About Us

When You’re Ready…We’re Here to Help.

Hudson Behavioral Health was formed in 1980 (as Hudson Health Services, Inc.) to bring the first residential addiction treatment program to the Eastern Shore. Today, thousands of patients later, we remain focused on providing quality care and developing innovative programs to individuals address all of our patient’s needs.

Our program is “evidence-informed,” which means there is real science behind it. As you will read in the testimonials on this site, our patients learn to live drug and alcohol-free, building resiliency while rebuilding their lives.

We believe in you and in your power to recover. And, you can trust in us. We are accredited by the Joint Commission, which means you can trust the quality of care we provide and the safety of our facilities.

Go ahead – plant the seed of recovery. You will be amazed at how you will grow.

our mission

Enrich the mind, body, and spirit by providing evidence-based clinical care and recovery support services.

our vision

Hudson Behavioral Health will be a recognized leader in the provision of quality behavioral health treatment and recovery supportive programs.

Our Values

Program excellence

We believe that all programs we offer must be of the highest quality. All programs are continuously evaluated, and the results guide ongoing program adaptation and innovation.

Compassion

We are committed to having the peripheral vision to see others when they are struggling and helping them along their journey.

Innovation

We seek input from those we serve on how we could do things better. We encourage staff to keep their pulse on community needs and bring their ideas back for program development and adaptation.

Involved and Empowered Employees

Our employees are skilled and passionate about their work. To this end we provide ongoing training and supervision, which allows them the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Integrity

We provide transparency in matters critical to the organization and to those who support us.

Advocacy

We exist to serve those who access behavioral healthcare and their families. We commit to walking alongside them and always fighting for the betterment of the behavioral health treatment system as a whole.

Diversity

We respect and value diversity of ideas and people, creating an environment that is inclusive of all.

Collaboration

We are a strong partner in addressing social determinants of health that negatively impact individuals in our community. Being a part of a united front results in a healthier population and strengthens its social safety net.

teamwork

We are one company, one team. We are committed to a teamwork environment where every person is a valued member.

Our Leadership

Leslie Brown

CEO

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Suzanne Caputo

Director of Human Resources

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Leah Evans

Director of Compliance & Quality Assurance

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Susan Forrest, MSW, CAC-AD

Director of Clinical Operations

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Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD

Director of Housing

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Rita Mecca

Chief Financial Officer

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Kelly Pullen

Director of Environmental Services

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Shiela Pullen, LPN

Director of Admissions

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Joshua Pippin

Treatment Housing Manager

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Alex Pullen

Marketing & Community Liaison

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Key medical staff

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

Medical Director

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Joyce Parsons, EdD, RN

Director of Nursing

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MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Dr. Efigenio Leynes Bautista, MD

Psychiatrist

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Alexandra Richards, PMPNP-BC

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

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

Mental Health Therapist

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KEY CLINICAL STAFF

Melissa Barone, ADT

Residential Counselor

Sheila Kroon, CSC-AD

Admissions Counselor

Jason Burroughs, BASW, CSC-AD

Residential Aftercare Coordinator & Case Manager

Nicole Melendez

Case Manager / Peer Support

Katie Cleaver, CSC-AD

Admissions Counselor

Christina Perry, CSC-AD

Manager of Utilization Review

Jennifer Dennis, aPHR, ADT

Residential Aftercare Coordinator & Case Manager

Joe Seminara, CSC-AD

Maryland Residential Housing Counselor

Monique Snead, ADT

Residential Counselor

Jermaine Wallace

Behavioral Health Aide Supervisor

Marvin Ward

Peer Support Specialist

Matthew Ward, CAC-AD

Lead Residential Counselor

Jordan Cropper

Toni Keiser

Meredith Mears

Cynthia MacDonald

Board of directors

Nate Passwaters

Tina Simmons

Michael Trader, LCSW-C

Health Officer Wicomico County
Matthew McConaughey

Health Officer Worcester County
Rebecca Jones, RN

Health Officer Dorchester County
Roger Harrell, M.H.A.

in their words

"My stay at Hudson was better than I expected it to be! During the COVID-19 pandemic I was nervous about my freedom being compromised. I was definitely wrong. I felt very comfortable and the staff treats you great and with respect. Just make sure that you treat them the same. Hudson gave me the tools to live a sober life and they can do the same for you. Just make sure you use them!"

“Hudson is a great place for recovery. They care and it shows. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs and wants to get off alcohol and drugs. Thank you all!”

"All the staff, counselors and techs were very helpful and respectful towards me. I am grateful for all the knowledge and motivation that Hudson provided for me. I am also grateful for peer support and the opportunity to go to the 3.1 housing to continue my recovery in a more structured environment. If you take this opportunity serious, Hudson can change your life for the better and I will forever be grateful.”

“Hudson gave me information about my addiction. I stored that in my mind and heart and will use it to stay clean.”

“Hudson saved my life. The program was helpful for me. The staff was awesome. Now I have another chance to live a clean and sober life.”

“From the techs to peer support to nursing, everyone was terrific. They were kind, funny, caring, and serious when necessary. I was given the tools necessary for my recovery.”

“Everyone I met and spoke with at Hudson showed a genuine concern for my recovery and welcomed me with open arms.”

“Hudson changed my life forever. I found a lot of comfort here and it felt so safe I was able to work through some of my darkest times. I know that I am never alone. Thank you for giving me my life back.”

“I am thankful for Hudson for giving me the chance to find myself and build a healthy life for myself. The staff at Hudson really cared and it shows.”

“Hudson allowed me to love myself again. They also helped me gain and want a better future. I’ve found myself doing things I never thought I’d do again. Thank you to Hudson and all the staff that helped me through this.”

“Hudson is a great place and I recommend it for anyone who is trying to stop using. Medical staff and Peer Support are all very helpful.”

“I enjoyed myself while I was at Hudson. Staff was very polite and helpful. I learned a lot from the groups and from my counselor.”

“Hudson is a great place with caring staff. Having been in four other treatment facilities, Hudson really changed my thought process. Small changes really can lead to big results. I am so thankful for this opportunity.”

“When I first came here I was suicidal and really hopeless. It took me a little while to warm up to them because I didn’t trust people due to past trauma. These people made me feel that I could open up and share my most deep and darkest secrets. And I did. They didn’t judge me or discourage me about anything. They helped me through it. They are special to me and will always have a place in my heart. I wish everyone who has problems with drugs and alcohol to come here and receive God's gift of life. They are here to help you receive that gift.”

“I am 25 and have been to about 20 inpatient facilities. Hudson is by far the most helpful and informative rehab I have been to. Everyone is so helpful, and for once I feel like I actually have a chance at staying clean. Thank you for helping me save my life.”

Continuum of Care Offerings

Our program is 40 years in the making, offering an achievable step-by-step process for recovery, from Withdrawal Management to Residential Treatment to Recovery Housing.

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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.

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.

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.

Susan Forrest

Director of Clinical Operations

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

Susan joined Hudson Behavioral Health in 2023. 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.

Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD

Director of Housing

Rebecca Kimmons, CAC-AD is the Director of Housing 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.

As Director of Housing, Rebecca is responsible for the programs and staff at each of Hudson's off-campus housing facilities throughout Maryland and Delaware.

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).

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.

Shiela Pullen, LPN

Director of Admissions 

Shiela Pullen, LPN, Director of Admissions 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 Director of Admissions.

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

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.

Alex Pullen

Marketing & Community Liaison

As the Marketing & Community Liaison, 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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.

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 

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).