Evoke Wellness Centers offers same-day admission for those seeking help. Start admissions online or call (866) 931-6429
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Evoke Wellness Centers offers same-day admission for those seeking help. Start admissions online or call (866) 931-6429
Dr. Kashan is an attending psychiatrist as well as the medical director of Evoke Wellness at Hilliard and Evoke Wellness at Cohasset. He attended Bucknell University for undergraduate studies and A.T. Still University for medical school. Addiction and mental health struggles have impacted several of his close friends and family members throughout his life. Accordingly, it is his mission to make sure that those afflicted with these conditions receive the best treatment possible. He is extremely proud that the stigma associated with mental health and addiction is finally on the decline. “Life is hard and it is okay to not be okay. Personally, I see the ability to ask for help as a sign of strength rather than weakness. My goal at Evoke Wellness is to ensure optimal patient care, which means treating symptoms in a way that minimizes side effect burden and utilizes the least number of medications necessary to alleviate those symptoms. It is truly an honor to be able to treat and restore hope to patients who have so much to offer the world if just given the right tools to do so.”
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.
Travis was born in New York City and raised in sunny Tampa, Florida, where he graduated from Gulf High School. He went on to study arboriculture at South Florida University, training that prepared him for a decade-long career as a certified tree climber. Travis transitioned into substance use treatment as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) at Waves Recovery in Fort Lauderdale. His journey continued as a BHT at Evoke Wellness in Miramar, where he quickly advanced to Lead BHT. With dedication and a strong work ethic, he moved to Evoke Wellness in Cohasset, first as Operations Supervisor, then as Operations Manager, and currently serves as Director of Operations. Travis enjoys being part of the Evoke Wellness family and is known for his commitment to the team. Outside of work, he loves spending time outdoors, especially fishing, grilling, hiking, and going to the beach.
James has been with Evoke Wellness since July 2021, starting as an overnight Recovery Support Specialist. He has held several positions at Evoke since, taking on his current role as admissions director in September 2023. James has lived with his own addiction and mental health issues for his entire life and credits facilities similar to Evoke with saving his life. He considers it a privilege to work in the recovery field with individuals improving their lives each day. A graduate of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, James comes to Evoke following careers as a commercial photographer and non-profit communications director. James lives in Quincy, MA with his wife Andrea, daughter Ellen and golden retriever Zin.
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 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.
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.
Mariama Ajanaku was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Mariama pursued higher education at Anna Maria College, where she earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and her Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Initially, Mariama worked in the corporate sector for a few years. However, she realized that the corporate environment left her feeling unfulfilled. The turning point in her career came when she was laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time of uncertainty, she had a pivotal conversation with her father, a mental health counselor supervisor. Inspired by her father’s dedication to his field, Mariama recognized her true calling.
Known among her family and friends as the go-to person for advice and help, Mariama decided to pursue a career in mental health to continue helping people. She began her journey at an eating disorder facility, where she appreciated the work but sought a different level of care. Mariama’s next position was at a Section 35 facility for men, where patients were mandated by the courts to receive treatment. She was hired on the spot and quickly excelled in her role. Her ability to connect with patients dealing with mental health issues and addiction, along with her unorthodox and direct approach to group facilitation, set her apart. After a year at this facility, Mariama decided to advance her education and experience further.
Currently, Mariama is working as a clinical therapist at a treatment facility in Massachusetts. She is also enrolled in a program to become a licensed clinical therapist, aiming to broaden her expertise and impact in the mental health field. Mariama’s journey reflects her commitment to personal growth and her dedication to helping others navigate their mental health challenges.
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.
LeJaun J. Pope was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and has strong family ties to North and South Carolina. Substance use profoundly impacted his upbringing, affecting many family members and friends, some of whom he tragically lost to this disease. These personal experiences fueled LeJaun’s determination to pursue higher education. He graduated from Springfield College with a Master’s in Human Services, driven by a deep desire to help individuals understand that a better life is possible through abstinence from substances.
With over 20 years of experience in healthcare and several years as a behavioral health supervisor, LeJaun has remained dedicated to the substance use field. His journey began in 2014 with numerous internships and volunteer work with individuals battling addiction. His employment at High Point has been pivotal in his professional growth, presenting challenges that have helped him develop patience, communication skills, and a strong sense of purpose—values he strives to instill in those he works with.
LeJaun is a resilient, motivated, and personable individual who enjoys life and personal growth. He is excited about the opportunity to work at Evoke Wellness, where he looks forward to expanding his knowledge and building positive relationships.
Melissa Darling has been with Evoke Wellness since December 2023. She began pursuing her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling after losing two close friends to the disease of addiction. While in school and working as an Activity Therapist with the Section 35 population, she discovered her passion for music therapy and has been teaching the clinical benefits of music in recovery ever since. Melissa graduated with her Masters degree in 2022 and is currently working towards her licensure. She hopes to one day involve her passion for horses in her career and become certified in Equine Psychotherapy, as she has seen the therapeutic benefits horses provide to people, especially for those recovering from addiction.
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, 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.
Ryan Daly is a devoted father, compassionate advocate, and dedicated professional committed to helping others overcome addiction and reclaim their lives. As the proud father of an eleven-year-old daughter and a two-year-old son, Ryan understands firsthand the devastating impact of substance abuse on families. Having experienced the heartache of losing loved ones, including his brother, cousin, daughters’ mother, and childhood friends to addiction, Ryan made a life-changing decision in January 2019 to embark on his own journey to sobriety.
Driven by his personal experiences and a deep-rooted passion for making a difference, Ryan pursued higher education, graduating summa cum laude from Umass Boston with a bachelor’s degree in human services in 2022. Undeterred by challenges, he is now set to further his education by pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Westfield State University.
Currently employed at Evoke Wellness, Ryan finds fulfillment in his role, where he commutes each morning with a sense of purpose. He sees each day as an opportunity to guide individuals along the path to recovery and support them in reintegrating with their loved ones. While he acknowledges the challenges inherent in this journey, Ryan remains steadfast in his belief that everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy, fulfilling, and sober life, irrespective of their past.
With unwavering dedication and a genuine desire to empower others, Ryan looks forward to continuing his work at Evoke Wellness, where he strives to help clients achieve and maintain long-term sobriety. His commitment to making a positive impact shines through in every interaction, embodying the belief that transformation and healing are possible for all.
United States Army, Retired
Operation Enduring Freedom
OEF 2009-2010
OEF 2011-2012
Steven grew up on Cape Cod, MA, where he spent his time fishing and playing football. After attending Cape Cod Community College, he joined the US Army and served as a Combat Engineer from 2009-2015. During his service, he deployed to Afghanistan twice, from 2009-2011 and 2011-2012, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting route clearance.
Steven was the first veteran approved for community care at Evoke Wellness Cohasset. Following his treatment there, he continued with their Evoke Waltham PHP program. His dedication and progress led to him being interviewed and hired by Evoke Wellness. Since starting his career at Evoke, Steven has been instrumental in creating and operating the Veteran Program they offer.
After completing the program at Evoke Waltham PHP, Steven and the veteran-focused staff have helped over 200 veterans and hundreds of civilians overcome various challenges, including substance use addiction, mental health issues, financial hardships, school and legal issues, and benefits.
Steven is passionate about providing veterans and civilian clients with outstanding care and resources, ensuring they know they don’t have to fight their battles alone. Outside of work, he enjoys raising his daughter, riding his Harley, getting tattoos, hiking with his dog and girlfriend, shooting, fishing, camping, and much more.
Katie began her career in addiction treatment in 2022. Driven by personal experiences and a love for making a difference, she joined Evoke Wellness in 2023. Prior to Evoke, Katie was the Director of English Language Arts in Everett, MA, and taught high school English Language Arts for thirteen years. She also worked as an Adjustment Counselor and served as the Head Women’s Varsity Basketball coach and mentor for eight years. Motivated by her own experiences with addiction in her community, Katie sought to give back to the recovery community.
Katie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts/Education with a minor in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Urban Education, and a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education. She has multiple certificates in Addiction Recovery and is pursuing licensure in Addiction Counseling. With fifteen years of experience in education, education administration, counseling, and socioemotional training, Katie combines educational principles with the science of addiction. She focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help clients accept themselves, feel safe, and manage their emotions to regulate harmful behaviors.
Katie conducts individual and group counseling, develops and implements personalized treatment plans, educates clients on addiction science and coping strategies, and creates a supportive and safe environment for client sharing. She encourages realistic goal setting and progress monitoring, and collaborates with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care. Katie is knowledgeable in addiction science and treatment methods, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a compassionate and motivational approach to client care. She brings a smile each day, reminding clients that recovery is tough but achievable with determination and support. Her goal is to empower clients to manage their emotions and reduce harmful behaviors for a healthier future. Knowing first-hand the struggles of addiction, Katie uses her personal and professional experience to help others on their recovery journey.
Dr. Ximena Sánchez-Samper is a double-boarded Psychiatrist ( Addictions Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry) who completed her psychiatric residency training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. in 2003 and her addictions fellowship at the combined Massachusetts General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School/Brigham and Women's/ McLean Hospital training program in 2004. In addition to being highly involved in patient care, she is a strong advocate for the treatment of substance use disorders and enjoys lecturing around the country in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
