Duncan graduated from Harvard College with a B.A. in Physical Sciences, obtained his M.D. from Saba University School of Medicine, and completed a Residency in General Psychiatry and Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Connecticut. He worked for over three years as a full-time staff psychiatrist at Community Council of Nashua’s Child and Adolescent Program. He also has done work for Southern New Hampshire Medical Center and evaluations for New Hampshire's court system.  Outside of work, Dr. Gill enjoys playing electric guitar in a band and sports of all kinds.  

He’s one of two known child psychiatrists in New England able to dunk. (though rumor has it that his "ups" aren't what they once were)

Valerie has been at Direction since 2020. She has bachelor's degrees in psychology and health science with an emphasis in neuroscience and a Master’s degree and associated license in occupational therapy from Saint Francis University. Valerie has a passion for working with children and teens and helping them establish lifelong healthy practices.

In her free time, Valerie enjoys reading, arts and crafts, and hiking. And all the other staff are nice to her because she has a black belt in American Kenpo.

Erin knows teenagers.  In addition to her work at Direction, she worked for over 20 years as a licensed teacher in the Hollis-Brookline school system. With her wry sense of humor, laid-back demeanor, yet capacity for attention to detail (she is a truly paradoxical Type A and Type B personality mix), kids just like her.  So do the staff.  

When not hanging around teens, Erin is an outdoors type and teaches both CPR and wilderness first aid.  You might also bump into her on the backcountry hiking trails.

Jessica has over 15 years of experience in advertising, working at companies like Amazon, Comcast, and Snapchat. She made a bold decision to leave behind the corporate world and follow her passion to help others. Her journey from the fast-paced realm of ad tech to the field of mental health brings a fresh perspective to the field and a unique understanding of human behavior. 

She is currently focused on obtaining her Master’s in Counseling at Rivier University while bringing Direction to the next level. 

A gentle giant at 6’3”, Ben is one of the most good-natured people you’ll meet. He has a knack for connecting with teenagers of all sorts. He also brings musical talent and know-how to Direction, having studied sound engineering and having collaborated with numerous music artists by creating, producing, and selling his own beats. (He’s also an excellent drummer.)  

Ben is an avid follower of all the New England sports teams and knows all the stats worth knowing.

​

You can listen to one of Ben's beats here.

Boy, are we blessed to have this guy back. Ric grew up in (and thankfully, survived) inner-city New Orleans and brings life experience and hard-earned wisdom to our program like no one else. He worked for many years in New Orleans with the most disadvantaged of youth and later for several years at Nashua Children’s Home. 

He is part of an exceptionally talented family, which includes a daughter who appeared on American Idol and a son in high school who is on track to play D1 football. If you get a chance, ask him about pet tarantulas.

Tricia has a BA in Elementary Education/Special Education from Rivier University and is working on an MA in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice University. Having worked in a Montessori K-6 School and as a Math Interventionist and tutor in Westford, MA, for 12 years, Tricia brings a wealth of knowledge to her counseling work. 

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, sitting outside listening to birds, and reading. Tricia’s a proud mom to three boys, and her happy places are the beach and church.

Emily is one of our new group counselors and graduated from SNHU with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in May of 2024. Despite her quiet nature, she is always ready to talk about all things movies and music—Dave Matthews and Billy Joel being her favorite musicians. You’ll probably find her working on one of our many puzzles or recapping Bruins games during hockey season. 

Outside of Direction, Emily is slowly but surely working on hiking all the 4,000-footers in New Hampshire or strength training in her home gym. She is currently settling into her post-undergrad life and enjoying each day at Direction.

Matt is another one of our newer counselors who found his passion for connecting with teens working as an ESL tutor. He will graduate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with his BS in psychology with the ultimate goal of becoming a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. 

Outside of Direction, Matt is often found in the gym, on the golf course, or surfing the beaches of Northern New England. 

Catie is our “front desk lady” (Office Manager), medical records coordinator, and computer technician. In addition, you will meet and speak with Catie as she greets visitors in person and over the phone. Catie also helps some of the older generation understand (or fathom at least) the changing world of adolescent customs, social media, and gadgetry. 

With her great sense of humor and particularly infectious laugh, she is a frequent client favorite at Direction. Catie is a skilled artisan and enjoys sharing her skills with clients. She particularly enjoys pottery and drawing. She is also an avid Formula 1 racing fan.

​

She has decorated her entire office to look like the night sky.  You can see her favorite website here.