Steve Howell, MS, LMHC, LCAC

Chief Executive Officer

Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor

Education: Master’s degree in human services and post-graduate certificate in educational psychology

Experience: With 30-plus years in mental health, he joined Northeastern Center in 1993 and has served as CEO since 2019.

Steve’s “Why”: He wants to always be in a position where he can have the greatest positive impact on the most people; Northeastern Center continues to answer that calling for him.

Dorothy Fuentes, MBA, MS, LMHC

Chief Clinical Officer

Licensure: Licensed Mental Health Counselor with certification in addictions counseling

Education: Master’s degree in mental health counseling and master’s degree in business administration

Experience: With more than 25 years of experience in mental health, Dottie has served as CCO since 2019.

Dottie’s “Why”: She is committed to the mission and vision of Northeastern Center and appreciates the team approach within the organization.

Julia Renno, MBA

Chief Financial Officer

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in business administration

Experience: As a healthcare executive, she has extensive clinical and administrative experience, including roles with both non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Julia’s “Why”: She strives to impact the healthcare system as a whole by influencing its shift to a model that treats people better when well, before they are sick.

Seth Gibson, MPM

Chief Operating Officer

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in public management

Experience: 20-plus years of healthcare experience, including leadership roles in outpatient and inpatient mental health.

Seth’s “Why”: He is passionate about patients having timely access to care and ensuring a wide variety of services are offered.

Jill Mueller, BS

Human Resources Director

Education: Bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision

Certification: Senior Professional in Human Resources

Experience: With more than 30 years at Northeastern Center, she has served as HR director since 1999.

Jill’s “Why”: Serving in an organization where people are respected and inspired, she hopes to cultivate a culture where everyone has an opportunity for growth, not only reaching their full potential, but also supporting the collective mission. 

Tami Brigle, MBA

Marketing Director

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s degree in business administration

Experience: 17-plus years of experience, including journalism, content marketing, and public relations roles.

Tami’s “Why”: She is proud to share the stories of the positive impact that Northeastern Center has on its clients and communities.

Cory Headley, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Services Director – DeKalb and Steuben County

Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in social work

Experience: 20-plus years of experience in social work and mental healthcare.

Cory’s “Why”: She chose the field of mental health to help others overcome challenges, heal from whatever life has given them, help foster a sense of hope, and improve their overall well-being.

Jeremy Lewis, MSEd, LMFT

Clinical Services Director – Noble and LaGrange County

Licensure: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in marriage and family therapy

Experience: 20-plus years of experience in community and private practice mental health.

Jeremy’s “Why”: He chose Northeastern Center for its ongoing commitment to helping the under-served.

Adrienne Long, MPA

Associate Director of Child and Adolescent Services

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in public administration

Experience: With 10-plus years of experience in the non-profit sector, including community mental health, she has served in multiple leadership roles.

Adrienne’s “Why”: She is dedicated to enhancing the quality of care and services available to children and families in the area.

Adam Rebber, MA, LMHCA

Associate Director of Residential Services

Licensure/Certifications: Mental Health Counselor Associate, Moral Reconation Therapy Certified

Education: Bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degree in mental health counseling

Experience: 15-plus years in the mental health field, working with depression, anxiety, trauma, couple’s counseling and addictions.

Adam’s “Why”: He is passionate about helping others and enjoys working with our residential care population.

Samantha Brenneke, BS

Emergency Solutions Team Manager

Education: Bachelor’s degree in human science.

Experience: With 5+ years of experience in the mental health sector, same joined the Emergency Solutions team in 2023 and most recently served as the Court Liaison/gatekeeper for NEC before moving into the Emergency Solutions Manager role.

Samantha’s “Why”: Samantha wanted to be someone who was able to provide services to any individual no matter their barriers or financial limitations.

Jennifer Hughes, BSN, RN

Director of Nursing

Licensure/Certifications: Registered Nurse.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Experience: With almost 20 years of experience in the healthcare field, Jennifer most recently served as Nurse Manager for NEC before moving into the director role.

Jennifer’s “Why”: She chose mental health because she believes it is one of the most impactful and underserved areas of healthcare.

Hannah Baughman, BS, OBHP

Community Health and Outreach Center Director

Education: Bachelor’s degree in human services

Certification: Other Behavioral Health Professional

Experience: Since joining the Northeastern Center team in 2017, she has served in a variety of direct care and leadership roles.

Hannah’s “Why”: She is driven by a commitment to ensuring that every person has access to the quality of care and support that they deserve.

Nicole Cavanaugh, MBA

Operations Manager – LaGrange

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, and master’s degree in business administration

Certifications: Certified Patient Experience Professional

Experience: 20-plus years of experience in healthcare, focusing on operations and patient experience.

Nicole’s “Why”: She wants to create a supportive and welcoming environment where all clients feel comfortable seeking out the care they need.