Kurt Isaacson, M.B.A., joined Spectrum in 2013 as Chief Operating Officer, a position he held for three years before being appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in 2016. Mr. Isaacson has been instrumental in Spectrum’s significant growth and expansion since joining the organization. He is a seasoned behavioral health administrator, having more than thirty years of experience managing a number of multi-site organizations located throughout the country. Mr. Isaacson holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration.
Kristin Nolan, M.A., MBA, is responsible for executive oversight of Spectrum’s continuum of care, including inpatient, outpatient, and peer recovery support services. Ms. Nolan also oversees Spectrum’s adolescent programs funded by the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, and medication for opioid treatment programming provided at state prisons and county jails across the state. Ms. Nolan has been employed at Spectrum for over twenty years, beginning her career as a clinician before assuming progressively responsible leadership roles. She was instrumental in expanding Spectrum’s continuum of care to include fifteen outpatient treatment centers, three levels of inpatient care and 295 licensed beds. During the pandemic, Ms. Nolan led the movement to create a specialized unit for clients with substance use disorders testing positive for COVID-19. Ms. Nolan has presented at numerous conferences at both the state and national level. Named one of the Worcester Business Journal’s “40 under Forty” honorees in 2010, Ms. Nolan has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Business Administration.
Joseph Rose, CPA, was appointed Chief Financial Officer for Spectrum in 2018. Previously, he served as the Vice President of Finance and Administration at SleepMed, a $100 million provider of diagnostic and treatment services for sleeping disorders with operations in 38 states, provided through 8 wholly-owned subsidiaries and 3 majority-owned limited liability corporations. He was also the VP of Finance and Administration at Concord Family and Youth Services and CFO at Mass Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Rose earned a baccalaureate in Business Administration from Georgetown University.
Jeffrey Baxter, M.D., served as Medical Director for Spectrum’s network of outpatient treatment centers for five years before being appointed as Chief Medical Officer. In this role, Dr. Baxter is responsible for providing executive oversight of all medical operations for Spectrum’s inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Dr. Baxter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and is board certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine.
Stacy Flanagan joined Spectrum in 2002. As Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Flanagan oversees employee relations, recruitment, retention, compensation, and training while ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations. Ms. Flanagan brings thirty years of experience in human resources management in the healthcare field. She was responsible for implementing Spectrum’s first Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (CADC) educational program. She also launched Spectrum’s leadership development program and co-chairs the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program. Ms. Flanagan is a past receipt of the Excellence in Administration and Finance Award presented by the Association for Behavioral Healthcare. Ms. Flanagan has a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Health Administration.
Jonathan Miller was appointed Spectrum’s Vice President of Information Technology in April 2020. In this role, he is responsible for the management and execution of Spectrum’s information technology strategy. Since joining Spectrum, he has streamlined IT Operations, integrated our systems with other organizations, and advanced key functions of our electronic health record. In addition, he is leading an effort to better utilize the healthcare data we collect. Mr. Miller has more than 22 years’ experience in the IT field, most recently serving as the CIO and Compliance Officer at Y.O.U., Inc., a leading child welfare, behavioral health and education agency in Worcester, MA. Previously, he was the Director of Information Technology at Lighthouse Academies where he developed solutions to meet the data, technology and communication needs of the company, including 11 school sites across 5 states. Mr. Miller holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Providence College.
Lisa Blanchard, MA, LMHC joined Spectrum in 1999 and has held various positions prior to becoming Vice President of Clinical Services in 2017, and Chief Clinical Officer in 2022. Ms. Blanchard is an experienced clinician with over twenty years of experience in behavioral health administration, including new program development, training, and clinical design. She has implemented several innovative programs and designs clinical services to meet the changing needs of clients served and the evolving healthcare system. She also oversees training for the organization and provides training, education, and technical assistance services to other agencies, providers, and local communities. Ms. Blanchard was trained as a NIATx process improvement coach and has served as a NIATx coach and national presenter. She has also worked as a consultant and regularly presents at the national level on innovations in behavioral health treatment. Ms. Blanchard has co-hosted Spectrum’s popular Airing Addiction podcast since 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Assumption College.
Heidi DiRoberto, LMHC is a dedicated leader with more than 20 years of experience in behavioral healthcare. As Vice President of Outpatient Services, she is responsible for overseeing Spectrum’s vast outpatient network, including fourteen locations across the state. Since joining the organization in 2014, Ms. DiRoberto has played an integral part in many important outpatient initiatives. Initially, she served as a Clinical Supervisor at the Lincoln Street outpatient program in Worcester, Spectrum’s largest opioid treatment program. Later, she became Program Director at Lincoln Street, where she chaired an overdose prevention committee and played a key role in ensuring access to naloxone for all outpatient clients. Beginning in 2020, DiRoberto served as Regional Executive Director for five years, during which time she spearheaded the launch of Spectrum’s groundbreaking mobile treatment unit and oversaw the opening of two new outpatient locations. Ms. DiRoberto holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Assumption College.
Corrections Team
Tracy Desruisseaux, Executive Director of Correctional SUDT Services
Tracy is an accomplished behavioral health executive with more than 25 years of progressively responsible leadership experience spanning community-based substance use disorder treatment and correctional healthcare. Her career encompasses direct clinical practice, program and regional management, executive leadership of outpatient treatment services, and statewide correctional treatment operations. She brings extensive experience in developing and expanding complex treatment systems, strengthening quality and regulatory compliance, cultivating strategic partnerships, and advancing evidence-based, person-centered care across community and correctional settings. Tracy holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Western New England College, is certified Correctional Healthcare Professional, and is a Licensed Alcohol/Drug Counselor.
Sharif Nankoe, MD, MPA, MA, FASAM, Chief Medical Director, Department of Corrections (DOC) Programs
Sharif Nankoe, MD, MPA, MA, FASAM is the Chief Medical Director for Department of Corrections (DOC) Programs at Spectrum Health Systems. His area of expertise is the treatment of opioid use disorder in jails and prisons, and he has been involved in the establishment of over 20 correctional MOUD programs. Previously Dr. Nankoe served as the Medical Director for the Vermont DOC Medications for Addiction Treatment Program, and worked in the Vermont Hub and Spoke system as the Medical Director of two Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and two office-based opioid treatment clinics. He is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and Family Medicine.
Lisa Dagnello, Executive Clinical Director, MA DOC SUDT Services
Lisa Dagnello serves as the Corrections Executive Clinical Director at Spectrum Health Systems, providing statewide leadership for Substance Use Disorder Treatment (SUDT) services within the Massachusetts Department of Correction. With nearly two decades of experience in behavioral health and correctional healthcare, she oversees clinical operations, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and evidence-based treatment services across a complex continuum of care. Since joining Spectrum in 2006, Lisa has held progressive leadership roles in both correctional and community-based treatment settings. Her expertise includes developing and implementing innovative, recovery-oriented programs for individuals with substance use disorders, as well as leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve strong clinical and operational outcomes.Lisa holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Fitchburg State University and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I), and Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP).
Lori Canane, Quality Improvement and Compliance Director, MA DOC SUDT Services
Lori joined Spectrum in 2008 and has progressed through multiple leadership roles across correctional and outpatient treatment settings. She began her career as a Reintegration Counselor within Spectrum’s corrections contract, later advancing to Supervisor of the Women’s Recovery Academy Program and subsequently to leadership roles within the outpatient division. In collaboration with the State’s Attorney General’s Office, Lori led the development and implementation of the Recovery Support Navigator Model, a transitional support service designed to connect incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder to community-based treatment upon release. This initiative has been successfully expanded throughout state and county correctional systems. Lori was later promoted to Operations Manager for Spectrum’s outpatient division, overseeing operations for 14 outpatient programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Worcester State University and is a Licensed and Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor and a Certified Correctional Health Professional.
Jennifer Zachary, Statewide Director, MA DOC Correctional Program Services
Jennifer Zachary is an experienced correctional behavioral health administrator with more than 20 years of experience in correctional treatment services. She joined Spectrum Health Systems in 2006 as a Counselor at MCI-Framingham’s residential detoxification program and has since advanced through numerous leadership roles within the Corrections Division, including Program Director, Regional Director, Assistant State Director, and, in 2022, State Director of Massachusetts Correctional Treatment Services. Throughout her career, Jennifer has overseen treatment services across the Massachusetts Department of Correction and played a key role in developing and implementing the Pathways to Change treatment model, transforming programming for female offenders statewide. She also led Spectrum’s Women and Children’s Program, supporting justice-involved women and family reunification efforts. As State Director, Jennifer provides strategic leadership for correctional treatment services across Massachusetts, advancing evidence-based programming, rehabilitation initiatives, and partnerships that support positive outcomes for justice-involved individuals.
Ghena Ribiero, Assistant State Director, MA DOC Correctional Services
Ghena Ribeiro serves as the Assistant State Director at Spectrum Health Systems, providing statewide operational leadership for Substance Use Disorder programs across Massachusetts Department of Correction facilities. In this role, she oversees staff operations, program implementation, regulatory compliance, quality improvement initiatives, and the delivery of evidence-based treatment services throughout the facilities. Since joining Spectrum Health Systems in 2016 as a Counselor, Ghena has advanced through a series of leadership roles, including Program Director, Director of Operations, and Assistant State Director. Her experience spans clinical services, program management, operational leadership, and workforce development within correctional treatment settings. Ghena holds a Master’s Degree in Crime and Justice Studies and is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (LADC I), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), and Massachusetts Problem Gambling Specialist II (MA PGS II).
Mahalia Minton, Director of Recovery Support Navigator Services, MA DOC SUDT Services
Mahalia Minton joined Spectrum Health Systems in 2017 in the outpatient division. In 2018, she transitioned to a state-funded grant program, where she provided Recovery Support Navigator services to individuals in recovery who were being released from county jails. In 2020, Mahalia began working under the MA DOC MAT contract, continuing her work supporting incarcerated individuals as they prepare for reentry. She now serves as the Director of Recovery Support Navigator Services in the MA DOC SUDTS contract, overseeing a team of navigators who specialize in delivering direct reentry services to individuals returning to the community, ensuring continuity of SUD treatment and supporting smooth transitions of care. Mahalia earned her Master of Public Health degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She completed the Addiction Counselor Education Certification Program at Westfield State University and holds a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC I) and a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II).
AnnMarie Chimera, RN, Director of Nursing, MA DOC SUDT
AnnMarie Chimera is the Director of Nursing for Spectrum Health Systems’ Massachusetts Department of Correction Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) programs, where she oversees nursing operations across 10 correctional facilities. With more than 11 years of experience at Spectrum Health Systems, AnnMarie is an accomplished healthcare leader who combines strong clinical expertise with strategic operational leadership. She has extensive experience in substance use disorder treatment, correctional healthcare, and nursing administration, having served as a Regional Nursing Supervisor and as a nurse in inpatient dual-diagnosis treatment settings. In her current role, AnnMarie provides clinical oversight, staff development, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance support to ensure the safe, effective, and evidence-based delivery of care and medications for opioid use disorder. Recognized for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to patient advocacy, she is dedicated to fostering therapeutic environments, mentoring nursing professionals, and advancing excellence in correctional healthcare.
Board of Trustees
Jeroan Allison, M.D., Chairperson – Chair and Professor, Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, UMass Chan Medical School
James Celestin, M.D., Vice Chairperson – Physiatrist, Reliant Medical Group
Joseph Rose, Treasurer – CFO, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.
Rev. Susan Suchocki-Brown, Secretary – Minister, First Church Unitarian Universalist
Brenda Jenkins, Assistant Secretary – Community Wellness Coordinator, YMCA of Greater Worcester
Kurt Isaacson – President & CEO, Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.
John Renner, M.D., Trustee – Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and Founding Director of the BU/VA Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship
Brian Garrity, Trustee – Former Attorney at Roberto, Israel & Weiner, P.C.
Kashif Siddiqui, Trustee – Chief Investment Officer and Senior Vice President, Risk Management Foundation of Harvard Medical Institutions
Danielle Jurema Lederman, Trustee – Partner, Bowditch
Luis Labao, Trustee – Founding Principal, applied Form + Space, LLC
Patrick Purcell, Trustee – Fire Chief, Town of Westborough
Sean Allen, Trustee – Teacher, City of Worcester
Lou Brady, Trustee – CEO, Family Health Center of Worcester
-CARF Survey Report
-CARF Survey Report
-CARF Survey Report
-CARF Survey Report
