Leadership Team

Robert S. Stearns President and Chief Executive Officer

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Stearns has been leading the Bridgewell team since January 2004. He was formerly President and CEO of St. Coletta in Wisconsin, an organization similar to Bridgewell, which also provides services to individuals with disabilities.

Mr. Stearns has more than 30 years of experience in rehabilitation and health-care management, and more than 20 years providing consultation services throughout the United States to organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Bob grew up in central Massachusetts and holds an undergraduate degree in psychology from Bridgewater State College and an advanced degree in human services from Antioch College in Ohio.

Kelly J. Johnson Chief Operations Officer

As Chief Operations Officer, Ms. Johnson is responsible for the administration of all programs and services. She supervises the Directors of our North Shore and Merrimack Valley Services as well as Fleet Management and Recreation Supports. She has been a Bridgewell employee for more than 20 years, starting here in 1983 as a member of our direct-support staff. Over the years, Kelly has held a variety of managerial positions in affordable housing, residential services and quality assurance.

Kelly earned a MBA from Salem State College and a BA in social work from Suffolk University in Boston.

James F. Low Chief Financial Officer

As Bridgewell's Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Low oversees the financial operations of the entire organization, as well as the operations of the Financial Services, Purchasing and Information Technology Departments.

Jim joined the Bridgewell team in 2005 after a 25-year career in health care financial management and consulting. Mr. Low holds a BA degree from Dartmouth College, a MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and he is a certified public accountant.

Rodger Hebert Director of Quality Assurance

Mr. Hebert is Bridgewell's director of quality assurance in charge of assessment and reporting systems, which are essential to monitoring the quality of the services we provide. Mr. Hebert joined Bridgewell in 2005. Prior to joining Bridgewell, Mr. Hebert worked in the human-services field for more than 16 years in various capacities, eleven in quality assurance. Immediately before coming to Bridgewell, for seven years, he worked at Barry L. Price Rehabilitation Center as its director of quality enhancement.

Rodger earned his bachelor's degree from Brandeis University.

Mara Kirby, PsyD Director of Clinical Services

At Bridgewell, Dr. Kirby oversees all clinical services, including Behavioral Health Care Services, Residential Behavioral Support Services, the Healthcare Department and Quality Assurance. In her role, Dr. Kirby ensures that all services are in accordance with contractual, regulatory, accreditation sources, and organizational standards and requirements.

Prior to joining Bridgewell in 2005, Dr. Kirby demonstrated strong clinical skills, leadership, and expertise in management and program development. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she has 16 years of experience in human services.

Mara earned her bachelor's degree from Marymount College, her master's degree in counseling psychology and her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Antioch New England Graduate School.

Laura K. McNamara Director of Program Operations

Ms. McNamara is responsible for the overall operations of Bridgewell's Mental Health and Mental Retardation day and residential services.

Ms. McNamara came to Bridgewell in 2004 with almost thirty years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities. Prior to coming to Bridgewell, she was the vice president of program operations at the Barry L. Price Rehabilitation Center in West Newton for seven years. Prior to that, she worked for the Department of Mental Retardation in a number of executive management positions.

Laura received her MSW from Boston's Simmons College School of Social Work and her BA in Psychology from Boston University. She is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) and is certified by the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW).

Cari Palmer Director of Development & Advancement

Cari Palmer started as Bridgewell’s Director of Development & Advancement in March 2010. Cari has had 20 years experience in institutional advancement and non-profit management. Her expertise centers around philanthropy, communications and strategic planning, particularly reshaping and revitalizing development programs for organizations that span healthcare, educational and cultural missions.   

Prior to joining Bridgewell, Cari served as a Senior Associate at Copley Raff (formerly Copley Harris) for five years where she was a consultant specializing in fundraising and strategic planning for clients throughout New England. 

Cari received her BA in Russian & Fine Arts from the State University of NY at Albany, and MSM from Lesley College with an emphasis in non-profit management.

Inge Peters Director of Human Resources

As Bridgewell’s Director of Human Resources, Ms. Peters manages all aspects of our human resources, payroll and training departments.  Ms. Peters has more than 20 years of human resources management experience in both for profit and not for profit companies.  She earned her B.A. at Eastern Nazarene College, completed graduate work in Mass Communication at Emerson College in Boston, and is credentialed as a “Senior Professional in Human Resources” (SPHR).

Elaine White Director of Housing

As Director of Housing, Elaine White manages Bridgewell's Facilities and Housing Departments and chairs the Safety Committee. Elaine also oversees the administration of Bridgewell's Mainstream Housing Choice Voucher Program and other subsidy programs for the homesless that are funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Elaine has been with Bridgewell over 25 years. She began her career as a Direct Support Professional, and she has held various management positions within the company related to operations and housing.

Elaine earned her bachelor's degree from Fitchburg State College, and holds Housing Specialist Certifications for HUD funded programs in Section 8 Rent Calculation and Eligibility.