Maine Leadership
Megan Ryan | Executive Director
With over two decades of experience in Behavioral Healthcare, I’ve navigated through a spectrum of roles, from hands-on direct care to assuming pivotal senior and executive leadership positions. My journey commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, initially paving the way toward a Master’s degree and a career as a therapist. However, serendipity intervened, guiding me to an organization that resonated with my passion—bestowing upon me a gratifying 17-year tenure in Business Administration for a Mental Health Residential Treatment Center.
In my capacity as the Executive Director, much of my work unfolds behind the scenes, yet I take profound pride in understanding that my contributions are purpose-driven. Bearing witness to remarkable transformations and the reunification of families over the years has been an immense honor.
Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of exemplary professionals, I find joy in the collaborative effort dedicated to changing the lives of youth. Guiding and inspiring my team to uncover, nurture, and deploy their strengths and skills in roles that bring them fulfillment is a source of personal satisfaction. Together, we relentlessly strive to make a positive impact and enhance the well-being of the individuals and families we serve.
Being a Maine native, I cherish the beauty of the changing seasons, the tranquility, and the lifestyle that this state has to offer. Raising my two sons here adds another layer of gratitude to my life. I look forward to continuing this meaningful journey and making a lasting difference in the field of Behavioral Healthcare.
One of my favorite quotes is, “The heart of leadership is connection, and connection is about empathy, curiosity, and emotional courage.” ~ Brene Brown.
Megan Ryan
Erica Goss, LCPC | Clinical Program Director
Erica Goss has been a licensed clinical professional counselor for 9 years, all of which have been spent serving youth in Maine. Erica has 5 years of experience leading clinical care in residential treatment settings. Her philosophy in treatment is a relational approach, and she embraces the importance of physical wellness and its positive effects on mental health. Outside of work, Erica enjoys time with her family, taking dance classes, and focusing on physical health and wellness.
Erica Goss, LCPC
Mike Bouford |Program Manager
Growing up in Maine, I developed a love for the outdoors. My childhood was filled with hiking, mountain climbing, and canoeing, all of which played a significant role in shaping who I am today. Spending summers with my grandfather, who taught me woodworking and carving, further deepened my interest in creating and building. He was an incredibly patient man, and I strive to model his qualities every day.
As I pursued my studies at the University of Maine at Machias, I focused on Park and Wilderness Management, with a minor in Business. While at the university, I was a member of Sunrise Search and Rescue and worked with the Maine Warden Service to assist injured and lost individuals.
At 18, I became a Registered Maine Guide, a license I have maintained ever since. I focused on white water canoeing, and extended hiking and backcountry camping. One of my college courses, Recreation Opportunities for Special Populations, focused on designing opportunities for individuals with various disabilities. This is where I began my journey of helping others.
After college, I spent time as a police officer for a couple of different departments, where I learned valuable skills in de-escalation. Eventually, I found myself working in a Residential Treatment Center (RTC) as a behavior specialist, and later as a special education teacher. This experience solidified my love of teaching, and I have since worked with teens and young adults in a variety of settings, including RTCs, in-home support services, and Ironwood Maine.
Throughout my journey, music has been a constant source of relaxation and joy. I enjoy playing, teaching, building, and fixing guitars. I have found that it is a wonderful way to bring people together. I can often be found on the other side of some stringed instruments, telling stories and playing songs as I teach others how to make the instrument speak for them when they may struggle to speak for themselves.
Currently, I am the Campus Manager of Ridge Maine, Lakehouse, where I can utilize all my interests and share them with others. I am thrilled to be able to help others find their passion, peace, and curiosity in life.
Mike Bouford
Sarah Poor, LCPC-C | Therapist
My name is Sarah Poor. I received my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Southern Maine. I also received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Holistic Health from the same university. I grew up in northern Maine, but after high school, I took some time to travel while working as a Medical Assistant and Surgical Assistant. I also participated in groundbreaking research centered around yoga practice within the school system to help reduce conduct disorders and behavioral disorders among middle-school-aged children. My areas of focus during my time in school were children and adolescents, particularly on development. I work with a strengths-based approach to bring out positive aspects of any problem clients may face. The theories of counseling that I gravitate towards are based on attachment theories, James-Lang’s emotion theory, as well as the developing theories of Eric Erickson and Piaget. My personal hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, camping, running, and painting. I enjoy any aspect of outdoor activity and try to incorporate nature into my counseling practice as much as possible, as I feel nature is inherently healing.
Sarah Poor, LCPC-C
Jessica Mitchell | Registered Nurse
Jessica Mitchell
Megan, now the Medical Director at Ridge RTC, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a rich history in medical and mental health services. Her journey includes six years as an Emergency Department Registered Nurse at Frisbie Memorial Hospital and a transformative tenure at Shortridge Academy. Starting as a student mentor at Shortridge in 2012, she climbed the ranks to become Residential Manager, a role that had her creating student trips and managing the residential environment. Before embarking on her medical career, Megan championed the cause of those with severe mental illness as a Case Manager at a community agency.
Ridge RTC is part of the Altior Healthcare family of mental health treatment providers.