Avenues Recovery Center at Dublin

Wendi Bedard holds a bachelor's of Arts degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Science in Nursing- Leadership and Management from Walden University. In her accomplished 15-year career in substance use treatment, Wendi has worked in a variety of capacities, serving as a floor nurse, nursing supervisor, clinical nurse educator, as well as an AVP of nursing overseeing multiple states.

She is dedicated to excellence in patient care, committed to utilizing evidence-based practices, and passionate about helping both individuals and families affected by addiction and co-occurring disorders.  Wendi is a recovery advocate in the truest sense, recognizing that addiction is a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease.  She believes everyone seeking recovery can be successful when armed with the right tools.

Emily Wilkins, LCMHC, MLADC has worked in the addiction field for over a decade. Emily has a background in family therapy and clinical mental health counseling and brings a trauma-informed approach to her work with clients struggling with addiction.

Prior to becoming a director, Emily worked as a BHT, family therapist, individual therapist, and clinical supervisor. Her wide-ranging experience has given her a broad perspective. She understands the importance of each role in treatment, and has an uncanny knack for supplying the necessary guidance and support to ensure that each member of her clinical team is primed for success.

Emily approaches substance use treatment with an unceasing  positive outlook. She believes deeply that each client deserves unconditional kindness and respect, regardless of the behaviors they are struggling with. 

Mary joined the Avenues team in December of 2021, after a 17-year career at residential SUD treatment centers in Keene and Dublin, NH.  During that time, she held a number of roles, ranging from office assistant to program director, with a focus on non-clinical duties such as billing, HR, health and safety, and quality assurance. 

Mary has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Massachusetts and was the office manager for her family’s tree service business for many years before changing careers.  She often reflects on how rewarding it has been to build a career in substance use disorder treatment, with real opportunities every day to work with dedicated and committed coworkers supporting individuals on a difficult path.

Mary enjoys knitting and other creative arts, and loves trying new foods. She is also a rudimental snare drummer.

Ben graduated from Antioch University in May 2021 with a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, with a focus in Substance Abuse. Since his very first semester in grad school, Ben has been drawn to be of service to the people that are suffering from addiction. He enjoys working at Avenues since his higher purpose & the long-term care model of Avenues are so perfectly aligned.

Ben approaches therapy with an existential framework and utilizes an eclectic approach to treatment, understanding that each individual is unique and is motivated and inspired differently.  As Carl Jung said, “Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul.”

Ben has a dog named Yoda who is his best friend in the world.

Kayla has worked in the addiction field for the last 2 years. Kayla obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is certified to treat Veterans in Recovery as well as in utilization of Accelerated Resolution Therapy.  Kayla looks forward to furthering her education by obtaining her LDAC as well as a master’s in Addiction in the near future.

Prior to entering the substance use treatment field, Kayla worked in varied roles, ranging from customer service to Direct Support of developmentally and mentally ill clientele.

Kayla is always up for a challenge and will always provide a listening ear and safe space for her clients to turn to. She is extremely passionate about substance abuse treatment and helping those suffering from addiction, as she knows this community is often forgotten or dismissed by society.

Kayla is excited to see what the future holds for her at Avenues Recovery in Dublin, NH, and looks forward to continue helping those who need it most.

Ford Oster, BA, serves as a residential counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Dublin. Born and bred in Keene, New Hampshire, he began his educational journey at George Washington University, initially pursuing a career in cyber security. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Psychology, with a technical focus in computer security and information assurance. However, through his own experiences, Ford developed a deep passion for the fields of addiction and mental health - a calling he now views as having chosen him.

To further this purpose, Ford is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Forensic Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University. This degree aligns with his goals of addressing the intersections between mental health, addiction, and the legal system. With plans to continue his studies toward a PsyD in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Forensic Psychology, Ford aims to make meaningful impacts in both therapeutic and legal contexts.

Ford’s career in substance use treatment began as a Behavioral Health Technician, where he gained experience in facilitating group therapies, conducting assessments, and addressing client needs. Now, as a counselor, he is able to guide clients on their journey to growth, helping them to challenge harmful beliefs and enact positive change on both personal and relational levels.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Ford enjoys connecting with loved ones, participating in sports events, and indulging in his passions for movies, reading, video games, and baseball.
Ford is honored to be a part of the Avenues Recovery family, and he is dedicated to continuing to break the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health. In his words, “Everyone deserves help. Let’s end the stigma together.”

Rielley Richards is a beloved residential counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Dublin. Although originally from Athol, MA, she has lived in Keene, NH, for over five years. Rielley graduated from Worcester State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, focusing on Mental Health and minoring in Art.  She played D3 field hockey throughout the four years she spent at Worcester State.

Rielley has worked in the substance use field for three years and is currently pursuing her Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) certification. Although her initial career intentions didn’t involve substance use treatment, Rielley feels that this field ultimately chose her rather than the other way around. Life experiences and a genuine passion for helping others led her to Avenues Recovery in Dublin, where she considers it a privilege to support individuals in their recovery journeys. Her background in mental health has become an invaluable asset, especially in the dual diagnosis program, where she finds her work immensely rewarding.

Outside of work, Rielley enjoys hiking, fishing, and playing video games, and she cherishes quality time with her two cats, Sheik and Grim.

Sara Vitale, BS, currently resides in Athens, Vermont, but her roots trace back to Rockport, Massachusetts. She embarked on her college journey at the University of Northern Colorado, pursuing a double major in acting and directing. However, her academic path eventually led her to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix. Sara's quest for knowledge also took her to UCLA for a semester, where she delved into the intricacies of advanced screenplay writing.

Presently, Sara is a dedicated student at Touro University, where she is enrolled in the Masters program with a specialization in Addiction Counseling. Her ambitions include obtaining her LADC (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certification and later pursuing her MLADC (Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor) once she completes her Master's degree.

Sara's profound commitment to the field of addiction counseling stems from her personal experiences with addiction. She firmly believes in the resilience of individuals in their battle against addiction, recognizing the pivotal role that education and support play in this struggle.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Sara remains an active member of her community. She engages in community theater both as a director and actor, accumulating numerous accolades for her original screenplays. In addition, she nurtures her creative side through oil painting and photography.

Family is of paramount importance to Sara, as she cherishes her three remarkable children, along with her furry companions - two dogs and four cats.

Carolyn Engel is from Keene, NH, and serves as a residential counselor at Avenues Recovery Center at Dublin. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health & Human Services from the University of Maine, and a Master of Science in Mental Health and Wellness with a focus on Grief from Grand Canyon University. Dedicated to furthering her impact in addiction recovery, Carolyn is working toward her LADC/MLADC credentials. Her passion for this field stems from her lifelong drive to help others, combined with personal experiences, as she has seen the impact of addiction firsthand on family and friends. Carolyn is committed to being part of the solution in addressing the addiction epidemic and creating a positive impact on individuals and families in need.

Carolyn’s personal life is centered around family. She is the loving mother of four sons (one of whom passed away in 2021), and a proud grandmother to (almost!) 18 grandchildren. She shares a strong bond with her children and treasures family time. A fan of classic muscle cars and 80’s music, Carolyn also dreams of traveling, particularly to Ireland to connect with her family’s roots. (But a fear of flying has nipped that dream in the bud:)) Carolyn has also been dedicated to animal rescue for over 30 years, having fostered and rehabilitated hundreds of animals both domestic and wild. Her life’s work revolves around being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, whether in her community, her family, or through her care for animals.