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Meet Our Team

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Build a foundation for lasting recovery from addiction

Experienced, Well-Trained And Licensed Professionals

At Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, our entire team is dedicated to our patients and our primary mission is to evoke healing and wellness through proven therapy for you or your loved one going through the addiction recovery journey.

The Evoke team is centric to our licensed physicians and nurses, however, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Our team consists of a wide range of behavioral health professionals to pave the road to recovery. Psychiatrists, therapists, counselors and other medical professionals have come together to set the course for recovery. Many of our staff have gone through recovery themselves personally, and devoted themselves to helping you on your journey.

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Brooke Melanson LMHC, MS, BS

Executive Director

Brooke Melanson was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and had only planned to stay in Massachusetts temporarily to be closer to family when her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008. When it was time to return to Pennsylvania, she loved the city of Boston so much that she never left.

Brooke’s inspiration to work with addicts derived from the people who inspired her most when she entered her last treatment facilities in the year 2004. She asked how she could “do what they do,” and set a goal to follow their path. In 2013, Brooke received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from UMass Boston, and in 2015, received her Masters of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Springfield College.

Throughout working in various levels of care, Brooke loved working in psychiatric and substance abuse treatment facilities as a clinician and worked with clients in their early process of changing their behaviors through CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). When promoted to Clinical Director, Brooke discovered her love for program management. She realized that she could extend her initial inspiration to help people struggling with addiction, and transform it into a way to help train professionals in the field.

In 2015, Brooke joined High Point Treatment Center’s Section 35 ATS/CSS program in Brockton, where she worked her way up and managed the program in a multitude of roles throughout the years. Brooke eventually maintained all oversight as Site Director of this 4-unit CSS program with an operating capacity of 108 beds. Brooke was also the ATS/CSS Program Director at Spectrum Health Systems. In 2021, Brooke opened her own private practice as an LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), where she specialized in addiction, major mental health disorders, marriage/family therapy, and other areas of focus. Brooke always returned to management as her most loved role, as she loved the high volume of the job. In the year 2022, Brooke was awarded Manager of the Year by High Point Treatment Center and Southeastern Massachusetts Coalition of Substance Abuse.

Brooke found exactly what she was looking for in Evoke Wellness- A program that provides an excellent environment of care for people who are looking to get their freedom back from the imprisonment of drugs and alcohol. In the future, Brooke strives to get more involved in the field with the NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors) and MaMHCA (Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association) to enhance her career further and to continue to assist those in need of more training in the field.

Matthew-Driscoll

Matthew Driscoll

Corporate National Accounts Director

As a graduate from Northeastern University, Matthew began his career in addiction treatment in 2014 with Wicked Sober. Here, Matt served as a community outreach member, helping people and families suffering from addiction find the right treatment options for them. In 2016, Matt joined the Middlesex County Opioid Task Force, through his work with many community-based organizations and local police chiefs.

Working within the community that he grew up in, Matt is passionate about helping people with his similar background grapple with addiction-related issues. From here, Matthew moved into the role of business development officer at Recovery Centers of America until 2018, when he joined Granite Recovery Centers as a Massachusetts business development representative.

Matthew has maintained his vision of being a community advocate and a resource for anyone seeking help for addiction. With his role at Evoke Wellness, Matthew’s scope has grown from a single recovery organization in Arlington, MA to overseeing the development of the New England footprint of Evoke Wellness, a growing addiction treatment operation.

Outside of work, Matthew enjoys spending time with his family, the many wonderful outdoor opportunities, and sporting activities the New England seasons have to offer.

Jordan-Dupree

Jordan Dupree

Director of Admissions

Jordan Dupree has an unmatched eagerness for helping those seeking change. Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Jordan was exposed second-hand to substance abuse from a young age.

After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Delaware State University, he oversaw operations for the Student Wellness and Recreation Center. Jordan was soon thereafter recruited by Eagleville Hospital where he coordinated admissions for psychiatric, substance abuse and dual diagnosis patients.

Jordan’s passion stems from overseeing the transition of clients admitting while struggling and feeling defeated to graduating with a stronger sense of self and confidence. In Summer 2019, Jordan relocated to Massachusetts where he was then recruited by Spectrum Health Systems as an admissions coordinator. While at Spectrum, Jordan proved exceptional teamwork and leadership skills, being presented with Employee of the Quarter and leading to his promotion as lead admissions coordinator while spearheading Spectrum through the most successful year throughout their 50-year history.

Jordan is personable, compassionate and excels at building meaningful relationships. Jordan was quickly promoted from admissions coordinator to director of admissions just six months after joining the Evoke Wellness team in November 2020.

Jillian-Weche

Jillian Weche

Director of Nursing

Jillian leads Evoke’s Nursing program, bringing 10 years of experience in human services from both clinical and medical disciplines to ensure high-quality, coordinated, best-practice care. From working with adults with disabilities to addiction medicine, she has always brought her passion for supporting people experiencing psychiatric and substance use disorders to her work.

Jillian began her career in nursing at Pembroke Hospital where her leadership and problem-solving skills were noticed and she was quickly promoted from floor nurse to nursing supervisor, responsible for the management of care for 120+ beds. Similarly, here at Evoke Wellness, Jillian joined the team as an overnight nurse and shortly after was promoted to nurse supervisor, and then to her current role, director of nursing.

Jillian’s success lies in her ability to lead by example, show compassion and empathy for patients, and her dedication to the entire team, always offering technical assistance whenever help is needed. If that wasn’t enough, her sense of humor builds trusting relationships with colleagues and patients alike, allowing her to deliver better outcomes.

Jillian’s educational background blends her passion for this work and includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Bridgewater State University, Associates Degree in Nursing from Laboure College, and her current pursuits toward a Master in Science Nursing, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (MSN-PMHNP) from Chamberlain University.

Outside of work, Jillian enjoys gardening, tending to her chickens and ducks, spending time with her husband and children, and dedicating time to self-care so she can sustain a long and happy career in caring for others.

John Moncrief

John Moncrief

Director of Operations

Johnny was born and raised in Florida, growing up mostly in the Tampa Bay area. Johnny is a veteran and has served 3 years in the US Army. In 2016 he moved to South Florida in order to deal with his own addiction issues and to get a new start. After spending time working on himself and with others, he went back to work, this time in the field of treating addiction.

His first job in the treatment field was as a Behavioral Health Technician. Growing and excelling there, he was soon promoted and transferred to Massachusetts. Johnny has been with Evoke Wellness in Florida and Massachusetts going on for 5 years where he works with others dealing with the same issues he’s dealt with and overcame.

Johnny takes great pride in the teams he supervises, and the positive environment they have helped create here at Evoke. He believes client safety and client care are of the utmost importance and keeps it at the forefront of all that EVOKE does!

Michael-Tarantino

Mike Tarantino

National Accounts Director

Mike was born and raised in Massachusetts. He grew up with many friends and loved ones suffering with addiction and mental health and he lost countless friends to addiction and suicide. Because of this, he became very passionate about helping others who are struggling.

Prior to joining Evoke Wellness, Mike was the Director of admissions for a behavioral health clinic. During his time there, he had the opportunity to work with many treatment facilities and learn more about the field. He chose to work with Evoke because he believes in what they do here. The indispensable service and care provided by staff is what gives people hope in their own recovery. Mike works within the community, hospital organizations, and other treatment programs to connect people with the resources that will set them up with the best chance of success. In his free time, he likes to spend it with family and friends, staying active outdoors and sports.

Nicholas Dean

Nicholas Dean

Program Director

Nick was born and raised in Miami, Florida to a family that struggled immensely with addiction and mental health issues. Fortunately, Nick was able to see many of his loved ones enter lives of sustained recovery and was able to identify a common denominator: Long Term Treatment. It was this revelation that led Nick to pursue a career in the helping profession. Receiving his Master’s in Counselor Education from Florida International University and taking a person centered approach, it is Nick’s goal to ensure each and every client he treats is afforded the quality care that his loved ones had received in their time of need.

Debb Ford

Debroah Ford, LADC

Clinical Supervisor, Substance Use Disorder

Debroah (Debb) Ford, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC I), is committed to offering a nurturing environment for exploring thoughts and emotions. Her compassionate approach allows clients to gain valuable insights and develop the necessary tools to navigate life’s complexities. As a Certified Co-Active Professional Coach through the Coaches Training Institute and an Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaches Federation, Debb also understands the importance of guiding clients on their journey of self-discovery. She supports individuals in navigating life’s challenges, questioning assumptions, and fostering personal transformation.

Debb was guided into the substance use field as a spiritual consultant for an inpatient program. It was there that she was called into obtaining her credentials for addiction counseling. Debb felt fulfilled in this work. She obtained her license as an alcohol drug counselor. Debb’s natural curiosity serves to open spaces within her clients that challenge negative thinking patterns and opens up alternate ways of perception. Her clinical prowess lies in her ability to meet people where they’re at with no expectations. She works for the internal space that is committed to the wellness journey. Debb advocates for changing the pervasive stigma attached to people who have a substance use disorder.

Tanya Baskcomb-Junior (1)

Tanya Baskcomb-Junior

Clinical Therapist RBT

Tanya is from Sydney, Australia and brings more than 25 years of experience to the team. After raising 5 children, Tanya went back to school at 40 years old and obtained her Associates Degree in Psychology and bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University. From there, Tanya completed her master’s degree in Mental Health and Wellness emphasizing Grief and Bereavement.

Tanya has worked with diverse cultural populations throughout her career and enjoyed working with all age groups and demographics. She managed a team of caretakers for 6 years while working in geriatrics and obtained a diploma in Gerontology through Cape Fear Community College in North Carolina. Eventually, Tanya moved to Massachusetts and began working with children with ASD, which inspired her to become a Registered Behavior Therapist.

Tanya’s own experience with tragedy and grief caused by addiction ignited her passion for helping those experiencing substance use disorders and mental health struggles, which led her to Evoke Wellness at Cohasset. During her time here, Tanya has become the primary Clinical Therapist for our Veterans Program. Tanya’s son is a Veteran and being a military mum herself- she can channel her personal experience of living with someone experiencing PPTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and mental health struggles to help her provide empathy, compassion and understanding when treating our Veteran patients.

Tanya is working to obtain her certificate to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC). Outside of work, Tanya enjoys being with her children, traveling the world, and reading an enjoyable book.

Rebecca Kulesza (1)

Rebecca Kulesza

Clinical Therapist LCSW

Rebecca Kulesza is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and has been a Clinical Therapist at Evoke Wellness at Cohasset’s CSS (Clinical Stabilization Services) unit since June of 2021. Rebecca works with individuals living with co-occurring disorders, such as substance use disorders and mental health diagnoses. Rebecca believes every patient can make changes through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Because of this, Rebecca uses CBT to help individuals learn different and healthier ways to cope and change their behaviors to support their goals. In addition to CBT, Rebecca approaches patients using empathy, validation, reflective listening, and motivational interviewing.

Rebecca has worked with individuals of all age ranges from infancy to the elderly. She has worked with adults living with addiction, children and adults in crisis, and the elderly population suffering from isolation and loneliness. Rebecca graduated from the Advanced Standing Program at Boston University School of Social Work, with her master’s degree in Social Work. She is currently completing her Supervision hours to obtain her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensure.

Suzette Shilts

Suzette Shilts

Clinical Therapist - LMHC

Suzette Shilts is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) experienced in treating adolescents and adults with Addiction and Recovery, Life Issues, Depression, Anxiety, Transitions, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem, Post-Traumatic Stress and Mood Disorders.

Suzette integrates many different techniques into her practice including ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) which encompasses both CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) which.as been proven to be effective for people in Recovery from Substance Use Disorders. The ACT approach offers techniques to challenge thoughts and distortions while practicing mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotion regulation.

Suzette’s success as a Clinical Therapist is built on an empathic, patient-centered approach, which allows for people to identify and apply their personal strengths to access positive personal change and live a fulfilling life in recovery.

Suzette holds a Masters’ Degree in Education as a school Guidance Counselor, and after completing the Masters’ Degree- she went on to pursue a degree as a Mental Health Counselor, where she graduated with a CAGS (Certificate of Advanced Graduation). Suzette also received a certification in Applied Behavior Analysis and holds a 200-hour certification as a Yoga Instructor.

Tracy Reff

Tracy Reff

ATR Art Therapist

Tracy Reff is an ATR certified art therapist. Tracy received her degree from Saint Mary of the Woods College in Indiana before making her way across the country to join the team at Evoke Wellness. Tracy’s experience prior to Evoke ranged from working with young children to older adults, utilizing her field’s therapeutic approach to build community, and facilitate self-care and healing through the process of art making. Tracy has been a vital part of the Evoke Wellness team since the opening of the Cohasset location in 2020 and has found her passion in helping others in their recovery process. Outside of work, Tracy creates art of her own, in the form of acrylic painting and fabric sculpture, tending to her garden and pursuing literary interests.

Vashawn-Thurston

Vashawn Thurston

Executive Chef

Vashawn Thurston, is an executive chef at Evoke Wellness LLC. She was born in Miami, FL and is a mother of three children. Vashawn has a love of cooking and helping others find success through food preparation. Prior to coming to Evoke Wellness at Cohasset, she was employed through Evoke Florida where she worked through various positions before becoming executive chef. Vashawn reports that she loves what she does and helping others. She is looking forward to great things to come.