Experienced and Dedicated Staff:
Emerald School is led by a dedicated team of educators and recovery professionals. Our faculty members possess a strong understanding of the unique needs of students in recovery and are dedicated to creating personalized learning plans that foster academic success. Recovery support staff provide essential services such as therapy groups, mindfulness training, and life skills development, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.
Mary Ferreri
Chief Executive Officer
Gabby Wohlford
Chief Operating Officer
Stephanie Behuniak
Recovery Support Director
Terry Benjamin
Recovery Support
Janelle Mortimer
Project Coordinator
Meghan Nance
Art and Virtual Classroom Teacher
John Rice
History Teacher and Dean of Students
Dr. Vonda Rogers
Math Teacher
Dakeita Staton
Recovery Support
Sivonne Stone
English Teacher and Academic Advisor
Dwayne Thompson
Community Development Officer
Guiding Our Vision:
The Emerald School Board of Directors is comprised of distinguished individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Board members include medical professionals, successful business leaders, and individuals with extensive experience in the field of recovery. This blend of knowledge and experience provides valuable guidance and ensures the school remains at the forefront of recovery-focused education.
Patrick Balsley
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Owner of Sana Counseling LLC
Mike Gminski
Peer Recovery Coach, former TV Basketball Analyst and NBA Basketball player
Keith Bolt
CFO at SPI – Specialty Products & Insulation
Taber Cathcart
Partner at Womble Bond Dickinson LLP
Mary Ferreri
Founder and Principal at Emerald School of Excellence
Lorraine Kieffer
Managing Director at Wells Fargo
Omar Manejwala
Medical Doctor, Chief Medical Officer at DarioHealth Corp
Doug Middleton
NFL Athlete, Founder and Executive Director of Dream the Impossible
Bridget Norris
Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant at Marriott International
Kevin O'Herron
Principal at St. Matthews School
Meredith Ratajczak
Chief Actuary for Equitable
Lighting The Pathway:
The Emerald School Advisory Committee is comprised of dedicated community leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals who share our passion for empowering teens in recovery. This esteemed group provides invaluable guidance and strategic support, ensuring our programs and services remain innovative and effective. We are grateful for their commitment to helping Emerald School achieve its mission of academic excellence and lifelong success for our students.
Patrick Balsley
Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and Owner of Sana Counseling LLC
Mike Gminski
Peer Recovery Coach, former TV Basketball Analyst and NBA Basketball player
Keith Bolt
CFO at SPI – Specialty Products & Insulation
Making Memories, Building the Future:
The Emerald School Event Planning Committee is a dynamic group of volunteers dedicated to creating engaging and impactful events. These enthusiastic individuals contribute their time and talents to planning our annual Emerald Gala event, community outreach events like Fore The Cause golf tournament, and other initiatives that raise awareness and support for our school. Through their hard work and creativity, the Event Planning Committee plays a vital role in fostering community connections and securing resources that empower our students to thrive.
Laura Barefoot
Endo Jezek
Genevieve Jezek
Lorraine Kieffer
Paige Levesque
Janelle Mortimer
Bridget Norris
Jim Tanger
Trish Tanger
Dwayne Thompson
Gabby Wohlford
Looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity? Share your talents and join the Emerald School Event Planning Committee!