Agency Administration

Barent Walsh, Ph.D, Executive Director

Barent Walsh, Ph.D. received his doctorate from Boston College School of Social Work in 1987. He has been Executive Director of The Bridge since it merged with Community Treatment Center in 1997. He has worked in the public sector of Massachusetts human services for his entire career. Dr. Walsh has been passionately committed to the implementation of evidence-based practice models at The Bridge. These now include DBT, IMR, Motivational Interviewing, Supported Employment, Assertive Community Treatment, CBT for PTSD, and Wraparound. He is intensively trained in DBT and still sees an active caseload of individuals who present with self-harm. Dr. Walsh has written extensively and presented internationally on the topic of self-destructive behavior. He is the author of the book, Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide published by Guilford Press (2006) and co-author of the book, Self-Mutilation: Theory, Research and Treatment (Guilford Press, 1988). He is also the co-developer of Act to Prevent Self-Injury, a DVD/ prevention program for high schools in collaboration with Screening for Mental Health of Wellesley, MA.

Vision of the Administrative Team

The members of the Administrative Team will provide leadership and function interdependently as effective problem solvers and positive role models in support of the agency mission of providing exemplary services for diverse clientele.

Directors

Frederick Battersby, MA, Director of Administration and Finance: Fred has been a leader at The Bridge for over 30 years beginning his career in 1979 as a residential counselor at Grove Street Adolescent Residence. At The Bridge, he has also served as the Director of Adolescent Services, Director of Personnel, and Director of Finance. His broad expertise in programs, personnel, and finance is instrumental in his ability to oversee operations. Fred is currently a member of the Central Massachusetts Financial Executives Organization.

Nancy Bishop, MSW, Director of Service Operations: Nancy began her career in human services working as a counselor at Devereux in their Autistic Treatment Center; she also worked as a social worker in a local day care center. She started at CTC in 1989 and at The Bridge when the two agencies merged in 1997. Her broad-based career at The Bridge which includes Residential Counselor, Program Manager, Director of Quality Improvement, Assistant Division Director, Division Director, Assistant Director of Operations, and Director of Evidence-based Parctices has provided her with extensive knowledge of all aspects of service delivery.

Donna Bradley, SPHR, Director of Human Resources: Donna came to The Bridge in 1982. Her professional training and her career path have provided her with an acute understanding of personnel issues in a human service agency. Donna started her career at the Northborough Community Reidence, then moved to the Norton Street Adolescent Assessment Center, and then to the Charles Street Children's Program. In 1990, she became the Human Resource Director. Donna is SPHR certified and a member of the Massachusetts State Council, SHRM Volunteer.

Milt Bornstein, MSW, MPA, Director of Quality, Planning & Technology: Milt came to The Bridge with leadership experience having been the Director of the Worcester Social Services Planning Corporation, and the Director of the City of Worcester Commission on Elder Affairs. In 1988, he came to CTC as the Director of Finance. Following the merger with The Bridge, Milt became the Director of Planning, Quality, & Technology. In addition to his many roles at The Bridge, Milt is on the Board of Director of the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools and the Chairperson of the Evidence-Based Practices Committee.

Tina Hyland, Director of Marketing & Resource Development: Tina came to The Bridge in 1997 after serving for 13 years as an Executive Director and then as a Director of Program Development in local health and child welfare agencies. She brings experience in programs and operations to the agency.

Stephen Murphy, MBA, M.ED., Director of Business Development: Steve came to The Bridge in 1982 following jobs as an Instructor at the Protestant Guild for The Blind and the Director of Vocational Services at the North Charles Institute. Steve began his career at The Bridge as the Program Manager at Northborough Community Residence. He was then promoted to be the Mental Health Services Division Director, the Clinical Director, and the Director of Service Operations. He also serves as the Director of The Bridge Training Institute. Steve brings knowledge of programs, planning, and finance to the agency.

Erica Robert, MSW, Associate Director of Service Operations: Erica came to The Bridge in 1997 following her volunteer work in human services which included working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and families affected by domestic violence. She began her career at The Bridge as a Supported Housing Counselor at Flex and then became the Assistant Manager and then the Manager of both Flex and the South County Housing Assistance Program. She was then promoted to be the Divison Director of South County. Erica is a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Doug Watts, M.Ed., Director of Quality Improvement: Doug came to The Bridge in 1992 following positions as an Overnight Counselor, Residential Counselor, Elder Services Case Manager, and Division Director at a human service agency in Western MA. He began his career at The Bridge as the Director of Mental Health Services/Division Director in South County. He was then promoted to Quality Improvement Director and was responsible for The Bridge's COA accreditation. Doug also serves as a Peer Reviewer for the Council on Accreditation.

Carol Tripp Tebo, MA, Service Director for DD Services: Carol came to The Bridge in 1986 following positions as MR Director, Human Resources Director and Assistant Director at the Perkins School in Lancaster.  She began her career at The Bridge as the Division Director of DD Services.  She is a former board president of Archway, Inc. and currently serves on a Peer Review Committee for DDS. She is a licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Massachusetts and has also worked as fee for service a clinician for Wayside for 10 years.