Meet Our Team
Looking for supportive addiction treatment in Medford, Massachusetts? Our experienced team at Advanced Addiction Center provides personalized treatment for alcohol and drug abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. At our outpatient facility in Massachusetts, women and men, 18 years and older can recover and learn strategies to maintain life-long sobriety.
Kelsey Beando, LMHC | Clinical Director
Kelsey is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with themselves and heal from patterns rooted in trauma. Her work focuses on areas such as anxiety, addiction, emotional overwhelm, and the complex ways past experiences shape present relationships.
With a compassionate and relatable approach, Kelsey supports clients in building self-trust, establishing meaningful boundaries, and moving toward a more grounded, authentic life.
Leticia Leao | Program Director
Leticia serves as Program Director at Advanced Addiction Center, where she brings a deep commitment to the field of addiction treatment. With extensive experience leading behavioral health programs, she oversees daily operations, clinical programming, and team development, ensuring each individual receives compassionate, high-quality, evidence-based care.
Leticia is dedicated to creating a structured yet supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their recovery journey. She has a strong background working with individuals facing substance use and co-occurring disorders and is passionate about developing programs that support both immediate needs and long-term healing.
Known for fostering a culture of respect, accountability, and hope, Leticia supports both clients and staff in building meaningful, lasting change. She is guided by the belief that recovery is possible for everyone and that progress is built through connection, consistency, and care.
Jesse Thompson | Chief Development Officer
Jesse brings a strong background in behavioral health, with a focus on substance use and mental health services. As Chief Development Officer, he provides strategic leadership with a commitment to expanding access to high-quality care and supporting meaningful outcomes for individuals and families.
His work is centered on guiding individuals through the recovery process and helping them rebuild stability, restore connection, and move forward with dignity. Jesse is also dedicated to strengthening systems of care, supporting both clinical and operational teams, and ensuring each person receives the compassionate, effective support they deserve.
Outside of his professional role, Jesse enjoys spending time outdoors and with family, values that help him maintain balance and perspective. He approaches his work with integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to making a lasting impact.
Gina Firicano | Primary Therapist
Gina is a clinician specializing in addiction and mental health, dedicated to helping individuals turn insight into action and recovery into lasting transformation. Her approach combines evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), with a direct and compassionate style that supports both accountability and growth.
Gina is especially passionate about working with individuals facing trauma, substance use, and complex life stressors. She helps clients rebuild stability, strengthen emotional resilience, and move forward with intention. Her clinical interests include trauma-informed care, co-occurring disorders, emotional regulation, parenting under stress, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.
Lisa Benullo - Steinele, LMHC eligible | Primary Therapist
Lisa holds a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Cambridge College, with concentrations in substance use and trauma. She is also certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Her approach is rooted in person-centered (Rogerian) therapy, emphasizing empathy, authenticity, and connection. Lisa brings warmth, compassion, and a sense of humor into her work, helping clients feel comfortable and supported throughout the therapeutic process.
Her experience includes group therapy work during her internships at the Massachusetts Center for Addiction and Arbour Counseling. She is deeply committed to creating a safe, understanding environment where individuals can heal and grow.
Alex Gaudette | Clinician
Alex is a clinical therapist in the addiction field with a strong commitment to supporting individuals in early recovery.
With over 15 years of lived experience in active addiction and more than four years in recovery from all mood-altering substances, he brings both professional expertise and personal insight into his work. He is currently pursuing his Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II (LADC II) credential.
Alex’s approach emphasizes structure, accountability, and creating a supportive environment where individuals can rebuild their lives and achieve long-term recovery.
Savanna Moretto | Case Manager
Savanna is a dedicated Case Manager at Advanced Addiction Center, bringing a strong foundation in behavioral health, client advocacy, and recovery-oriented support. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Law from Suffolk University, she combines clinical insight with an understanding of the systemic challenges that can impact individuals in treatment.
She has extensive experience supporting clients in achieving meaningful outcomes, including securing stable housing, navigating workplace accommodations, accessing community resources, and strengthening daily living skills. With a background in group facilitation and addiction support, Savanna creates safe, structured spaces where clients feel empowered to share openly and build resilience.
Known for her calm and supportive presence, she connects easily with clients during vulnerable moments and approaches her work through a trauma-informed, person-centered lens. Savanna is guided by the belief that every individual deserves compassionate support, practical tools, and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Joseph Gobbi | Patient Advocate
Joe brings genuine compassion and purpose to his role as an admissions representative in the substance use and mental health field. He is driven by a deep commitment to helping individuals take that first, often difficult step toward recovery and stability.
Whether listening to someone’s story or guiding them through the admissions process, Joe approaches every interaction with empathy, patience, and respect. He is dedicated to creating a supportive and welcoming experience for those seeking help when they need it most.