Meet The Team

Dr. Sam MacMaster

Chief Science Officer

With more than 30 years of experience in addiction treatment, Samuel MacMaster, PhD, is a pioneer and thought leader in the behavioral health field. As chief science officer for our healthcare operations (GateHouse, Cascades, and Integrative Health), he oversees the design and delivery of clinical programming at all of our locations. Sam was previously chief clinical officer of JourneyPure, a treatment provider with locations throughout the Southeast that he cofounded.

An Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, within the Department of Family and Community Medicine, he is actively engaged in several research projects focused on substance use disorder. He served as a tenured associate professor of the College of Social Work, University of Tennessee for 16 years, where he published more than 75 articles on addiction and substance abuse. He also contributed to behavioral health initiatives and projects in the greater Nashville area as an evaluation consultant.

Sam holds a doctorate in Social Welfare from Case Western Reserve University and has authored three books on addiction. A former clinician, he has a long history of working with national organizations, government agencies, addiction treatment centers and community organizations in the design, development and evaluation of services for substance use disorder.

Ed McDonough

Regional Chief Executive Officer

Ed started his recovery journey in 2009 as one of the first clients at GateHouse Sober Community. After successful completion of the program, Ed assisted in developing the structure and philosophy that still holds true for GateHouse today.

Ed’s career in behavioral healthcare includes working as a Lead Case Manager at Tewksbury State Hospital, where he learned the operational intricacies of substance abuse treatment. At Tewksbury, Ed conducted individual and group substance abuse counseling and provided routine case management.

Ed is a member of the board for the Partnership for Successful Living, a collaboration of six nonprofit organizations providing access to housing, health care, education, employment and supportive services to help individuals and families achieve sustainable independence. Ed also serves on the Mayor’s Opiate Taskforce in Nashua, NH. Furthermore, Ed is active in the Nashua Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition and the Regional Substance Misuse Prevention Coalition.

Steve Del Mauro

Regional Chief Operating Officer

Steve Del Mauro, NCIP (Nationally Certified Intervention Professional), is Regional Chief Operating Officer overseeing GateHouse Treatment, as well as our other healthcare facilities. As a person in long-term recovery, he understands the needs of our clients struggling with substance use disorder.

A combat veteran, Steve took his experience from the military and applied his skillset to the private sector when he returned from service. He began his career as a recovery advocate in the admissions department and learned the skills he would need to thrive in the substance abuse treatment field. Before his time at GateHouse, he worked in the health insurance field and is well versed in the medical industry.

Steve’s mission is to give hope to those suffering from addiction and to spread the message that there is a better way of life within reach with a little help and perseverance

Joseph Kennedy

Recovery Coordinator

As an alumnus of GateHouse in long-term recovery, Joe guides and assists clients through the recovery process and 12 steps. He is a fixture in the recovery community and assists in the process of finding sponsors and home groups. Joe oversees the day-to-day sober living residences and provides a layer of accountability in life skills such as cleanliness, curfew, following rules, job searches and much more.

Joe is a firm believer in the 12 steps and works with each client on their understanding of the principles and concepts of the program. He educates those who have never participated in a fellowship as well as those who have tried in the past and need some guidance in our structured environment.  He monitors recovery progress and provides motivation and suggestions when necessary.

Chad Clardy

Senior VP, Clinical Research

As Senior Vice President of Clinical Outreach, Chad manages the GateHouse’s business development department. He plans for company growth and leads a team of clinical outreach coordinators in their effort to reach the people who need help. But Chad’s role here has a deeper meaning to him because of his long-term recovery status. He chose to join the Gatehouse team because of the staff’s commitment to treating addiction at an individual level, allowing clients the opportunity to transform their lives.

Chad has worked in the substance abuse treatment field for 15 years. He began his career at a community mental health center working as a tech, becoming an alcohol and drug counselor and eventually an admissions coordinator.

Chad lives in Tupelo, Mississippi, with his wife and family. Besides being passionate about his recovery, Chad loves sports. He worked for ESPN as a morning radio host while also commentating on college football and basketball games.

Mitch Pierce

Executive Director

Mitch Pierce, CRSW (Certified Recovery Support Worker), is not only Executive Director of GateHouse Treatment, but he is also a GateHouse alumnus in long-term recovery. He is passionately invested in the work he does for GateHouse Treatment, helping clients find a new way of life through recovery and sobriety.

Before his current position, Mitch worked his way through the GateHouse ranks as a Case Manager, Clinical Support Supervisor and Program Director. Mitch has extensive training in the areas of ethical boundaries, peer recovery support, suicide prevention and HIV/AIDS awareness.

Mitch is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Rivier University in Nashua, NH. In his free time, he is active in the local 12-step community and takes great joy in being a horticulture enthusiast.

Chad Saint-Amant

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Chad Saint-Amant is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). As a PMHNP, Chad is responsible for assessing, diagnosing and treating mental health disorders with psychotropic medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety meds, etc.).

Chad completed his clinical training and obtained his master’s degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, which is ranked as the top PMHNP program in the United States. Chad has experience with inpatient, partial hospitalization and outpatient levels of care. His clinical interests include dual diagnosis, mood disorders and incorporating novel treatments into a comprehensive practice.

Chad employs a pragmatic approach to the identification and treatment of psychiatric disorders and he enjoys partnering with the residents he works with on their journey to recovery. 

Mathew Lee

Client Liaison

Matthew Lee, CRC (Certified Rehabilitation Counselor), is an alumnus of GateHouse Treatment, and he brings his long-term recovery experience to bear on the work he does as Medical Liaison. Having spent many years as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMT) and a Certified Hemo-Dialysis Technician (CHT), he treats clients with extraordinary amounts of compassion and care.

Using both his personal experience and the skills he learned and perfected as a Recovery Specialist (RS) at a prominent detox facility in the Northeast, Matt is committed to serving the needs of GateHouse clients. Matt’s talent and training make him a key contributor to the unique life skills program we use to help clients walk through early recovery.

Shewanda Daniels-Williams

Medical Assistant

Shewanda brings years of medical experience, as well as her passion for helping people, to the work she does as a Nationally Certified Medical Assistant. She works with the medical and psychiatric providers to serve the needs of all GateHouse clients, using both her personal experience and professional skills. Shewanda is well known for treating clients with unique care and compassion.

She received her medical training in New London, Connecticut and worked in endocrinology and OB/GYN midwifery care at UPHS PennMedicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shewanda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service from Southern New Hampshire University.

James Gamache

Clinical Director

James Gamache, MSW, LICSW, MLADC, is a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. James has worked in the field of mental health and addiction treatment since 1995. James served two terms on the board of New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors Association and is currently serving as the organizational delegate on the board of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

James has presented nationally for NAADAC, the National Conference on Addiction Disorders (NCAD) and the C4 Recovery Foundation on topics specific to mental illness and substance use. James’ career highlights include being a research clinician for the Dartmouth Psychiatric Research Center in studies focused on cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorders and addiction.

Summer Doran

Primary Therapist

Summer is a Primary Therapist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Her clinical experience includes working with juveniles and adults in the criminal justice system struggling with addiction. She is experienced in substance abuse counseling, trauma therapy, group therapy, individual therapy, crisis intervention and co-occurring disorders. 

Summer specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, as well as accelerated resolution therapy.  Working with clients, Summer uses a strength-based approach focused on the individual.

Summer is a New Hampshire native and attended Marist College, graduating with a Master’s Degree from Springfield College. 

John Colby

Primary Therapist

John Colby, MSW, MLADC, is a Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. An experienced clinician with a demonstrated history of working co-occurring disorders, John is skilled in adult psychotherapy, substance use counseling, group therapy, crisis intervention, clinical supervision and dual diagnosis.

John is a strong trauma therapist with a specialization in Schema-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. He graduated from Boston University School of Social Work with a Master’s in Social Work (MSW).

Paul Kandarian

Primary Therapist

Paul Kandarian serves as a Primary Therapist at GateHouse Treatment, working with clients to help them achieve their recovery goals. His own progress and long-term recovery help him counsel those struggling with substance use disorder. A disabled combat veteran, Paul graduated magna cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He is working toward his LADC (Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor).

In his free time, Paul finds whittling and carving wood allows him to reflect and recharge.

Ian Hanrahan

Lead Recovery Support Specialist

As a person in long term recovery, Ian is passionately invested in the work he does for GateHouse Treatment. He works to help clients find a new way of life through recovery and sobriety. He is a Certified Recovery Coach and is completing his training to be a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW). Ian uses his education for the greater good by connecting clients to local resources and working with them to develop meaningful life goals.

Ian’s work is a core part of the GateHouse Treatment curriculum. He aids clients in resume building and creating personal budgets, as well as helping them develop time management and other life skills that directly correlate with sobriety and becoming a functioning member of society.

Ian has extensive training in the areas of ethical boundaries, peer recovery support, suicide prevention and HIV/AIDS awareness. In his free time, he is active in the local twelve-step community and takes great joy in being a mentor for others attempting to walk the path of recovery.

Lewis Hastings

Case Manager

Lewis Hastings, CRSW (Certified Recovery Support Worker), is a Case Manager for GateHouse Treatment, and as such, plays a significant role in the clients’ recovery process. Lewis works with clients on pending legal and financial matters they may have when they come into treatment. He acts as an official liaison between GateHouse Treatment and court systems in different states to help his clients resolve legal matters during the time they are in treatment.

Lewis began his career in the treatment industry as a Behavioral Health Technician, eventually becoming a Case Manager and earning his certificates in recovery coaching and recovery support. Lewis has also written several books on the topic of recovery and life after recovery.

Matthew Elliot

Case Manager

Matthew Elliot, CRC (Certified Recovery Coach), is one of the many success stories among GateHouse alumni. Now a Case Manager, Matt’s recovery trajectory has given him the opportunity to take everything he learned about recovery and bring it to the clients he manages.

Matt works with a caseload of clients assigned to him to help them address legal and financial needs they have when coming to GateHouse Treatment. Matt meets with clients regularly to help them find solutions to any pending court matters they might have or provide them with resources to help with financial situations.

Mason Morin

Case Manager

Mason Morin, CRSW, is proud of his long-term recovery. Currently a case manager, he began his career in the field of addiction recovery two years ago as a behavioral health technician. Whatever the job title, Mason is rewarded by helping others put their lives back together after struggling with addiction.

Mason is a licensed as a Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW) in New Hampshire and attended Southern New Hampshire State University. Mason has twin boys and enjoys teaching them as well as learning from them.

Sarah Thayer

Case Manager

Sarah Thayer is a Certified Recovery Coach and Case Manager at GateHouse Treatment. She assists in supporting and meeting the needs of individuals with their treatment. She provides help with developing individual life skills, as well as legal, financial and aftercare treatment planning.

Sarah’s personal experience has contributed to offering a passionate heart for those struggling with addiction. Sarah actively supports many recovery-related community efforts.

Robert Pinciaro

Community Outreach Manager

Robert Pinciaro heads the GateHouse Treatment Community Outreach Program. He brings his experience, strength and hope across the region by sharing his story with the community while building lasting relationships with hospitals, treatment centers, sober living communities and industry professionals.

Robert’s dedication to his work stems from his own experiences struggling with substance use disorder. Robert went through GateHouse Treatment as a client and has seen firsthand how our program can change lives. He is now a person in long-term recovery, finding all the success and happiness the fellowships promise.

David Pearl

Admissions Coordinator

David brings nearly a decade of mental health and substance use disorder treatment experience to his role as Admissions Coordinator. David and his family have been personally affected by drug and alcohol addiction; he is passionate about helping others who have also been affected by this disease. In David’s personal journey of recovery, he lives by the driving forces of spirituality and the 12 Steps. He enjoys giving back to his community, spending time with his family, the beach, and barbecuing.