Staff Bios
Sarah Antoniello, MSW has decided to settle in Vermont after some very rich experiences in various parts of the country. Sarah’s work includes: serving as Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor for Outward Bound in Florida, Unit Director for the Boys and Girls Club of America, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor on an Indian reservation in Taos, New Mexico and Program Leader for Community Connections in Montpelier, VT. Her work includes case management and advocacy for victims of domestic violence as well as coordinating a program for children with cancer and their families. Sarah is glad to be back in Vermont where she enjoys hiking with her chocolate lab.
Lynn Rockwell, M.Ed., first joined the staff in 1992 and has worked in a variety of positions including Residential Counselor, Group Leader, Family Outreach Coordinator and Case Manager. In 1999 Lynn left to focus on her small goat farm and work part-time as a Certified High School Guidance Counselor. She returned to the staff in September of 2002 as a case manager. Lynn has worked for over 30 years in a variety of mental health settings and was awarded the Vermont Mental Health Director's Individual Award in 1991. Lynn brings a wealth of experience combined with natural compassion and strong advocacy skills that make her a uniquely gifted professional.
Teri Lawrence, M.Ed. has been working with Spruce Mountain Inn since 1986.. She is our Vocational/Educational Coordinator and does some Case Management. Teri has a BS in Human Services/Psychology and a M.Ed. from UVM with a focus on school-to-work transition. Prior to joining SMI staff, Teri was employed in a variety of settings in the mental health/education field including community mental health, adolescents at risk programs and the Vermont State Hospital. Teri has a great love of the outdoors. She enjoys gardening, running, hiking and swimming.
Pamela Fadness, M.D., Consulting Psychiatrist, affiliated with the Inn in 2007. For more than 15 years, Dr. Fadness has practiced in a variety of clinical programs, community mental health centers, state psychiatric hospitals, a county jail and outpatient programs for children and families. Dr. Fadness is currently dividing her professional time between Spruce Mountain Inn and a private practice in downtown Burlington. Dr. Fadness was born and raised on Long Island (New York) and received her M.D. from the State University of New York at Syracuse.In addition to completing the University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care Psychiatry Residency Program in Burlington, Vermont, Dr. Fadness completed an internship in medicine at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and was the first Fellow in Public Psychiatry in the Division of Public Psychiatry at the University of Vermont/Fletcher Allen Health Care, a program which she also helped develop.Dr. Fadness enjoys living in Vermont, family and friends, gardening and outdoor activities, especially our beautiful Vermont winters.
Addiction Therapist, Jo-Ann Lowell, M.Ed., LADC, joined Spruce Mountain Inn in May 2007. She relocated from Connecticut after working in both community based and inpatient addiction and mental health programs for 10 years. Jo-Ann is particularly proud of her work in an outreach program for the homeless in a program she helped develop and has enjoyed working with all populations both individually and in groups. Jo-Ann's client centered approach to addictions uses the 12 Step Model, S.M.A.R.T. Recovery, Emotions Anonymous and Recovery Action Plans. She earned her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College in Springfield, MA and also has certifications/licensure in co-occurring diagnoses and occupational therapy (COOD, COTA/L). In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, family and friends in the outdoors.
James Sweeney, MS, joined Spruce Mountain Inn in 2008 as a psychotherapist with a background in community based and residential mental health. He came to Vermont from Massachusetts where he was completing his predoctoral internship in psychology. A master’s level therapist for many years, Jim is currently pursuing his PhD in psychology, and has a background in working with a wide range of client issues. His gentle and thoughtful manner is appreciated by clients and staff. Jim enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with friends.
Dorothy Robinson, MSW, has been a resident of Vermont for more than 20 years. Dorothy’s first career was as a RN in several acute care medical settings. Since receiving her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from the University of Vermont, Dorothy has worked with families, elder populations and young adults. Dorothy first came to SMI in August of ’08 working part-time as a residential counselor. She accepted a case management position in May,’09 having come to appreciate the compassion and dedication of the SMI staff. Her leisure activities include gardening and the care of her many companion animals.
Dr. Richard A. Bernstein, is a board certified physician who's commitment to patient care, teaching and mental health issues has been demonstrated by his career as a faculty member at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, attending psychiatrist at its affiliated hospital and leadership roles with local, state and national organizations.
While at University of Vermont and its affiliate hospital Fletcher Allen Healthcare, Dr. Bernstein directed the psychiatry residency training program, the inpatient, and the outpatient services. He has served as an examiner for the American Board of Psychiatry, a reviewer for the American Journal of Psychiatry, and as President of the Vermont Psychiatric Association.
He is the recipient of numerous awards and honors and is listed in Best Doctors in America. His wife and he are the parents of four children and seven grand-children. He writes stories, cuts wood, plays golf and is struggling with the cello.
