Our Team
Rachel Dougherty, BS, CRS
Co-Director
Recovery Coach & Case Manager / House Manager
Rachel has worked in the addiction field for 8 years, and recently celebrated her 14th year anniversary in recovery. She earned her bachelor's degree in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University. Though not a native, Philadelphia has become home over the past 15 years. She is a certified yoga instructor and certified recovery specialist. Rachel lives in Philadelphia with her husband, 8 year old son, and much-loved dog, cat.
Tiffany David, BS, CRS
Co-Director
Recovery Coach & Case Manager
I am a 35-year-old single mother to a 6-year-old son. I have been clean for 12 years through a 12-step program. I currently work at a rehab as a case worker, and I work at Danny’s House as a case manager and CRS. My career in addiction started when I decided to volunteer at the same rehab I went through in 2011. I then became a Certified Recovery Specialist after that I went onto to Community College where I obtained an associate in applied science through their behavioral health program. Currently I am 6 credits away from obtaining my bachelor’s in Leadership in Human Services. I met Mariellen a few years ago while she was employed at the same rehab. Once I found out she was opening a sober home and asked me to be apart of it, I just knew I wanted to be and that the sober home was going to be a great source of support for many women. I enjoy relaxing on my front porch, cleaning, organizing, spending time with my son, and watching TV.
Alex Dougherty
Head of Maintenance
Alex became involved with Danny's House naturally. His helpful nature lent to his helping with projects as Danny's House grew. Alex is a longtime resident of the Germantown area where he lives with his wife, 8 year old son, dog and cat.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR BOARD
Mariellen Paulus, CAADC, MS
President, Executive Director
Inspired by her son Danny’s addiction and mental health struggles, Mariellen earned a masters degree and certification as an addiction counselor. As a halfway house and outpatient counselor, she identified a need for subsidized recovery housing after treatment to create a much-needed bridge between treatment to self-sufficiency. Mariellen founded Danny’s House to honor and remember Danny and his gentle, giving heart.
Nancy Styles Verruto
Secretary
Lori Quintavalle
Treasurer
I have lived in the Chestnut Hill area for the past 30 years and I love walking in the neighborhood and in the Wissahickon. I have a daughter, son and 2 grandchildren. I am retired but continue teaching swimming and water exercise. My son struggled with addiction for many years and I met Mariellen in a parent support group.
I have volunteered at Interim House for the past 11 years and am on their Board of Directors. It was an honor to be asked to be on the Board of Danny's House. Danny's House is the gold standard of what a Recovery House should be.
Michele Vicks-Mitchell, MSW
Carmella Watson-Wright, MA
Kathy Wellbank, MSS, LSW
Kathy is a licensed Social Worker who received her master’s degree from Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work and Social Research. She has over 35 years of experience in the fields of addiction, mental health, intellectual disabilities, child abuse and domestic violence. Kathy currently offers consultative services to behavioral health organizations and was the Program Director of Interim House, Inc. from 1993 to 2022. She is a long-time resident of Chestnut Hill and lives with her spouse, dog, and 2 cats.
She is an avid Phillies fan, loves to bike, take long walks, and play with her dog. She is honored to serve as a board member and believes the unique program model at Danny’s House should be replicated across the city due to its high success rate and positive outcomes.