Aurora

Dave Woods brings over 30 years of behavioral Health and substance use experience prior to joining Gateway Foundation in August 2020. After receiving his BS in psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, he began his career as an inpatient counselor for nine years before moving into business development then operations and administration. This experience brings a unique insight and perspective for the provision of programs and services to those in need.

Dave has held progressively responsible roles as Director of Business Development, Director of Intake, Program Director, Senior Director, Associate CEO and Vice President of Operations with other healthcare companies encompassing both single and multiple location oversight.

Dave obtained his MBA in 2005 and holds Silver certification in LEAN for Team Leadership of Mission Control, Value Stream Scoping and Analysis, Pull Systems, Standard Work, 6S, Visual Management and establishing a Model Flow Cell, as well as certification in FEMA Incident Command System.

Dave believes that everyone should have the same access to high quality care and services, and is honored every day to work alongside such a caring and highly dedicated group of people here at Gateway Foundation.

Dr. Gaonkar started his medical career at Albert Einstein University affiliate hospital in New York. He currently manages a private practice in Naperville and works at Amita Mercy Medical Center in Aurora.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gaonkar has held chairmanship and directorship positions at hospitals, community outpatient programs, and long-term care facilities. He strives to provide patients and their families with effective treatments through compassion, patient education, and research.

Dr. Gaonkar completed his psychiatric residency with academic honors from Rosalind Franklin University in Illinois.

Kristie Bisaillon is the current Outpatient Clinical Supervisor at Gateway Foundation in Aurora, Illinois. Kristie has over 10 years of experience in the field; specializing in mental health and substance use disorder.  Kristie started her career with inpatient mental health hospitalization programming; where she was promoted into a supervisory role and specialized in non-violence crisis intervention with children, adolescents, and young adults. During this time, Kristie identified her specialization and returned for her Masters in Social for her MSW in Addiction Medicine.  Her experience is also extended to working with our nation’s homeless Veterans. She is passionate about helping clients find their way back from the clutches of the disease of addiction and reconnecting with the self and their loved ones.

Her areas of expertise include Addiction Medicine, Case Management, Group Therapy, Individual Therapy, Family/Therapeutic support Education and Counseling, Non-Violent Crisis intervention, and Advocacy.

Sam Ortega Hughes is the current Program Director at Gateway Foundation in Aurora. Sam is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and also has her Certificate in Alcohol and other Drug Counseling. Sam has almost 10 years of experience in the field, primarily working with clients diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder or some type of Mental Health Disorder. She has experience working with both individuals and families as an agent of support and guidance. Sam started her career in Community Mental Health, working in Chicago with adults with both a severe mental health diagnosis and a substance use disorder. Prior to coming to Gateway Foundation, she has worked in psychiatric hospital settings as well as with an Opioid Treatment Program. Currently, Sam is also an adjunct professor with a university in the area, teaching Intro to Addictions to master’s level students.

Rather than adopting one approach for all individuals and issues, I choose from a variety of methods to create a personalized approach for each individual and situation. As a therapist, I am sincere, open, encouraging, and direct. As a leader, I am honest, accountable, an advocate for my staff and will always have a listening ear.

Sam is passionate about helping clients gain control of their lives and to learn the skills that will keep them on their path to recovery.