Cheryl Curtis
Retreat House Director | Director of Quality Assurance and Staff Development
Mrs. Curtis is the Senior Director of Quality Assurance and Staff Development. She has been with the company since 2004. Mrs. Curtis has been in her current position since late 2010. Previously, she was a Program Instructor, Director of Education, and Director. She is a Graduate of the College of Saint Rose with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
"When I decided to return to school in order to become a teacher, I had no idea that I would be teaching the best curriculum possible: how to be happy. It has been completely gratifying and life-changing for me to witness people's quest for happiness, and for the realization to come that everyone has the exact same capacity towards happiness. I am inspired on a daily basis when I see guests change their thoughts and actions in order achieve fulfillment and contentment in life, and to experience everyone around that person benefitting from those changes. The previous lifestyle pales in comparison to the new options the guests have in life, and life changes from dark and dismal to hopeful and promising. What a wonderful mission to be a part of!"
James Hillier, Sr.
Director
Mr. Jim Hillier is Director at the Twin Rivers Retreat. He has been with the company since 2010. Mr. Hillier started as a Program Instructor and accepted the position of Assistant Director soon after.
"I get the honor of helping a diverse and interesting group of men and women. I never realized what a positive effect it would have on me personally serving such a wide range of troubled individuals. The professionalism and competence of my staff has allowed the Twin Rivers Retreat Team to bestow empowering knowledge and research to all of our guests. I am honored to be a leading member of this team. To actually see an incoming guest change from being an anxious, nervous, uncomfortable state, to a trustworthy, peaceful contented state is a wonderful experience. The program provides the necessary tools to assist my guests, and has given them a better understanding of life in general. I can honestly state that it gives me great pleasure to see a guest complete the program and leave the retreat house with a huge smile, and face the world with a whole new outlook. It is with pride that I have this wonderful opportunity to assist those currently in need, and the St. Jude Program is the most effective program offered anywhere in the world. "
Ashley Biasini
Assistant Director
Richard Santelli
Career and Academic Advisor
Mr. Santelli is the Career and Academic Advisor at the Saint Jude Retreats. He has been with the company since April 2004.. Mr. Santelli was a Principal at Johnstown High School and Superintendent at Wheelerville Central School District. Mr. Santelli holds a Master in Science of Education Administration from SUNY Albany and a Master in Science of Education from the College of Saint Rose. He is also a New York State Certified Teacher, School Administrator Supervisor, and School District Administrator, also a Veteran of the United States Army.
"I was thoroughly impressed by the social/educational program that the Saint Jude Program professes. Making the correct choices and living according to the principles that the program proclaims can indeed bring about happiness to anyone. I found that this program is not solely about sobriety, but about how to be happy. In this, I have learned as much from the students as they have from me. Though I have never struggled with addiction personally, my life has had its share of depressing, anxiety provoking times. This program has actually helped me greatly in my quest for happiness."
Gwen Eschler
Director of Education
Mrs. Gwen Eschler is the Director of Education at the Twin Rivers Retreat. She started working with St. Jude's as a CBE instructor in June of 2007 and became the Director of Education in 2010.
Gwen is a NYS certified teacher with a BS in Psychology and a MS in Education. She resides locally with her husband and dogs and has two adult children who thoroughly enjoy visiting whenever possible and sharing life with them.
"I am passionate about helping each of our guests move in a direction of improving the quality of their life as they begin making positive changes in their lives during their stay at the retreat house and planning for a positive future upon their departure."
Gene Twardzik
Program Instructor
Mr. Gene Twardzik is a Program Instructor at the Twin Rivers Retreat. He has been with St. Jude's since October 2006. Mr. Twardzik started his career as the Director of Social Programs and Instructor for our CE Program. After, he was promoted to Director of Education at the Twin Rivers Retreat.
"Since that time it has been my pleasure to serve our company in various other leadership roles. I am truly honored and grateful to have the opportunity each day to serve our guests. My professional experience in human services dates back over 30 years directing programs serving troubled adolescents, families, the mentally ill, individuals with substance use problems, and persons living with AIDS. Our company's program is, in my experience, the most effective format to help people positively change their lives. I have literally seen people transform themselves in front of my eyes. It is a joy to do what I do! I am a graduate of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh where I earned Dean's List honors as an Education major and played intercollegiate football. I am proud to say that I have been married for 25 years and have a 20 yr. old daughter and a 16 yr. old son. My association with the St. Jude Program has helped me to be a better husband, father and man. I couldn't ask for more!"
Kathrine Kelly
Program Instructor
Mrs. Kathy Kelly has been an instructor since 2010 at the Twin Rivers Retreat. Kathy lives with her husband and has four children. Kathy possesses an Associate's Degree from Fulton-Montgomery Community College and is a NYS Teacher's Assistant and is CBE certified as well. Kathy is well-equipped to assist others in changing their lives from unwanted emotional pain to one of happiness and success. As someone who has had personal challenges and who has overcome those challenges through perseverance and resiliency, she is a testament to the power of the process outlined in the St. Jude Program.
"I have been able to use my experience and training to help our guests find the solutions they are searching for. I overcame many obstacles in life before I was employed by St. Jude's. Nonetheless, my life has been enhanced by my work at the Saint Jude Retreat, and has given me an even more profound sense of purpose. Making a difference in people's lives by helping them to reach their full potential is extremely rewarding. I encourage you to read the website and give us a call. The St. Jude Program is not only effective, but also provides the sense of relief people are so desperately searching for."
Juanita Schwed
Head Chef
Mrs. Juanita Schwed is the head chef at the Twin Rivers Retreat. She has been with the company for one year. Juanita has a wonderful husband and three beautiful children.
"I truly love my job. It is very rewarding, since I am able to fulfill my love for cooking and my desire to help others."
Christopher Rodriquez
Driver
