Meet Our Team

Chief Executive Officer

Krista Gilbert joined the Constellation Behavioral Health team with over 20 years of experience in the treatment of addiction and mental health issues. Throughout her career Krista has focused on providing extraordinary, evidence-based treatment to individuals and families in crisis and has supported thousands of adolescents and adults in finding their path to recovery.

Krista was a senior executive with Foundations Recovery Network for nine years where she co-created the FRN System of Care, co-wrote the FRN Recovery Workbook, and drove key development initiatives across the country. Prior to FRN, Krista worked with Bayside Marin, Youth & Family Assistance, Visiting Nurses Association & Hospice, and Newstart Outpatient Counseling.

While pursuing her B.S. in Psychology, her M.S. in Counseling and her Ph.D. in Depth Psychology, Krista also gained 16 years of legal experience through her work with top-ranking law firms in California and New York where her focus ranged from family law, insurance defense, tax law, and employment law.

Founder and Executive Board Director

Bill founded Constellation to pursue his passion for helping others turn their lives around and find joy through a life in recovery. Having experienced several treatment programs both personally as well as a family member, Bill felt there was big opportunity to “raise the bar” on the standard of care in the addiction treatment industry. In 2010, Bill decided to leave a successful career as a Wall Street financial analyst to start Alta Mira Recovery Programs.  Today, Alta Mira is nationally recognized for its quality of care, state of the art psychological testing and comprehensive approach to treating addiction and dual diagnosis disorders. After three years of running Alta Mira, Bill created Constellation in early 2013 to partner with entrepreneurs that share his vision and passion for finding a “better way” to treat addiction and co-occurring disorders.   Prior to Constellation, Bill worked for eight years as a Wall Street research analyst focusing on consumer Internet/media businesses. Most recently, Bill was a partner and senior analyst at ThinkEquity, where he re-launched their Internet and media franchise. Prior to ThinkEquity, Bill was a director and senior Research Analyst at JMP Securities and a senior associate at Salomon Smith Barney.  Before working as a research analyst, Bill worked for a venture capital firm and a Chicago-based healthcare startup, Platinum Healthcare. Bill holds a BA from Colgate University and an MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

Vice President, Business Development

An alum of Pepperdine University, Candice has spent her career focused on roles and organizations that support those that heal. Her breadth of experience includes leadership, sales, marketing, and training in medical and behavioral health specifically in orthopedics, cardiac, diagnostic, and behavioral health services. The aim of her work has been developing, training, and leading business development professionals with an emphasis on growing individual talent and building teams that lead with purpose. As VP of Business Development for Constellation, Candice is honored to work with a team of extraordinarily talented clinicians and individuals and hopes to continue along the path of creating space for others to find wellness and recovery.

Chief Strategy Officer

Drew’s professional in the technology and recovery industries experience is extensive, spanning over three decades. Mr. Paxton was most recently employed as Chief Marketing Officer for OneHealth Solutions, Inc., a technology company dedicated to connecting individuals dealing with chronic medical and behavioral conditions, including addiction and co-occurring behavioral health disorders. Before OneHealth, Drew served as CEO of Alta Mira Treatment Programs under a prior ownership group. Drew came to Alta Mira initially from The Betty Ford Center where he served as Clinical and Executive Director for their nationally recognized 90-Day Program. Drew also served for several years as Director of Admissions and Business Development at The Betty Ford Center. Earlier in his career, Drew worked at prestigious management consulting firms such as The Boston Consulting Group and L.E.K. Consulting. Additionally he ran global marketing for the QuickBooks brand at Intuit. Drew received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and French from Stanford University. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration in Marketing and International Business from Harvard Business School.

Chief Human Resources Officer

Brianna Romo is an educated and experienced leader with certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a 17-year background administering HR programs and delivering measurable results aligned with organizational goals and business objectives. With a demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive work environment, Brianna plans, manages, and executes complex support operations. She is consistently recognized for her diverse, collaborative approach and outstanding communication and relationship-building skills. Able to lead and communicate effectively at all organizational levels, she champions change management plans to deliver quality human resources services. Brianna has extensive senior-level HR experience encompassing advisory services, regulatory compliance, strategic workforce planning, performance management, incentive recognition, talent acquisition, recruiting and staffing to build infrastructure and sustain growth, benefits administration, employee and labor relations, leadership development, and cross-functional employee training.

Vice President of Admissions

More than 30 years ago, Brad made a personal commitment to devote his career to helping individuals struggling with mental illness and substance abuse to have a better quality of life.  He has a diverse background in behavioral health. After graduating from the University of Maryland, he began his career as a counselor in a residential setting treating adolescents and adults outside of Washington, DC.  Brad has functioned in a clinical capacity in emergency room triage, med/psych units, psychiatric triage in acute care, free standing hospitals and consultative settings.  He advanced quickly with Charter Medical as an Intake Director to corporate roles as Divisional Intake Director, Assistant Administrator and CEO of a 75-bed free standing hospital in Virginia.  Brad joined HCA as an Executive Director operating a free standing and inpatient unit in Florida.  He was promoted to Divisional Business Development Director, Physician Services for five medical hospitals in central Florida.  Brad transitioned to the senior living industry for a brief period doing start-ups and turn-arounds of large, high end independent, assisted living and memory care facilities.  Prior to joining Constellation Behavioral Health, Brad traveled the country for 11 years as the Divisional Director of Admissions Services, Behavioral Health Division and most recently was promoted to CEO of an 80-bed hospital with Universal Health Services, Inc.  Brad is honored to be a part of Constellation Behavioral Health, working with such a high caliber group of professionals providing world class care for those seeking wellness and recovery.  Brad received his master’s degree from the University of St. Francis in Health Care Administration.

Vice President of Finance

Wes joined Constellation Behavioral Health in 2018. He has broad accounting and financial management experience having worked in a variety of industries at all levels of the finance department. Most of his experience is working with growing businesses from the startup phase and into rapid growth as a company expands and matures. He also brings experience in creating accounting departments, IT system integration, and development of financial strategies.

Wes is a CPA and resides in San Diego, CA with his wife and two children. Born and raised in San Diego, he enjoys outdoor activities and supporting the various amateur and professional sports teams in Southern California.

Director of Revenue Cycle

Aimee grew up in a helping household where the groundwork for her values and pursuits were first formed. Her interest in behavioral health was first piqued during childhood/adolescence when tagging along to her father’s classes while he obtained a psychology degree.

Aimee began her career working on an outpatient basis in Chicago with underserved populations transitioning from prison to the job force. Aimee moved back to her home state of Kentucky to work at an inpatient facility that served clients from adolescent to the geriatric population.  While there Aimee gained experience as Direct Client Care Staff, Admissions, Business Office, and Utilization Review. After 5 years in inpatient treatment, Aimee began working at Foundations Recovery Network where she focused on Admissions and Utilization Review.

Aimee transitioned to Constellation Behavioral Health several years ago where she was part of the team that implemented Revenue Cycle in-house.  Since then, Aimee has continued to utilize her skills to focus on insurance and the business side of behavioral health treatment while still having her original passion for client care.

Executive Director, Alta Mira Recovery Programs

Ian Wolds, PsyD, Alta Mira’s Executive Director, is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Wolds has spent his entire career working in the care and treatment of clients with addiction and co-occurring disorders. He brings an integrative psychology framework to his work that emphasizes the interdependence of physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, developmental and systemic dynamics in each individual’s life.

Dr. Wolds has worked with a wide variety of clinical populations dealing with addiction, mental illness and other co-occurring disorders across individual, group, and family settings. He trained in residential and outpatient treatment environments while he completed his dissertation studying the spiritual components of 12-step recovery from a variety of cultural viewpoints. He received extensive post-doctoral training at BrightQuest, a therapeutic community-based treatment program in La Mesa, CA, working with individuals and families dealing with severe mental illnesses and dual diagnoses. Dr. Wolds worked in a variety of clinical roles at BrightQuest before becoming the clinical director of BrightQuest’s start-up treatment center in Seattle, WA, in 2011.

At its core, Dr. Wolds’ work aims to foster recovery, growth, wholeness, and well being through the integration of complementary paths of healing. He believes in individualizing treatment to fit each client’s unique needs and interests. Dr. Wolds’ passion lies in supporting understanding and self-discovery, resiliency, and ultimately the creation of more meaningful relationships and a more satisfying life.

Dr. Wolds has a BA from the University of Southern California, and he received both his masters and doctorate degrees in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego, CA.

Blog: A Higher Vision of Addiction Treatment: An Interview with Alta Mira’s Executive Director, Dr. Ian Wolds

Executive Director, Bridges to Recovery

Melissa has been working in the field of behavioral healthcare since 2004. She began her career as a mental health technician within a locked psychiatric hospital in Connecticut, supporting all three units of child and adolescent, adult psychiatric, and detoxification and addiction treatment patients. It was this experience that solidified Melissa’s passion for providing compassionate, client-centered care in the mental health, addiction, and co-occurring treatment field.

After relocating to California from New York in 2005, the first few years led Melissa to serve various treatment programs in Los Angeles, Malibu, and San Francisco. Over the years, Melissa’s roles have included Residential Counselor, Case Manager, Primary Therapist, Program Director, and Clinical Director. Melissa has also supported the creation and development of various local treatment programs in the Los Angeles area that continue to serve clients and families today.

In addition to having a passion for building strong clinical programs utilizing evidence-based practices for clients and families, Melissa has done extensive work providing direct client care as a facilitator of individual, group and family therapy. These experiences of providing direct client care as well as program development, program leadership, and clinical supervision have culminated in her current role as Executive Director at Bridges to Recovery.

Melissa obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Fairfield University in Connecticut and Master of Social Work (MSW) with a primary focus in mental health and substance use disorders from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Executive Director, BrightQuest Treatment Center San Diego

Melissa Stevenson joined BrightQuest Treatment Centers San Diego as Executive Director. She returns to BrightQuest after spending four years with Foundations Recovery Network. Melissa came to BrightQuest from Foundations Recovery Network, where she was the Executive Director of Foundations San Diego.

She began her career in the treatment field working with homeless veterans who were suffering from addiction and mental illness. Since that time, Stevenson has honed her skills in environments that include couples, families and groups, fostering health and recovery from co-occurring disorders. She has a strong commitment to helping those around her find healing, believing that recovery is always possible. Her extensive experience working with trauma, psychosis, depression, anxiety and addiction in both for-profit and nonprofit mental health programs includes stints as director at Foundations San Francisco, program director for a therapeutic community in San Diego and associate director for evidence-based programs in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Executive Director, BrightQuest Treatment Center Nashville

Ashley joined the Constellation Behavioral Health team with over ten years of experience working in the care and treatment of adults with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. She has a wealth of experience working with diverse populations including adolescents, homeless teens, collegians, and adults and has provided care to individuals, couples, families and groups within the juvenile justice system, outpatient, and residential treatment settings.

During her tenure at BrightQuest Treatment Center in San Diego, CA, Ashley facilitated the start-up and management of several residential treatment homes providing both short and long-term care for patients with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders. As the Director of Residential Services, she was responsible for the facility administration, staff supervision, patient care coordination, and clinical services. Ashley relocated to Chicago, Illinois to facilitate the opening of the Chicago intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs for Foundations Recovery Network as the Director of Outpatient Services. Ashley most recently located to Nashville, Tennessee to facilitate the opening of BrightQuest Nashville as its Executive Director. Ashley is passionate about bringing her clinical, leadership and management expertise to create a place for individuals and families to find comfort, support and healing.

Ashley received her bachelors degree in Psychology with minors in Business Administration and Sociology & masters degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego. Ashley is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Illinois, & Tennessee.

Senior Strategic Advisor

Dr. Majors is a behavioral healthcare professional with over 30 years experience ranging from clinical practice to senior executive administration at nationally recognized treatment facilities such as the Betty Ford Center and Cirque Lodge. During her last eight years at Constellation Behavioral Health, Dr. Majors has served as Executive Director of Alta Mira Recovery Programs, Chief Development Officer, and Senior Strategic Advisor.  Having a robust history of developing successful start-up businesses and serving as a change agent in existing businesses, Dr. Majors strives for continuous improvements as well as long-term strategic change. As Senior Strategic Advisor, she is responsible for specific corporate initiatives which contribute to strategic development.

Dr. Majors completed her Ph.D. in Addiction Studies and post-graduate training in Family Systems Theory.  Additionally, she has two Masters’ degrees. She is a Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, a Master Addiction Counselor (National) and licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (Texas), and holds a Lifetime Teacher’s Certificate from the state of Texas.  She has obtained certification from the Small Business International Trade Association in Small Business International Management.

National Director of Referral Relations

Melissa has worked in the addiction and behavioral health field, in New York City since 2006. She currently serves as the National Director of Referral Relations for Constellation Behavioral Health in the New York metro area, which includes: the five boroughs of NYC, New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island, and Connecticut.

Prior to joining Constellation, Melissa worked in a variety of capacities for several prominent organizations including roles in Development, Marketing, Business Development, and Community Engagement for both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors within the mental health, addiction, healthcare, and public health fields. In her role as the Director of Referral Relations, she builds internal and external relationships, and systems to pursue opportunities for the long-term growth and health of Constellation.

Melissa is an advocate at heart and a “big picture” strategic thinker, empathetic listener, skilled at cultivating new business, and strengthening relationships. Above all else, she places the highest priority on families and patients’ needs. Melissa holds a Bachelors of Science in Journalism and Sociology from West Virginia University.

National Director of Referral Relations

With a degree in Public Relations from Northern Arizona University, Joy has spent her career specializing in sales, marketing, training, and leadership choosing organizations that serve with purpose. Joy’s breadth of experience in the medical and behavioral health space led her to roles in diabetes, diagnostic and pain management. In 2016 Joy moved into a business development role in behavioral health. Joy’s specialty is developing deep connections, building partnerships and being a reliable resource, colleague, and friend. She is most inspired when she can take on new challenges and help create positive solutions.

As National Director of Referal Relations for Constellation Behavioral Health, Joy’s is fueled by the diagnostic excellence that supports our clients’ true individualized treatment. Joy lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, Brian of 10 years, and her two boys, Skyler and Dylan.

Behavioral Health Advisor

Terry has over 30 years of experience working in addiction and behavioral health — including 15 years in executive leadership roles with three prominent companies in Illinois and Florida. Terry began his career as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. He served as an employee assistance counselor for Amtrak Railroad and then as executive director for the Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services in Tennessee. He developed and implemented prevention programs in schools and provided counseling to youth and families in Bogota, Colombia. While there, he operated a baseball academy and was also a scout for the Atlanta Braves and Chicago Cubs.

Terry is fluent in Spanish and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He has presented at national and regional conferences, conducted interventions, and provided several print and broadcast interviews on addiction treatment. He received his bachelor’s degree in social work from Winona State University in Minnesota and his master’s degree in in Human Services Counseling with an emphasis on addictions from National Louis University in Evanston, IL.

Terry and his wife of 34 years Claudia live in Boynton Beach, Florida with their 3 children, 2 Boxers, 4 birds and 5 reptiles.

Behavioral Health Advisor

Amy’s career tells the story of her passion for serving others through mission-driven work.  Since 2010, Amy has been focused on business development for products and services that improve the lives of her customers and community, specifically in the fields of psychiatry, addiction, and neuroscience.  As a Behavioral Health Advisor, Amy is responsible for the strategic development and growth of Constellation’s mission by creating therapeutic alliances and placing patients where clinically appropriate.

An alumni of University of Illinois, Amy has been a proud Texan since 2013.  She currently resides in Georgetown, where she spends her free time chasing after her two young children.

Behavioral Health Advisor

Susanne Arnett joins the Constellation team as Behavioral Health Advisor. She has more than a decade of co-occurring treatment experience, primarily working in the Southeast. Susanne has worked with clients of all ages with co-occurring substance use, trauma, mood, thought, and anxiety disorders. She has extensive knowledge and specialized experience working with eating disorders. She enjoys building relationships with professionals, and helping clients find appropriate treatment to begin their journey to recovery.

A Louisiana native, Susanne has a bachelor’s degree and is a former journalist. She is a Board member of the Collegiate Recovery Community at Mississippi State University. Susanne is one of the founders of the Mississippi Eating Disorders Association for Professionals. She also serves as Social Media Chair for the Alabama chapter of iaedp, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals.

In her free time, she also is active in 100 Women of Central Mississippi, her church, and her kids’ schools. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi

Behavioral Health Advisor

Maggie received her Masters in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. Through both personal and professional experiences, she found a passion for working with Family Systems. The framework through which she practices is focused on treating the dynamics of the system that contribute to the behaviors of the individual.

She has worked at all levels of care at multiple behavioral health treatment centers. As a mother, she understands the complexity and importance of treating the family as a whole. Her specialty in family systems led her to working with other clinicians, psychiatrists, and facilities in the pursuit of psycho-educating other professionals about the benefits of treatment. She is passionate about helping families and individuals heal.

Before joining the Constellation team, Maggie had referred clients to the programs. After experiencing the breadth of their clinical work with both the family and the individual, she knew that Constellations fell perfectly in line with her personal clinical ideology.

When she is not pursuing her passion of helping families and individuals seek treatment, she can be found either spending time with her daughter and partner or taking her two dogs on a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Behavioral Health Advisor

Lesley Heathershaw is our Behavioral Health Advisor based in Seattle, WA. She is passionate about helping clients and families find the best resources for mental health and substance use disorder and has been doing so since 2012. Lesley is proud to be a brilliant resource partner for clinical professionals in the Pacific Northwest. She has also volunteered with at-risk youth for many years.  Offering compassionate and client-centered placement, she has helped raise the standards in the outreach field. She holds a Bachelors in Economics from Western Washington University. In her free time, she enjoys snow skiing, gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with her family.

Training & Events Specialist

Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Jonathan is a SHRM Certified Human Resources Professional, most recently employed as the Senior AmeriCorps and Human Resources Manager at SBP (formerly St. Bernard Project) in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. In his role at SBP, a rapidly expanding disaster recovery non-profit organization, he recruited extensively, standardized trainings and HR processes, and developed cultural initiatives to improve team morale and increase personal accountability across 5 affiliates.

Jonathan received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of New Orleans. He has also earned a Master of Science degree in Urban Studies from UNO, as well as a Master of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology from Tulane University.

Executive Recruiter