Gaudenzia’s established group of professionals has over 300 years of combined experience in substance use disorders and related fields.

As a team, we are passionate about our mission, work on some of the most challenging and complex substance use problems our clients face, and deliver high-impact outcomes every day.

Dale Klatzker, PhD

Chief Executive Officer, Gaudenzia, Inc.

Dr. Klatzker has over 40 years of leadership experience in behavioral health…Read More

Patricia McKernan, DSW, LSW

Chief of Staff

Dr. McKernan has over 30 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, community corrections, and homeless services…Read More

Gadi Aronson, MSW

Chief Community Engagement Officer

Mr. Aronson is responsible for the agency’s private sector fundraising. He brings more than 35 years…Read More

Clay Cauley, Sr., Esq.

general counsel

With more than 17 years of experience as an attorney, Mr. Cauley is an advanced litigator…Read More

Nicholas Chaban, MBA, MST

Chief administrative officer

Mr. Chaban has over 30 years of financial management leadership experience. He holds a…Read More

Brandi Ernst

CHIEF IMPACT OFFICER

Brandi Ernst joined Gaudenzia in 2021, as the Chief Impact Officer. In this role, she will oversee branding, marketing…Read More

Doug Hilton, SPHR

CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER

Doug Hilton began working for Gaudenzia in a contractor capacity and HR leader in March 2020…Read More

Bhavani Raghavan Lobo, MA

Director of quality assurance

Ms. Raghavan Lobo has over 19 years of experience in the substance use disorder, criminal justice, and mental health fields…Read More

David Slinger, MBA

President, gaudenzia foundation, Inc.

Mr. Slinger’s track record includes overseeing the launch of many of Gaudenzia’s program sites, from…Read More

Don Stewart

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Mr. Stewart began working for Gaudenzia in early 2020 managing the revenue cycle within Finance… Read More

Cecilia Velasquez

CHIEF CLINICAL OFFICER

Ms. Velasquez has done much to advance the treatment and awareness… Read More

Bill Wilson, MS

CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER

Mr. Wilson is responsible for the overall planning, development, implementation… Read More

REGIONAL DIRECTORS

Kristy E. Blalock, LCPC, LCADAS, MAC, NCC, BCPC, CADS

Chesapeake

Ms. Blalock has over 20 years of behavioral health experience providing clinical and…Read More

Florence Paige, MHS

Central

Ms. Paige has worked in the behavioral health field for over 30 years.  Her work in…Read More

Gail Hannah

Eastern

Ms. Hannah has served in various roles at Gaudenzia. Since 1984, she has…Read More