LaPierre Leadership Academy

Bridgewell’s LaPierre Leadership Academy is a series of four full-day trainings, including Role of the Leader, Effective Communication, People Development, and Team Building – followed by a practice/presentation day – focused on providing managers with the tools they need to strengthen their leadership skills and business management practices. Participants learn how to develop infrastructure, build relationships, and create positive work environments that benefit both the people in our care and Bridgewell employees. Each training is delivered by teams of Bridgewell senior leaders and training team members,  The first cohort of the LaPierre Leadership Academy included staff from a variety of service areas, including program operations, administration, and maintenance:

Stephen Artemis, Director Of Purchasing
Victoria Browall, Director of Benefits and Wellness
Colleen Coughlin, Residential Director
Ainsley Flynn, Residential Director
Kerri Lynn Foster, Residential Director
Gregory Heath, Director Of Facilities
Svetlana Husidic Khenifar, Residential Director
Zoe Larsen, Director of Housing and Respite Services
Sean Maguire, Residential Director
Santiago Perez, Director of Transportation and Fleet Services
Ginette Wilson Bishop, Director of Behavioral Support Services
Cesar Echeverria, Residential Manager
Kiki Cromwell, Day Program Supervisor
Elvera Recupero, Day Program Manager

Originally known as Supervisory Skills Training, the program ran for nearly 30 years before being revamped by cross-functional teams of leadership and training team members, and relaunched in 2026. It was renamed in honor of Gary LaPierre, former Bridgewell Assistant Training Director, who retired after 43 years of service to the organization and was instrumental in building, enhancing and delivering the Supervisory Skills training over the years.

Key areas of focus include planning, prioritizing, monitoring performance, utilizing resources effectively, understanding financial and budgeting processes, and viewing the organization as a whole rather than through a program-specific lens. The Academy also encourages leaders to become strategic thinkers while promoting Bridgewell’s core values of dignity, respect, caring, integrity, safety, and wellness.

Participants also develop skills in building relationships with peers, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to strengthen communication, foster partnerships, and enhance support for the people we serve.

Upon graduation, participants will be equipped to adapt their leadership styles to meet the needs of their employees and managers, cultivate teams that foster open communication and mutual respect, and create work environments that better serve the Bridgewell community.