45 Years - Hudson Behavioral Health

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celebrating 45 years of healing and hope

Hudson Behavioral health reaches milestone anniversary

A LETTER FROM OUR CEO, LESLIE BROWN

This year marks a significant milestone in the journey of Hudson Behavioral Health—our 45th anniversary. What began in 1980 as a small, visionary response to the urgent need for inpatient addiction treatment on Maryland’s Eastern Shore has grown into a trusted and comprehensive leader in behavioral healthcare.

Founded by local health officers and community leaders, Hudson first opened its doors to eight men seeking recovery from alcoholism in a modest, townhouse-style building on the Deer’s Head Hospital campus. In 1989, the facility began operating at the Willis W. Hudson Center and was incorporated as a 501(C)(3). Today, we are proud to offer a full continuum of care, including detoxification, high and medium intensity residential treatment, six low-intensity recovery houses, two sober living homes in Georgetown, Delaware, and our most recent addition—a newly opened Outpatient Mental Health Center, developed through years of thoughtful planning and hard work to meet a critical and growing need in our community.

We are equally proud of the dedicated team that makes our work possible—over 125 individuals, including medical professionals, behavioral health clinicians from diverse disciplines, recovery support staff, student interns, and an exceptional administrative team. Each plays a vital role in guiding individuals on their journey to recover.

As we reflect on this milestone, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our Board of Directors, past and present; to our partners in public health and referral agencies; and most importantly, to our incredible department heads and staff. Your passion, commitment, and resilience are the heart of Hudson.

It has been a privilege to lead an organization where innovation is embraced, and growth is nurtured. I am continually inspired by a team that believes in our mission and is willing to evolve alongside it.

My connection to this work is deeply personal. Growing up with an alcoholic father shaped my understanding of the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access, embracing harm reduction, and offering a full spectrum of recovery support. These experiences fuel my dedication—and my hope for a future where healing is always within reach.

Hudson’s story is one of compassion, courage, and community. As we look to the future, we remain committed to evolving in response to the needs of those we serve—striving every day to build a healthier, more hopeful tomorrow for our families, friends, and neighbors.

With gratitude and pride,
Leslie Brown, CEO

OUR HISTORY

1980

An 8 bed inpatient facility for alcoholic men opens on the Deer’s Head Hospital Campus.

1987

Hudson becomes accredited by the Joint Commission with the assistance of local health departments and Debbie Goeller.

1990

Charles Andrews is hired as Hudson’s first CEO.

1997

The organization receives Community Development loans for the purchase and renovation of three recovery houses.

2003

Leslie Brown is hired as Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer.

2005

Tau House is gifted as a recovery home for women funded in part by the Delaware DHHS.

2006

Mike Shamburek is hired as CEO until his death in 2011 when Leslie Brown becomes CEO.

2014

Union House is purchased for crisis and recovery services.

2016

1505 Emerson is acquired and renovated to allow campus patient beds to grow by moving admissions and administration.

2022

East Church House is purchased for an additional 3.1.

2023

Hudson celebrates the opening of the Enrichment Center at 1501 Emerson. The facility is used for staff training and event functions.

2025

Corinthian II is purchased in Georgetown as a recovery home for men.

2025

The new Outpatient Mental Health Center opens in Salisbury.

About us

Hudson Behavioral Health was formed in 1980 (as Hudson Health Services, Inc.) to bring the first residential recovery program to the Eastern Shore. Today, thousands of patients later, we remain the leader in recovery programs ad resources, with our staff of 120 committed to serving each patient as an individual.

ABOUT US

Erin Risser, PMHNP

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Erin Risser joined Hudson Behavioral Health as their PMHNP in 2025. Her addition to the team allows for expanded treatment services, and she oversees the Outpatient Center located in Salisbury.

Erin holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and previously worked as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse at TidalHealth.

Alexandra Richards, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Alexandra Richards joined Hudson Behavioral Health as their PMHNP in 2023. Her addition to the team allows for expanded prescribing and treatment services.

Alexandra received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Del Tech in 2018, and her Master of Science in nursing from Walden University in 2022. As part of her studies, she interned at Lower Shore Clinic, Inspiration Health Services and Hudson Behavioral Health.

Susan Forrest, LCSW-C, CAC-AD

Clinical Director of Outpatient Services

As the Clinical Director of Outpatient Services, Susan oversees the daily operations of Hudson’s Outpatient Mental Health Center. She provides clinical oversight for staff along with providing supervision for Associate, Bachelor, and Master level intern students.

Susan joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2023 as Director of Clinical Operations. She has more than a decade of experience working to improve recovery resources in the greater Salisbury area. Susan earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salisbury University.

Joyce Parsons, EdD, RN

Director of Nursing

Joyce Parsons is the Director of Nursing at Hudson Behavioral Health. She is responsible for hiring, training, and supervising the nursing staff, and she collaborates with the Medical Director, Clinical Director and CEO on all major medical decisions.

She received her associate degree in Nursing from Wor-Wic in 1979, her bachelor's and master's degrees in Nursing from Wilmington University in 2011 and 2014 respectively, and earned her Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University in 2021.

Dr. Robert A. Coker, D.O., DABAM

Medical Director

Dr. Robert Coker is an internist with admitting and consulting privileges at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland, where he served as Chief of the Department of Medicine from 2005-2007. Dr. Coker is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Addiction Medicine (DABAM). He is licensed to practice medicine in both Maryland and New Jersey.

Joshua Pippin

Treatment Housing Manager

As the Treatment Housing Manager, Josh is responsible for overseeing recovery services in Hudson's five Maryland Level 3.1 treatment homes and two Sober Living Homes in Delaware .

Josh joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2020 as a Behavioral Health Aide, and later advanced to the position of House Manager in which he was responsible for running one of the treatment homes.

Josh is a resident of Salisbury, Maryland.

Kerry L. Turner, MSW, LCSW-C, CAC-AD

Mental Health Therapist

Kerry Turner joined the Hudson Behavioral Health team in 2009. She has worked in a variety of roles leading to her current position, providing mental health therapy in our 3.1 low intensity residential housing program. Kerry holds active Maryland licenses as follows: Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C), and Certified Associate Counselor-Alcohol and Drug with supervisory status (CAC-AD).

Kerry began her career working as a counselor for persons with substance use disorder, after completing an Associates Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling at Wor Wic Community College. She subsequently completed Bachelors (BSW) and Masters (MSW) degrees in Social Work at Salisbury University. Kerry also holds a Certificate in Advanced Trauma Treatment Level One from the Ferentz Institute.

Rita Mecca, CMA

Chief Financial Officer

As the Chief Financial Officer at Hudson Behavioral Health, Rita is responsible for overseeing the financial operations of Hudson Behavioral Health, including $10M in annual revenue, 100+ employees and 10 facilities throughout Maryland and Delaware.

Rita joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2021. She previously served as Controller of Tyson Foods in Berlin, MD and Airpax Corporation in Cambridge, MD, and most recently was a Senior Financial Analyst at Tidal Health.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Marywood College in Scranton, PA and later went on to earn an M.B.A. from Salisbury University in 2003.

Alex Pullen

Director of Marketing

As the Director of Marketing, Alex is responsible for maintaining relationships with community partners and referral sources. Through collaborative discussions with local health officials and other behavioral health facilities, he assesses the needs of the addictions community and works to accommodate those needs.

Alex joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2021. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, PA.

Michele Sterling

Clinical Director

As the Clinical Director, Michele oversees the daily operations of Hudson’s residential campus. She provides clinical oversight for staff on campus and in residential housing along with providing supervision for Associate, Bachelor, and Master level intern students.

Michele joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2019 as Residential Lead Counselor. She began her career as a substance abuse counselor after receiving her Associate’s Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Wor-Wic Community College. Michele has worked in a variety of settings including both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, working with both adolescents and adults. Michele earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Salisbury University.

Suzanne Caputo

Director of Human Resources 

Suzanne Caputo joined Hudson Behavioral Health in January 2017 as Director of Human Resources. She received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Business from SUNY Plattsburgh in New York. For the last twenty years, Suzanne has worked in Human Resources in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospice, and home health care. She specializes in Recruiting, Training, and Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS). Suzanne relocated from New York to join the team at Hudson, bringing a valuable perspective from much larger organizations.

Kellie Noonan CRNP, FNP

Kellie Noonan is a nationally certified Nurse Practitioner specializing in family practice and addictions medicine. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Salisbury State University in Salisbury, MD and then earned her Master of Science at Wilmington University in New Castle, DE. Ms. Noonan is also a certified Buprenorphine provider through the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). She holds her national board certification through American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Dr. Efigenio Leynes Bautista, MD

Psychiatrist 

Dr. Efigenio Lynes Bautista joined Hudson Health Services in 2005. He was educated at St. Thomas Aquiras University, School of Medicine and Surgery 1970. He also trained at the Manhattan State Hospital in 1974. Dr. Bautista has worked with individuals with co-occurring disorders his entire career and has extensive knowledge in treating individuals with complex diagnosis including Substance-Use Disorders.

Leah Evans

Director of Compliance & Quality Assurance

Leah started her career with Hudson in 2007 and has been integral in program and project implementation. She has contributed years of experience and knowledge to updating and maintaining our extensive Corporate Policies and Procedures to ensure staff and patient safety, as well as to maintaining our Joint Commission Accreditation. She has been instrumental in obtaining and updating various clinical, electronic health record, financial software systems and methods of documentation within the company. Leah manages the overall purchasing for the company, negotiates vendor contracts, assists in obtaining grant funding and insurance company reimbursements. Leah is also one of the leaders of our company Smile Team, that plans employee functions and fundraising initiatives.

Kelly Pullen

Director of Environmental Services 

Kelly Pullen joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2013 as Director of Environmental Services. Prior to his employment with the organization, Kelly was a successfully self-employed contractor in and around Salisbury, Maryland. He is certified as a Lead Paint Risk Assessor and is a Lead Paint Abatement Contractor. Kelly has been an integral part of key renovations and upgrades that have been made to both our Harting Drive Campus as well as our transitional housing properties.

Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD

Clinical Director of Residential Services

Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD is the Clinical Director of Residential Services at Hudson Behavioral Health. She began her career at Hudson in 2012 working at the Broad Street Women and Children's House and on the Main Campus as a Residential Counselor. She previously served as the Director of Housing.

In this leadership role, Rebecca is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Hudson’s residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs, encompassing the organization’s main campus as well as housing facilities throughout Maryland and Delaware—a total of 110 beds.

She provides clinical oversight for staff on campus and in residential housing along with providing supervision for Associate, Bachelor, and Master level intern students.

She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Social Work from Salisbury University, and also has an Associate of Applied Science in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Wor-Wic Community College. Kimmons is a Certified Associate Counselor - Alcohol and Drug (CAC-AD).

Suzanne Caputo

Director of Human Resources 

Shiela Pullen, LPN

Nurse Educator

Shiela’s well-rounded professional history and the extensive knowledge she has gained from the more than 20 years she has spent with Hudson uniquely qualify her to serve as Nurse Educator.

She began her career at Hudson in 1998 as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the Nursing Department. She received a Certificate in Nursing from Wor-Wic Community College in 1990 after which she took a position at Peninsula Regional Medical Center where she specialized in MedSurge Nursing. In 2000, she accepted the position of Director of Admissions at Hudson. In addition to her experience at PRMC, she has also worked as a private duty nurse within the local community.

Shiela’s dedication and loyalty to Hudson’s mission and its patients results in a warm and welcoming environment for new admissions.

Leslie Brown

President & Chief Executive Officer

Leslie Brown has served in and led non-profit organizations for most of her career in roles that include Controller, CFO and CEO. Her commitment to helping people recover from addiction and find success in daily life is unparalleled.

At Hudson, Leslie is tasked with managing a staff of more than 100 people over a full continuum of care with a budget of over 7 million dollars. She joined the organization in 2005 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 2011. During her tenure and due to her vision, the organization has grown, increasing its budget by 300% and tripling staff size – both of which are the key to bringing treatment to people across more locations and creating open access. Among her many responsibilities, she oversees the operations and development of an extensive property portfolio, including the 51- bed main campus and 8 satellite facilities.

Before joining Hudson, Leslie worked at a number of non-profits, in roles that include employee and consultant. Her perseverance, skilled strategic planning, and revenue and investment diversification have led to successful and reliant organizations.