About Us
Who We Are
Empowering Your Path to Wellness
Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey; it’s a deeply personal experience shaped by unique challenges and aspirations. At Pioneer Behavioral Health, we recognize the hurdles faced in today’s mental health and addiction landscape, where stigma and access to care can be significant barriers. Our mission is to break these barriers by offering compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to individual needs. With a dedicated team of skilled professionals, we provide innovative solutions that empower clients to reclaim their lives and build healthier futures.
Our team of experienced clinicians, therapists, and support staff work together to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, helping individuals and families achieve lasting mental wellness and recovery.
TEAM
Meet the Visionaries Behind Your Care
Executive Director
Jared is a co-founder of Pioneer and serves as Executive Director. He is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and brings 8 years of addictions and mental health counseling experience to the Pioneer team, having worked across all levels of care — outpatient, intensive outpatient and residential inpatient. Jared’s passion is connecting with clients who have become isolated because of their disease and helping them rediscover their purpose, meaning, and the connections in their lives. As a person in long term recovery he leverages his lived experience to benefit others. Jared works tirelessly to empower clients to move beyond their struggles to reconnect with themselves and family and to discover that they are worthy of recovery—their struggle does not define them. Jared is honored to work with the clinical team at Pioneer, all of whom are committed to supporting clients on their recovery journey.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning but you can start where you are and change the ending.” -C.S Lewis
Primary Therapist
Mary Tessier is a dedicated and compassionate therapist who brings both clinical knowledge and authentic human connection to her work. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently pursuing her M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Bay Path University. With years of experience in the mental health field—including inpatient care, emergency crisis response, and psychiatric team support—Mary draws from a deep well of both professional expertise and personal insight.
Having navigated her own experiences with depression and anxiety, Mary approaches therapy with empathy, humility, and a genuine appreciation for the complexity of the human experience. She primarily utilizes CBT-based models while also integrating psychodynamic perspectives, holistic practices, and kindness at the core of her work. Her goal is to help clients feel seen, supported, and empowered as they move through their healing journey.
Mary finds true fulfillment in creating meaningful therapeutic relationships and guiding individuals as they rediscover their strength. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, crafting, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
“I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you are not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again” – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Primary Therapist
Danielle is currently in her final year of the Master of Social Work program at Springfield College. She brings over five years of experience in the mental health field, including work in crisis intervention and outpatient therapy. Her clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based practices like DBT and CBT, with a strong focus on helping individuals tap into their strengths and work toward their personal goals.
In addition to her professional training, Danielle draws from her own lived experience with mental health, which allows her to connect with clients in a genuine and compassionate way. She’s committed to creating a space where people feel safe, supported, and truly heard. Danielle meets clients where they are, offering care that is nonjudgmental, affirming, and paced to honor each person’s journey and resilience.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Clinical Director
Keith Stanley, LICSW, is the Clinical Director at Pioneer Behavioral Health, where he leads with a deep commitment to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders. He holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salem State University and brings over a decade of experience in the behavioral health field.
Keith’s professional background includes extensive work in both individual and family counseling, where he developed a strong clinical foundation and a person-centered approach. He is passionate about helping clients recover, grow, and regain a sense of purpose. His leadership is grounded in the use of evidence-based treatment models, which he integrates into programming to enhance outcomes and promote long-term wellness.
Dedicated, compassionate, and results-driven, Keith continues to advocate for comprehensive, effective care that meets clients where they are and empowers them to move forward.
“Recovery is not one giant leap, but a series of small, hopeful steps.”
Primary Therapist
Courtney holds a Master’s degree from Smith College School for Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Prior to Courtney’s current role with Pioneer Behavioral Health, Courtney was the Clinical Director at CHD’s Aster House, a dual-diagnosis recovery home in South Hadley serving people with moderate to severe mental health and substance use challenges. Courtney also served as a Clinical Team Lead with BHN’s Adult Community Clinical Services in Westfield, a group therapist at MiraVista Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke, and a therapist at the VA in Greenfield.
Courtney works with people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward. Courtney specializes in working with clients who use substances, food, spending, sex, relationships, or work to cope with the symptoms of complex trauma and other mental health conditions. Courtney is trained in EMDR, IFS, 12-Step Recovery, mindfulness, and somatic approaches to healing.
Courtney helps clients let go of what is no longer helping them and build tools that support who they are becoming. Courtney brings warmth, humor, honesty, and deep compassion to the work. Courtney is not afraid to go to the hard places with clients. Working with Courtney provides a space where clients can be their full selves—messy, brilliant, hurting, and healing.
Evening Primary Therapist
Alicia Dunning is very passionate about helping people with substance use disorders and mental health issues. Alicia has been in the field for years, and is currently in her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as in route to obtaining her license in alcohol & drug counseling (LADC). As someone who has extensive experience in the addiction field and has personally lost her father to addiction, Alicia is dedicated to helping others who are struggling and in need of support on their recovery journey. Alicia makes it a goal to assist others in finding the root of their addiction and mental health issues, and help them strive towards obtaining a more freeing lifestyle.
“Addiction is giving up everything for one thing, Recovery is giving up one thing for everything”
OUR MISSION
A Promise of Personalized Care
At Pioneer, we champion a recovery journey that is uniquely yours. Every client is met with compassion and understanding, and we develop individualized treatment plans designed to align with your personal goals and challenges. This tailored approach not only enhances your recovery experience but also equips you with the essential tools for long-term success.
Our dedicated team is here to support you at every turn, focusing on holistic healing that addresses the root causes of addiction and mental health struggles. Together, we’ll build a brighter, healthier future free from the constraints of substance use and emotional challenges.
01.
Expert Guidance
With Master's-level clinicians on board, expect comprehensive support tailored to your unique recovery journey.
02.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Every client receives individualized treatment crafted to meet specific recovery needs and personal aspirations.
03.
Holistic Approach
Beyond standard therapy, we emphasize life-enhancing services, including nutritional and employment counseling, to nurture overall well-being.
04.
Flexible Scheduling
A variety of program schedules are available, ensuring that treatment fits seamlessly into your life.
05.
Family Involvement
Our family support program fosters involvement from loved ones, creating a strong support network for your recovery.
06.
Peer Support
Engage in peer-to-peer counseling, receiving unwavering support from individuals who understand your journey firsthand.
Meet the Team
Get to Know the Passionate Experts Behind Your Recovery
Your Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
At Pioneer, we treat a variety of substance use disorders, including alcohol, drug, and prescription medication addiction. We offer personalized treatment plans to address the specific needs of each client.
Our Full-Day Treatment Program offers intensive care for individuals who require hands-on support throughout the day. The Half-Day Treatment Program provides structured treatment while allowing clients to begin integrating more independence into their recovery.
What Our Clients Say
Testimonials from Our Community
An absolutely wonderful and caring staff. I cannot say enough amazing things about the resources available and the welcoming environment. Facilitated me in rebuilding my life and gave me a sober foundation to live on.