BTG

 

 

Stan is the CEO and President of Bridging the Gaps.  His professional background is over 30 years experience in the addictions field both in the military and private sectors.  Stan received his Master's degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.  He is past president of the Central Regional VADAAC and vice-president of the Central Region VADAP.

Stan's focus is an integrative approach to chemical dependency treatment and mental health issues, and although he thoroughly enjoys his role of marketing and community outreach he is deeply committed to and involved in every aspect of Bridging the Gaps.

See Stan Stokes' video by clicking here.

 


STAN STOKES,
MS, LPC, CCDC
Founder & President

 

 

Dr. Joan Volpe is an experienced leader and manager in the alcohol and drug and mental health treatment fields.  Trained as a cultural anthropologist, she has a broad vision of service content, organizational structure and conflict mediation and is involved in strategic planning and program development on national, state and local level.

Joan is a Reiki Master and the founder of the Academy for Energy Healing and Transformation.

 


JOAN VOLPE,
Ph.D
Consultant and Coordinator of Healing Energy Services

 

 

Bill North's professional work experience over the past 30 years was in the hospitality industry.  Before becoming Executive Director at Bridging the Gaps he was General Manager of Coolfont Resort in Berkeley Spring, West Virginia.

Bill trained at Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, and he brings his expertise and business experience to BTG in a hospitality context.  Since most Bridging the Gaps' treatment programs require lodging, food and meeting space, Bill views every client as our 'guest'.

 


Bill North

BILL NORTH
Executive Director

 

 

Denise brings to Bridging the Gaps a range of organizational and administrative skills.  Following a 10 year adventure in Tucson, AZ, Denise returned to the Shenandoah Valley, met Stan Stokes and joined the expanding Bridging the Gaps team.

The body, mind, spirit aspect of treatment at Bridging the Gaps is a great fit with her "win/win" attitude.

 

 


Photo of Denise Wiitala

DENISE WIITALA
Administrative Director

 

 

Susan has been with Bridging The Gaps almost since its conception in 2001.  She joined our treatment team after more than 20 years of experience in the medical field.

As Admissions Coordinator, Susan works closely with potential new clients and their families, bringing to these interactions an empathic understanding of the circumstances of the disease of addiction.

 


Sue Dennis

SUSAN DENNIS,
Admissions Coordinator

 

 

Doug is the coordinator of both the Continuing Care and the Intensive Out-Patient Programs at Bridging the Gaps.  He is a Masters level counselor with 17 years clinical experience in psychiatric and addictions treatment.  He is a Certified Clinical Addictions Counselor, a National Board Certified Counselor and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Doug feels the holistic mind-body-spirit treatment concept utilized at Bridging The Gaps, plus working with the best treatment team he has ever known explain the great treatment outcomes experienced by the clients of BTG.

 


Doug Houck

DOUG HOUCK,
Clinical Coordinator

 

 

David is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) with the Virginia Board of Health Professions and has extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient modalities.  Dedicated to client advocacy and minimizing the stigma of addiction, he is a proponent of research-based and innovative treatment methodologies.

David also conducts drug and alcohol awareness seminars for various businesses and corporations.  He brings to Bridging the Gaps extensive experience in group treatment, individual therapy, and family counseling.

 


David Semanco

DAVID J. SEMANCO,
MS, CSAC

 

 

Christopher Welch graduated from Shepherd University in 1997 with a degree in Psychology.  He has worked in the mental health field since 1998 and became involved in substance abuse/addictions in 2004.  He has experienced working with clients from a diverse range of ages and experiences.

Christopher joined Bridging the Gaps in June of 2007 as an Addictions Counselor.  He states that, “I was excited to come to Bridging the Gaps and be part of a facility that supports a holistic and integrated treatment philosophy.”

 


Christopher Welch

CHRISTOPHER WELCH