1992. This career assignments included Southwestern District as a patrolman until 1992. He was promoted to Sgt. in 2003 and transferred to the Southern District, where he remained until 2008. He was the Patrol and Flex Unit supervisor. From 2008 to 2012, Al served arrest warrants with the Warrant Apprehension Task Force Unit. From 2012-2018, Al served as a supervisor in various units.  Al is a great addition to our first responder counselor aide department, and he enjoys working with all our patients.

Bobby Brown
Bobby Brown
Counselor Aide, Retired BPD

Bobby Brown (No not that one!)  Bobby was born and raised in Baltimore City and graduated in their public schools in 1984.  He joined the Baltimore Police Department in 1991 and retired in 2013 after a 32 year career in law enforcement. Bobby’s career included assignments at the Western, Southern and Central districts and ten years in the Internal Affairs Division. Bobby was an FTO, Peer Support Team Member and trained in Crisis Intervention. He was awarded four Police Commissioner awards, a Unit Citation, three commendations, a distinguished service award, a life-saving award, a Bronze Star for Valor and the Silver Star Award

Bobby married his wife in 1993 and they have five children together.

Bobby was in a police-involved shooting in 2022 towards the end of his career and made the decision to come to The National Law Enforcement Wellness Center at Harbor of Grace to get help processing the shooting. He is an advocate for officers getting help and joined our team immediately after retirement. We are proud to have Bobby as part of our Rapid Response Team.

Kathleen “Kat” Kennon
Kathleen “Kat” Kennon
LCSW-C – Clinical Director, First Responders Program

Kat is a board certified Social Worker Supervisor. She received her MSW from University of Maryland School of Social Work and has been a Mobile Crisis Clinician with the Baltimore County Police Department through their Mobile Crisis Response Unit for six years. Two of those years she has been a clinical supervisor.

Kat is trained in CISM, is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and helped train police officers and recruits in Crisis Intervention.

Alphie
Alphie
First Responder Therapist - HoG Dog
Sarah Dziwanowski
Sarah Dziwanowski
LCSW-C First Responder Therapist

Sarah is a licensed clinical social worker and board approved social work supervisor.  She received her MSW from Tulane School of Social Work, with a concentration in disaster mental health in 2011. Sarah has worked in a variety of health care and interdisciplinary settings that include mobile crisis in Anne Arundel County specializing in grief, life transitions and trauma.  She is trained in CISM, advanced trauma treatment and complicated grief treatment.

Sarah resides in Glen Burnie with her husband, who is a police officer.

Alex Raja
Alex Raja
Paramedic

Alex spent a majority of his life living in Baltimore county but moved to Harford county when he met his wife. He pursued his dream of becoming a first responder at the age of 18 by volunteering at The Wise Ave Volunteer Fire Company as a Fire fighter EMT. He then later became an EMS LT for them but had to step down due to him pursuing paramedic school. He worked at The Johns Hopkins Hospital as an EMT on the critical care transport team LIFELINE during the start and height of COVID -19. He has worked for the Harford County Ems Foundation as an EMT since 2019 and was recently promoted to the rank of Paramedic this year. He currently resides in Harford county with his two children and his wife who is also in the medical field as an ICU nurse.

Ciera Taylor
Ciera Taylor
Counselor Aide

Ciera joins the Harbor of Grace team from a career as a Correctional Officer in Lancaster County Prison. Within the first 6 months of her career in the prison, Ciera was appointed a spot on the Crisis Intervention Team and Hostage Negotiation Team. She was the only female HNT member during the duration of her time at LCP. Ciera prides herself in her de-escalation and crisis management skills.

Ciera completed the Mental Health program here at HoG and is passionate about the recovery and mental well-being of fellow First Responders. We are also fortunate to have Ciera lead our music therapy sessions with drumming.

Marianna Garrigan Adams
Marianna Garrigan Adams
First Responder Therapist - LMSW/NRP Paramedic

We are proud to have Marianna on our team. As an active Paramedic, who still works part-time for the Harford County Fire & EMS Foundation since 2010, Marianna still serves as the CISM Coordinator with Harford County where she has supervised Peer Support and CISM activities for several major Mass Casualty Incidents.

Lt. Robbie Way
Lt. Robbie Way
Counselor Aide - Firefighter/Paramedic

Rob Way BCFD Lieutenant Retired 1991-2016. Rob has also served as a volunteer firefighter/fire office in the Susquehanna Hose Company and as a Paramedic in the Havre De Grace Ambulance Corp since 1987. He has received numerous life saving awards both as a career Fire Office and as a volunteer.

Major Woodland “Butch” Wilson
Major Woodland “Butch” Wilson
MS (Ret. BCoPD) 1990-2022 - Counselor Aide

Butch joined the Harbor of Grace team after serving a distinguished thirty-two year career with the Baltimore County Police Department. Butch’s exemplary career included security, risk training, threat assessments, investigations and hands-on supervisory roles. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 to 1990. He was recalled for Operation Desert Shield from January to April 1991.

Lt. Rob Quick
Lt. Rob Quick
Retired BPD - Sr. Vice-President

Rob retired from Baltimore Police Dept. after twenty-six years and a day. He performed a variety of supervisory tasks that include acting liaison between the BPD and various federal law enforcement partners including the DEA, ATF, FBI and U.S. Marshal Service.  Rob specialized in crisis management at a mid-level management position and supervised hundreds of subordinates through complex, chaotic and very public law enforcement challenges.  His belief in strong relationship building and accountability made him an effective leader.   Over his career, Rob received eleven official commendations and numerous recognitions for performance and bravery.

Rob is a graduate of “the best all male high school in the State of Maryland” – Calvert Hall and the Police Executive Leadership Program at the University of Maryland College.

The National Law Enforcement & First Responder Wellness Center at Harbor of Grace is honored to have Rob on our Management Team.

Sgt.  Chuck Hart
Sgt. Chuck Hart
Retired Baltimore County PD 35 Years, Vice-President Director of Law Enforcement Community Relations

Chuck is an active duty Police Officer with a large Regional Police Department.  Graduating from the Police Academy in March of 1986, Chuck’s career has spanned over 33 years and include assignments in “Foot Patrol” to his present-day assignment as the Commander for the Hostage Negotiating Team.  From March 2012 to the present time, Chuck is also assigned to the Behavioral Assessment and Crisis Management Unit, where he supervises a Team of Mobile Crisis Police Units.  Chuck’s many years of valuable training includes, but is not limited to Conflict Negotiation, Dealing with Crisis and Loss, Law Enforcement Trauma and Wellness, De-Escalation and Conflict Resolution through Crisis Intervention Tactics and Mental Health First Aide.  The affects of Critical Incidents on Law Enforcement Officers, grief, trauma and PTSD are several areas where Chuck is an expert.

Chuck’s rewarding career has graced him with over 53 Awards and Unit Citations for his remarkable commitment and service.  Harbor of Grace is blessed to have Chuck and his passion to serve on our Team to help our First Responder Program become the regional leader in the treatment of our Nation’s heroes.  He is a Harford County resident where he lives with his wife of 31 years and two sons.

Mitch Brooks
Mitch Brooks
Firefighter/Paramedic (retired) Clinical Aide Supervisor

Mitch’s firefighting career began in 1991 in the US Navy where he served four years as an E5 Shipboard Firefighter.  Mitch’s civilian career with the Baltimore City Fire Department included eight years with a Truck Company, another eight years as a Paramedic on a medic unit including being selected as one of two firefighter/paramedics to serve as a Tactical Medic for the Baltimore City Police Department S.W.A.T Team.  He also served one year at the Fire Academy training new recruits.

Mitch’s personal journey in recovery from alcoholism began 23 years ago.  His Peer Support Skills and his ability to work with people in early recovery make Mitch a tremendous asset to our clinical team.  He lives in Havre de Grace with his wife of 26 years and his three daughters.

Mike McDermott
Mike McDermott
NYPD (Retired), Anne Arundel County PD (Retired), Vice-President Director of Law Enforcement National Relations

Mike was born and raised in Queens, New York.  Joining NYPD is January 1987, his various assignments include:  NSU5, 34 Precinct, Police Academy Instructor, Street Crimes, Warrant Squad, CWIT, Joint Apprehension Warrant Squad (JAWS), 71 PDU.

During Mike’s amazing career, he was awarded the Combat Cross medal and various Commendations and Meritorious police duty citations for exceptional police duties.  He retired from NYPD as a second grade Detective out of the 71 PDU.

Like the rest of our grieving nation, Mike was devastated by the terrorist attacks on 9/11.  He was detailed as a detective at “Ground Zero” on occasion and witnessed first hand the importance of Peer Support.

Mike is a trained Peer Support Counselor and helped coordinate the weekly hybrid 12 step meeting in Bowie, Maryland.  He is an instructor in Mental Health First Aid and member of the regional CISM Team. Mike is currently a patrol officer in Maryland where he continues working the road.  He is married 27 year to his wife Jeanne, and has three children.

George Torbert
George Torbert
LPN, US Army Retired

At age 17, an Army recruiter approached George while he was cutting school. A few placement tests and parental approval, he later jointed the Army. He began his military career as an Army medic and graduated from the U.S. Army’s Practical Nurse Course in 1989. He retired from the U.S. Army in 2003.

Like much of the Harbor of Grace family, George has been personally impacted by addiction. His cousin became addicted to crack cocaine and resorted to prostitution to support her addiction. She was later raped, murdered and thrown in the trash where her case remained unsolved for 16 years until two retired police detectives reopened the case and brought the perpetrator to justice.

Since 2016, George supervises the “midnight” nursing detail and is a great employee who receives many complimentary surveys from our patients. George is loved by all!

Matt Chrest
Matt Chrest
Counselor Aide

Matt began his public service in 2004 as a volunteer fireman/EMT-B in Harford County.  During his ten years of service, he attained the rank of Fire Sergeant.  This is where Matt’s desire to pursue a career in law enforcement began and he joined the Baltimore Police Department.  His police service started with mid-night shift foot patrol in several of Baltimore’s troubled neighborhoods.  Since 2007, Matt has been reassigned to the Northeast District and Northern District FLEX Squad.  His many assignments include pro-active enforcement in violent drug infested areas.

In 2012, Matt was awarded the district operations officer of the month. Over his 15 year career, he has received multiple letters of commendation or arrests involving handguns.  He joined the National Law Enforcement & First Responder Wellness Team at Harbor of Grace as a Counselor Aide in 2015 and brings several years of Peer Support to assist other officers in need.

Michael F. Jones
Michael F. Jones
Counselor Aide
  • Specialized traffic details and Flex unit.
  • Officer of the Month March 2018
  • Officer of the Month November 2018
  • Officer of the Month May 2019
  • Silver Star recipient
John Becker, Jr.
John Becker, Jr.
LPC, CAADC, CEAP, SAP, CTR - Retired Police Officer

John’s experience as a police officer, clinician, program director and peer gives him the total understanding of substance abuse and mental health challenges that our nation’s first responders face today.

 John is the founder of Guardian Recovery Services, a private practice that provides counseling to First Responders. John holds a B.S. in Behavioral Health Counseling and a master’s degree in Human Services and he is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

 John’s law enforcement career included patrol, patrol sergeant and detective sergeant. He served as his department’s lead criminal investigator and spent ten years as a member of the Moreland Area Emergency Response Team (SWAT).  He is the Clinical Director of the Montgomery County (PA) Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) for individual and group interventions, a Certified Trauma Responder (CTR) through the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS) and currently serves as a board member. Additionally, John is recognized as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) and Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) by the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA). He holds an Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC) through the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). John is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Police Suicide Foundation.

Jay Cooper “Coop”
Jay Cooper “Coop”
Counselor Aide

Coop graduated from Harford County Sheriffs Office Training Academy in 1998.  Worked 3 years for Cecil County Sheriffs Department and spent the last 20 years at Havre de Grace Police Department, where he remains an active officer.  The majority of his career has been in patrol and spent 9 years as a K-9 handler while supervising a street level drug unit.  Coop is a proud graduate of our program where he has remained sober since 2017.

Kelly Backman
Kelly Backman
Counselor Aide - Former Police Officer/Firefighter

Kelly grew up in rural area of Minnesota and spent his childhood on the family farm. He joined the Fergus Falls Fire Department in 2001 and later  graduated from Alexandria College with a degree in Law Enforcement. Throughout his law enforcement career he worked as a Correctional Officer, Police officer, County Deputy, and a Special Agent for a 5 county Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. Kelly is proud of his former career in the fire service and law enforcement, but he’s excited to serve others at Harbor of Grace who have also served their communities. He now enjoys outdoor activities, site seeing, geology, spending time with his 3 adult children and traveling the world with his girlfriend.

-Lieutenant Firefighter (retired).
-Former Police Officer
-Former County Patrol Deputy
-Former Drug Task Force Special Agent
-Grateful Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery graduate

Frank Janczak
Frank Janczak
Counselor Aide - Paramedic

Frank has 30 years of EMS experience, 25 of those years have been in the Baltimore City Fire Department. Upon completing  the academy in 1996, Frank went to Medic 15 (which was the busiest medic in the United States at the time) and spent the next 9 years working on the west side of Baltimore City.  He transferred to Medic 9 where he will remain until his retirement or death whichever comes first.  Frank has also worked most of his career transporting neonatal patients to specialty referral centers throughout Maryland and its 5 surrounding states.  Frank has built relationships within the neighborhoods he has worked as well as the hospitals he transports patients to.  Frank received Paramedic Of The Year in Baltimore City in 2000, a lifetime achievement award, as well as numerous citations and awards for outstanding performance in the field.

Frank’s cheese slipped off his cracker in the beginning of 2021 and he decided the HOG was a better option than jail.  After completing his time “on the inside” he discovered his second career….peer support.  Frank currently has 7 years of sobriety. He is peer support trained by the IAFF and a member of the BCFD Peer Support Team.

Jon Rickey
Jon Rickey
U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) - Counselor Aide

Colonel (Retired) Jon Rickey served in the U.S. Army for 32 years. Jon enlisted in 1983 and was commissioned in the Infantry in 1989 through Officer Candidate School. Jon was the honor graduate of his Infantry Officer Basic Course; completed Airborne, Ranger, other courses; and is Antiterrorism Level IV certified. Jon has led Soldiers and other agency teams during several peacekeeping and operational deployments to both the Balkans and Southwest Asia. Jon retired from the U.S. Army in 2015.

Afterward he worked as a Defense Contractor for Personal Protection and was a Park Ranger with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Jon graduated the HoG in 2022 and is passionate about helping Veteran’s and First Responders

Steve Cobo
Steve Cobo
Counselor Aide

Steve began his fire department career at the Baltimore City Fire Department in 1987. He spent his career as a “truckee” at multiple stations. His career spanned thirty-six years and he retired as a Lieutenant, where he loved mentoring younger firefighters and paramedics.  Steve has always been a wellness advocate, which makes him a perfect fit for our team.

Joey Kenley
Joey Kenley
Counselor Aide

Joey began his career in law enforcement in 2011 when he joined the Baltimore Police Department. He laterally transferred to the Cecil County Sheriff’s Office two years later where he was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit for six years, then promoted to the Special Response Team. He later became a Senior Deputy with the Patrol Division. Joey is open about his personal challenges with alcohol abuse and mental health needs and doesn’t hide that he is a proud graduate of our program here. His ability to personally connect with other LEO’s that are struggling is why we value Joey as an important part of our team.

Ed Gorwell
Ed Gorwell
Retired BPD Officer - Clinical Aide

As a Baltimore Police Officer, Ed served 30 years in a variety of duties and responsibilities from patrol to a number of different Administrative assignments. He served as a part time instructor at the academy for the Medical Teaching Team, as well as a 15 year member of the Critical Incident Stress Team/ Peer Support Team, ending as a team leader. He wanted to be a part of the CIST/PS Team, because he was a benefactor of their services as a rookie cop. It meant a lot to him as a recipient, so he felt that being a part of the PS Team, he could perhaps help someone else like they had helped him.

Keith Thomas
Keith Thomas
Retired 1st Seargent MSP - Clinical Aide

Keith spent nineteen and a half years serving the citizens of Maryland as a Maryland State Trooper, where he retired at the rank of First Sergeant. During his career her served as a road trooper, criminal investigator in the Computer Crimes unit at which time he was a member of the Crimes Against Children’s Task Force and finished his career as the NCOIC of the Aviation Command Operational Control Center and the Assistant Commander of the State Police Unmanned Aircraft System Unit. Keith is a certified FAA part 107 UAS pilot and holds a CISM certification. Keith also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1983-1989.

Keith completed the Mental Health program here at the HoG. Following his completion of the program he founded the FROST (First Responders Overcoming Service Trauma) Website, started the FROST Peer Group, and is working on the development of a 12 step Mental Health format, to be utilized during peer group meetings for continued after care.

RAPID RESPONSE TEAM

D. Kenneth Beyer
D. Kenneth Beyer
Firefighter/ EMT - Founder/President

Ken is a 24-year veteran of the treatment community where his personal recovery began in 1992. Soon after, he realized he wanted to spend his life working with chemically dependent people and started his new career at Father Martin’s Ashley. Co-Founders Father Joseph Martin, Mae Abraham and Leonard Angus Dahl all made huge impacts on Ken’s early recovery and his career at Ashley. He was the Director of Admissions and Insurance Advisor, and later became the business advisor to the President, Leonard Dahl, helping to guide Ashley with real estate acquisitions and business matters. Ken served on the Ashley Board of Directors for seven years and maintained a consultant relationship with Ashley prior to joining the Board. A former successful owner of several restaurants, retail stores and a hotel, Ken was able to use his entrepreneurial background to assist Ashley with their growth and vision.

Ken’s busy life also includes being a part-time career firefighter-EMT-B/IVT and a volunteer firefighter. He is a past Fire-line Officer and past President of the Susquehanna Hose Company, a 100-member fire company in Havre de Grace, MD.  Ken is currently the EAP for Harford County Fire Volunteer Fire Association and the Peer Support Coordinator for the Harford County EMS Foundation.  He is a consultant for many police departments and career fire companies for addiction related matters within their respectable departments.  Ken has assisted various regional career and volunteer fire companies with chemical dependency issues and he has performed countless structured interventions, which include assisting several law enforcement agencies.

Ken is married to Laurie (34 years), and they have four children and two beautiful granddaughters. They reside in Havre de Grace, MD.

Kathleen “Kat” Kennon
Kathleen “Kat” Kennon
LCSW-C – Clinical Director, First Responders Program

Kat is a board certified Social Worker Supervisor. She received her MSW from University of Maryland School of Social Work and has been a Mobile Crisis Clinician with the Baltimore County Police Department through their Mobile Crisis Response Unit for six years. Two of those years she has been a clinical supervisor.

Kat is trained in CISM, is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and helped train police officers and recruits in Crisis Intervention.

Marianna Garrigan Adams
Marianna Garrigan Adams
First Responder Therapist - LMSW/NRP Paramedic

We are proud to have Marianna on our team. As an active Paramedic, who still works part-time for the Harford County Fire & EMS Foundation since 2010, Marianna still serves as the CISM Coordinator with Harford County where she has supervised Peer Support and CISM activities for several major Mass Casualty Incidents.

Lt. Robbie Way
Lt. Robbie Way
Counselor Aide - Firefighter/Paramedic

Rob Way BCFD Lieutenant Retired 1991-2016. Rob has also served as a volunteer firefighter/fire office in the Susquehanna Hose Company and as a Paramedic in the Havre De Grace Ambulance Corp since 1987. He has received numerous life saving awards both as a career Fire Office and as a volunteer.

Major Woodland “Butch” Wilson
Major Woodland “Butch” Wilson
MS (Ret. BCoPD) 1990-2022 - Counselor Aide

Butch joined the Harbor of Grace team after serving a distinguished thirty-two year career with the Baltimore County Police Department. Butch’s exemplary career included security, risk training, threat assessments, investigations and hands-on supervisory roles. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1986 to 1990. He was recalled for Operation Desert Shield from January to April 1991.

Lt. Rob Quick
Lt. Rob Quick
Retired BPD - Sr. Vice-President

Rob retired from Baltimore Police Dept. after twenty-six years and a day. He performed a variety of supervisory tasks that include acting liaison between the BPD and various federal law enforcement partners including the DEA, ATF, FBI and U.S. Marshal Service.  Rob specialized in crisis management at a mid-level management position and supervised hundreds of subordinates through complex, chaotic and very public law enforcement challenges.  His belief in strong relationship building and accountability made him an effective leader.   Over his career, Rob received eleven official commendations and numerous recognitions for performance and bravery.

Rob is a graduate of “the best all male high school in the State of Maryland” – Calvert Hall and the Police Executive Leadership Program at the University of Maryland College.

The National Law Enforcement & First Responder Wellness Center at Harbor of Grace is honored to have Rob on our Management Team.

Sgt.  Chuck Hart
Sgt. Chuck Hart
Retired Baltimore County PD 35 Years, Vice-President Director of Law Enforcement Community Relations

Chuck is an active duty Police Officer with a large Regional Police Department.  Graduating from the Police Academy in March of 1986, Chuck’s career has spanned over 33 years and include assignments in “Foot Patrol” to his present-day assignment as the Commander for the Hostage Negotiating Team.  From March 2012 to the present time, Chuck is also assigned to the Behavioral Assessment and Crisis Management Unit, where he supervises a Team of Mobile Crisis Police Units.  Chuck’s many years of valuable training includes, but is not limited to Conflict Negotiation, Dealing with Crisis and Loss, Law Enforcement Trauma and Wellness, De-Escalation and Conflict Resolution through Crisis Intervention Tactics and Mental Health First Aide.  The affects of Critical Incidents on Law Enforcement Officers, grief, trauma and PTSD are several areas where Chuck is an expert.

Chuck’s rewarding career has graced him with over 53 Awards and Unit Citations for his remarkable commitment and service.  Harbor of Grace is blessed to have Chuck and his passion to serve on our Team to help our First Responder Program become the regional leader in the treatment of our Nation’s heroes.  He is a Harford County resident where he lives with his wife of 31 years and two sons.

Mitch Brooks
Mitch Brooks
Firefighter/Paramedic (retired) Clinical Aide Supervisor

Mitch’s firefighting career began in 1991 in the US Navy where he served four years as an E5 Shipboard Firefighter.  Mitch’s civilian career with the Baltimore City Fire Department included eight years with a Truck Company, another eight years as a Paramedic on a medic unit including being selected as one of two firefighter/paramedics to serve as a Tactical Medic for the Baltimore City Police Department S.W.A.T Team.  He also served one year at the Fire Academy training new recruits.

Mitch’s personal journey in recovery from alcoholism began 23 years ago.  His Peer Support Skills and his ability to work with people in early recovery make Mitch a tremendous asset to our clinical team.  He lives in Havre de Grace with his wife of 26 years and his three daughters.

Mike McDermott
Mike McDermott
NYPD (Retired), Anne Arundel County PD (Retired), Vice-President Director of Law Enforcement National Relations

Mike was born and raised in Queens, New York.  Joining NYPD is January 1987, his various assignments include:  NSU5, 34 Precinct, Police Academy Instructor, Street Crimes, Warrant Squad, CWIT, Joint Apprehension Warrant Squad (JAWS), 71 PDU.

During Mike’s amazing career, he was awarded the Combat Cross medal and various Commendations and Meritorious police duty citations for exceptional police duties.  He retired from NYPD as a second grade Detective out of the 71 PDU.

Like the rest of our grieving nation, Mike was devastated by the terrorist attacks on 9/11.  He was detailed as a detective at “Ground Zero” on occasion and witnessed first hand the importance of Peer Support.

Mike is a trained Peer Support Counselor and helped coordinate the weekly hybrid 12 step meeting in Bowie, Maryland.  He is an instructor in Mental Health First Aid and member of the regional CISM Team. Mike is currently a patrol officer in Maryland where he continues working the road.  He is married 27 year to his wife Jeanne, and has three children.

Kelly Backman
Kelly Backman
Counselor Aide - Former Police Officer/Firefighter

Kelly grew up in rural area of Minnesota and spent his childhood on the family farm. He joined the Fergus Falls Fire Department in 2001 and later  graduated from Alexandria College with a degree in Law Enforcement. Throughout his law enforcement career he worked as a Correctional Officer, Police officer, County Deputy, and a Special Agent for a 5 county Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force. Kelly is proud of his former career in the fire service and law enforcement, but he’s excited to serve others at Harbor of Grace who have also served their communities. He now enjoys outdoor activities, site seeing, geology, spending time with his 3 adult children and traveling the world with his girlfriend.

-Lieutenant Firefighter (retired).
-Former Police Officer
-Former County Patrol Deputy
-Former Drug Task Force Special Agent
-Grateful Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery graduate

Frank Janczak
Frank Janczak
Counselor Aide - Paramedic

Frank has 30 years of EMS experience, 25 of those years have been in the Baltimore City Fire Department. Upon completing  the academy in 1996, Frank went to Medic 15 (which was the busiest medic in the United States at the time) and spent the next 9 years working on the west side of Baltimore City.  He transferred to Medic 9 where he will remain until his retirement or death whichever comes first.  Frank has also worked most of his career transporting neonatal patients to specialty referral centers throughout Maryland and its 5 surrounding states.  Frank has built relationships within the neighborhoods he has worked as well as the hospitals he transports patients to.  Frank received Paramedic Of The Year in Baltimore City in 2000, a lifetime achievement award, as well as numerous citations and awards for outstanding performance in the field.

Frank’s cheese slipped off his cracker in the beginning of 2021 and he decided the HOG was a better option than jail.  After completing his time “on the inside” he discovered his second career….peer support.  Frank currently has 7 years of sobriety. He is peer support trained by the IAFF and a member of the BCFD Peer Support Team.

SUPPORT STAFF

Josh Knell
Josh Knell
Alphie
Alphie
First Responder Therapist - HoG Dog
Rick Beyer
Rick Beyer
Director of Facilities Management
Sue Eyet
Sue Eyet
Artist and Art Therapy Coordinator

Sue has decades of experience as an artist and teacher across a wide range of mediums. She is an expert basketmaker, beader, jewelry designer, and metalsmith. She was the featured artist for the book “The Fine Art of the Tin Can”. Sue is a commissioned artist for The American Visionary Art Museum, featured Book Artist for “Found Object Art II”, and “Fabulous Woven Jewelry”, and commissioned artist for the Governor of Maryland Art Award. Sue was the Resident Artist & Art Services Coordinator at Father Martin’s Ashley for several years. Sue feels grateful to have helped thousands of courageous folks to rediscover their creative spirit through art therapy while traveling the road to recovery. Sue is an active member of the Cecil County Arts Council.

Shannon Alexander
Shannon Alexander
Licensed Personal Trainer and Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Fitness has been an integral part of Shannon’s life for over 30 years. She believes that exercise not only has physical effects on the body but, more importantly, is a total mental and emotional boost as well. Overall wellness starts at the gym with conditioning, strengthening and endurance and stretching. It produces a sense of relaxation. People can take these skills and resources and further incorporate them in their daily lives to help develop healthy coping mechanisms.

As a child of addicts, Shannon has been touched by this disease her entire life and has watched the winding road of recovery for those afflicted. She is anxious to help others find a healthy outlet by choosing the course towards full body and mind wellness.
Shannon is a Licensed Personal Trainer and Certified Group Fitness Instructor. Her certifications include yoga, Pilates, R.I.P.P.E.D., TRX, Kettlebell Piyo and Kick Boxing.

Mike Kirby
Mike Kirby
Assistant Director of Patient Services
Brandon Sandosky
Brandon Sandosky
Clinical Aide Supervisor - Counselor Aide
Kevin Jensen
Kevin Jensen
Clinical Aide Supervisor
Reggie Durbin
Reggie Durbin
Fleet Manager

Admissions STAFF

Gabby Alexender
Gabby Alexender
Admissions Admin
Chrissy Siuma
Chrissy Siuma
Admissions Coordinator
Laura Quick
Laura Quick
Director of Admissions
Jen Donovan
Jen Donovan
Admissions Coordinator