Who We are - About Foundation House Portland Maine

Patrick Babcock, 45, originally from New York City, moved to Portland, Maine in 2000, and is currently enjoying over 16 years of continued sobriety.

Having first been introduced to the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous back in 1988, as well as both inpatient and extended care programs, Mr. Babcock has seen first hand, through his own experience what works (and what does not work) in regard to "the process of recovery".

A graduate of Fordham University's College of Business Administration in New York City, with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Finance, Mr. Babcock began his studies and has trained under licensed alcohol & chemical dependency professionals since 2001, specializing in Motivational Interviewing, PTSD, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Life Skills Mentorship.

Mr. Babcock is the Founder and Executive Director of Foundation House, having begun his professional career helping men in recovery from alcoholism & chemical dependency in 2002, and since that time has helped hundreds of men enjoy the freedom from addiction and the joy of a clean and sober way of life. It is Mr. Babcock's belief that a 12-step program is essential for an individual to enjoy long term recovery, and, as a result of his own experiences within "the program", has created an environment in Foundation House that teaches the residents not just how to get sober, but rather, through the use of a practical and holistic approach to the 12-steps, how to stay sober.

Mr. Babcock credits learning his motivational and leadership techniques first by observing those of his father's - a successful business owner; by studying the teachings of Coaches Vince Lombardi and John Wooden; by emulating the work in the recovery field as demonstrated by Mr. Greg Varley and Mrs. Geraldine Owen Delaney (both of Alina Lodge); and by remembering how it felt to be taught by his sixth grade teacher, Mr. Mike Michelson - someone who, to this very day, Mr. Babcock still wishes he could be like.

Mr. Babcock currently resides in Cape Elizabeth, Maine (seven miles from our two facilities) with his wife Danika, daughter Lula, and their two dogs Uma and Maddy. Mr. Babcock enjoys scuba diving, skiing, live concerts, the practice of Buddhism, Tai Chi, Argentinian tango, travel, everything about Portland, Maine, the New York Rangers, and yes, the Boston Red Sox.

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Kirk Larkin is originally from Fitchburg Massachusetts and attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in Dartmouth, MA where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Marketing. He has 7 years of experience in sales, marketing, and recruiting. Kirk has been with Foundation House since November of 2005, first as a House Manager, then as our Alumni Coordinator, and as of 2011, Kirk was asked to assume the job of Program Director. As someone who has worked his way through every step of the entire Foundation House process, there is no one more qualified to take on such a role. As Program Director, Kirk works closely with each resident, the resident’s family, the referring primary facility, as well as any Educational Consultant, Therapist, or Interventionist that our resident might have as a part of his treatment team. Along with his Program Director responsibilities, Kirk also runs our Tuesday evening Big Book study group. Kirk is a dedicated New England Patriots fan and in his spare time enjoys going to the gym, participating in a local men's indoor soccer league, and playing basketball and football whenever the opportunity presents itself. It’s also worth pointing out that Kirk is our resident hug guru, having taught many of us the fine art of a genuine embrace.

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Ryan Jennings grew up in Longmeadow, Massachusetts where he attended Fairfield University and the Jack Welch School of Business at Sacred Heart University. Ryan first began attending AA back in 2001. With a business background in technology sales and project management, Ryan came to Foundation House as a resident in 2008, went on to join our staff as a program manager in 2010, and through his tireless work ethic and naturally intuitive ability to guide men through the early stages of their recovery, Ryan was promoted to Director of Operations for our organization. As we are known here at Foundation House for our love of all things athletic, it also doesn’t hurt that Ryan, who like many of us fell in love with Portland as soon as he arrived to the city, was a NCAA Division I wrestler. Ryan enjoys golf, softball, and football ... sometimes a bit too much.

Jacob Thomason
Wilderness Therapist

jacob Jacob is originally from Covington, Georgia. While growing up there, he experienced the healing power of nature. Because of this, Jacob has developed a passion for many outdoor activities that push young men to challenge themselves in a way that brings spiritual, emotional, and relational growth. Jacob has worked in addiction treatment since 2006 in a variety of programs and positions. He received his master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College in Wheaton Illinois. Licensed as a LAPC, Jacob was most recently working as a therapist for an adult primary care program in Utah. This program was based on the wilderness experience and the 12-step recovery model.

Jacob has both a clinical understanding of family systems theory and personal experience of the difficulties that addiction brings to families. Having been a member of AlAnon since the age of 18, Jacob understands the importance of the parents, siblings, and spouses learning how to better support the recovery of the addict and the entire family.

Alison Eads
Art Therapist

alison As a clinical Art Therapist and Psychotherapist, Alison facilitates healing through innate cathartic creativity. Skilled in providing the utilization of self and space as definitive value, healing and creativity become unified interactive experience. Art therapy holistically enables wellbeing in a non-threatening visual and creative way. With specific interest in the exchange of artist-media-viewer, Alison invites the integration of self through non-verbal expression.

A Master’s level professional with a degree in clinical art therapy/ clinical psychology, Alison is experienced as a clinical Art Therapist and Clinical Psychotherapist in inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities, residential housing, day treatment programs, and psychiatric hospitals. Alison also has earned Bachelors Degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education. Credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC), Art Therapist, Licensed Special Educator (K-12), and Elementary School teacher (K-6), Alison has been privileged to work professionally with children, adults, groups, and families of all mental health and developmental needs.

As an individual who practices what she shares, Alison also maintains Solace, LLC, a private clinical art therapy practice as well as Nouveau Studio, LLC, a professional artist studio. Her artwork as been featured in juried art shows and galleries across the nation and collected internationally.

Berkeley Schmidt
Executive & Clinical Assistant

alison Berkeley is originally from Villa Hills, Kentucky but has spent the majority of her life right here in Portland, Maine. Berkeley earned her Bachelors Degree from the University of Southern Maine and is currently working towards a Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in addiction. Before coming to Foundation House she gained experience working for a primary treatment facility.

Berkeley has witnessed first-hand through her family members the perils of addiction. The beneficial result of her experiences is a great love and passion for recovery. Berkeley enjoys spending her free time with her fiancé, Josh, and their Leonberger, Rowen.

Barbara Howaniec
Psychotherapist

Starting as an experienced ER nurse in NYC Barbara has learned many powerful lessons along the way. As a recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Award from NYU, Barbara Howaniec is a skilled nurse practitioner with a psychotherapy practice in Portland and Lewiston. The rich variety of powerful experiences have provided Barbara with a platform from which she now practices.

A highly skilled therapist with a gift for releasing the natural resilience of the human spirit, Barbara is well known for her no nonsense approach blended with passion, empathy and a sense of humor.

As a nurse practitioner, Barbara is qualified to prescribe medications as an adjunct to therapy. She has expertise in the treatment of patients with dual diagnoses, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and grief.

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Michael R. Patnaude, D.O. is the consulting psychiatrist working with the men of Foundation House. After receiving a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, Dr. Patnaude attended the University Of New England College Of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. Upon graduation, Dr. Patnaude completed a traditional internship at Brighton Medical Center in Portland, Maine and proceeded to complete a residency in psychiatry where he also served as chief resident at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine.

In addition to his private practice on Congress Street in Portland, Dr. Patnaude serves as a consulting psychiatrist for a local correctional facility. He also serves as the medical director for Crossroads for Women, a local residential treatment center for women with substance related disorders.

Dr. Patnaude’s practice provides diagnostic assessment, on-going pharmacologic treatment and referrals to other services and providers as is deemed necessary. Dr. Patnaude’s belief is that a sober living environment is a valuable component in the continuum of services available for individuals addressing their substance related disorders.

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Warren Brent

Warren Warren Brent is the principal at Brent Consulting Group. Warren’s two decades of experience in people and process improvement enabled him to create a firm that partners with clients to improve organizational and personal health by strengthening their leadership agility, relationship building skills and identity branding. Brent Consulting Group has clients throughout the United States as well as Europe, Asia and Central America. Prior to starting Brent Consulting Group, Warren was the principal at Forust Psychotherapy and Consulting Services. Warren holds a B.S. from Olivet University, a M.A. from Trevecca University, a M.A. from Vanderbilt and a M.S.S.W. from the University of Tennessee. Warren, and his wife, Karen, have two sons and reside in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Throughout the year, Warren leads 12-step recovery and personal development workshops at Foundation House, teaching advanced recovery skills to our residents.

Beth Stockwell, ND

Dr. Beth Stockwell earned her doctorate in Naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. She is a naturopathic doctor that has been trained in medical science, diagnostic skills and natural healing by applying minimally invasive methods to whole-person health care. Dr. Stockwell treats a variety of acute and chronic conditions and uses a variety of treatment modalities including nutrient therapy, botanicals, homeopathy, biotherapeutic drainage, muscle energy stretching, cranioSacral therapy and visceral manipulation.

Dr. Stockwell has experience treating a variety of complaints including chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, acid reflux, IBS, chronic sinusitis, hypothyroid, ADHD, allergies, interstitial cystitis, and diabetes to name a few. She also specializes in Neuroendocrine rebalancing which can aid in the treatment of those patients recovering from addiction, having difficulty with focus, as well as addressing anxiety, depression, insomnia, cravings, and headaches. Other programs include the HCG weight loss program, detoxification cleanse programs, and eating for your metabolic type - which works on life style changes in regards to diet and exercise. Naturopathic medicine treats the whole person and all treatments are individualized to fit the needs of each patient.

An enthusiastic student of yoga for 20 years, Jen was originally certified to teach in the Kripalu lineage in 1997. Jen believes wholeheartedly in the restorative benefits of yoga. Whether you are young or old, flexible or not, resistant or inspired, Jen welcomes all to join her on a spirited journey towards greater balance in body, mind, and spirit. The yoga mat is a great laboratory for self reflection, discipline, and healing. What happens on the mat has a direct correlation to our lives off the mat.

Jen has competed two Yoga Alliance teacher trainings, studies regularly with master teachers, and has taken several extensive pilgrimages to India. She is committed to integrating ancient wisdom to suit modern times. Having studied with some of the world's master teachers in the Astanga, Jivamukti, Anusara, and vinyasa yoga systems, Jen is eclectic in style blending the best from many traditions. She offers a practice that awakens strength, balance, flexibility and a powerful mind/body connection. Expect detailed alignment cues encouraging breath initiated movement.

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Lynn MacDonald-Webber, LAC
Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist

lynn Lynn MacDonald-Webber, LAC, is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. She earned her Master's in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture in Newton, MA. While in school she completed two clinical rotations in addiction recovery. After starting her own practice she facilitated an acupuncture group at a home run by Youth Alternatives/Ingraham in Portland. Acupuncture has successfully been used to treat many associated symptoms of addiction recovery including: insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, cravings and joint and muscle pain. The relaxation achieved through this treatment enables the person in recovery to be better able to help him/herself. The philosophy of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine treats the entire person, can be tailored to the individual needs of each patient, and is rooted in the belief that health is achieved when there is balance in the body.

Nick Slovak
Wilderness Guide

picture & bio coming soon

Wilderness Therapy

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Jennifer Lunden is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS). Known as Lunden to clients, colleagues and friends, her office is a safe space for people to explore past struggles and envision new paths. She works with her clients collaboratively and compassionately, focusing on their strengths and their resources.

Lunden worked as a residential aide in group homes for the better part of six years while she completed her education. She graduated summo cum laude with a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of New England in 2002. She earned her Bachelor's in English at the University of Southern Maine, also summo cum laude. In 2008 she opened her private practice, the Center for Creative Healing, where she offers both individual counseling and therapeutic life story writing and storytelling groups. She is also an affiliate of True North, a nonprofit organization changing healthcare and inspiring individuals to live healthier lives through integrative care, education and research.

Lunden has experience counseling people challenged by alcohol and drug addiction and those affected by someone else's substance abuse. She also works with people struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma histories, and chronic illness. She believes people have the remarkable ability to heal their own lives. Her dedication to personal and professional growth ensures fresh, innovative and effective client work.

A writer and musician, owned by two cats and a Great Dane, Lunden also believes that sometimes laughter really is the best medicine.

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The personal trainers at World Gym of Portland have been hired on to train the residents of Foundation House.

World Gym - Portland is a full service fitness facility featuring group exercise classes, professional personal training, sauna, steam room and loads of cardio with personal TV's and thousands of pounds of strength equipment. World Gym strives to provide an exceptional fitness product for an incredibly low monthly rate with NO commitment! The facility upgrades range from freshly painted ceilings and walls, new rubber flooring throughout the gym and in the locker rooms, new lockers, new tiling in the locker rooms, an improved stretch area with mats and stability equipment, and an expanded, relaxing lobby and Front Desk area. We have also installed new dumbbells, plates, and two tanning booths. World Gym Portland also has one of Southern Maine's premier Personal Training facilities with power racks, slide boards, 40yards of turf, boxing training equipment, deadlift platforms, kettlebells, ropes, and much more! We are also excited to offer reciprocal use of all World Gym 1440 All Axcess clubs. The first Maine All Axcess club opened in Topsham in April, 2008. This facility provides 24 hour/7 day a week club access to high quality cardio, with personal TV's, and strength equipment. It does not offer all the amenities of the full service club but will allow you to get in and out with a workout when you may not have been able to fit it in otherwise.

Maine Rock Gym is a specially designed and highly controlled area that allows people of all ages to safely experience the sport of rock climbing and to take it to what ever level they desire. Our climbing facility is made up of many different walls, with more than 5,000 square feet of rock like textured climbing surface.