Recovery Staff
Mark Lassoff, Executive Director
Mark is the founder of OnwardWell.
Drawing from years of experience, specialized training, and, most importantly, his own recovery journey, Mark’s coaching practice is grounded in empathy and resilience. For over a decade, he has helped individuals in recovery overcome addiction and create lives filled with purpose and connection.
Mark’s coaching philosophy is to meet people where they’re at, guiding them through the initial phases of recovery with unwavering support and advocacy. According to Mark, 'Addiction doesn't happen in a vacuum, and often people in recovery need an advocate to help them return to a life worth living.' He’s dedicated to being that advocate, offering guidance and encouragement as clients rebuild meaningful, fulfilling lives.
Memberships:
National Association of Addiction Professionals
Association for Addiction Professionals of New York, Inc. (AAPNY)
Connecticut Association for Addiction Professionals (CAAP)
Recent Continuing Education and Certifications:
Cannabis and Stimulants: Unraveling Overdose and Psychosis Risks
SMART Recovery Facilitator
Dan Sklar, Associate Coach
Rabbi/Cantor Dan Sklar grew up in Northbrook, IL and earned a Bachelor of Music from Oberlin Conservatory in 1994. Dan was ordained as a cantor in 2006 and as a rabbi in 2008 from the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion. He fulfilled a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Yale New Haven Hospital and has served as a hospice chaplain with Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County. Dan sat on the Board of Directors of the Westport Weston Family YMCA and he was chair of the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund which was responsible for approving transformational grants to Fairfield County organizations with a mission to close the educational gap in financially disadvantaged communities in Fairfield County. Dan is currently a rabbi and cantor at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson. Dan's creative pursuits include writing, music composition and digital content creation. He was a Hebrew consultant for the Coen brothers’ film, A Serious Man, and a rabbinic consultant on an episode of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire. Dan's wife, Rabbi/Cantor Shirah Sklar, is the senior rabbi of Temple Shalom in Norwalk. The Sklars live in Westport with their sons.
Jeff Bousquet, Associate Coach
Jeff has a natural ability to inspire. With a rich background as a personal trainer and yoga instructor, Jeff guides people in recovery toward a deeper sense of inner peace through yoga, exercise, and mindful movement.
Jeff completed his vinyasa certification with Saraswati Yoga Join in 2009, continued his education with Baron Baptiste in 2010, and recently expanded his knowledge with Yin yoga studies. Based in Southwestern Connecticut, Jeff remains committed to teaching yoga and training clients locally. In addition to his work at OnwardWell, he owns a successful contracting and remodeling business, blending his skills in both physical transformation and personal growth.
Support Staff
Wendy Curtis brings over 25 years of expertise in office management, human resources, and bookkeeping to her role as Operations Manager at OnwardWell.com. She is responsible for developing and implementing HR policies, programs, and administrative practices, ensuring the organization runs smoothly and efficiently.
Originally from the Boston area, Wendy relocated to Connecticut, where she quickly became an integral part of the OnwardWell.com team. Before joining the company, she served as an Executive Secretary for the Department of Defense and built an extensive career in both corporate and nonprofit sectors. Wendy’s professional background spans administration, customer service, and executive support, showcasing her versatility and dedication as a highly skilled team member.
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys music, sports, motorcycles, dancing, and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is also a proud owner of an English Cream Golden Retriever.
Clinical Advisors
Sona Nast, MSW, Clinical Consultant
Sona, now retired, brings over 40 years of experience in the mental health field. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Texas in 1980. After starting her career in psychiatric hospitals in Maryland, Sona relocated to Austin, Texas, where she worked in inpatient psychiatric care before establishing her private practice in 1993. In her practice, Sona provided compassionate support to individuals and groups, including those undergoing court-ordered treatment for addiction. Outside of her professional life, Sona is a mixed media artist, designing jewelry and fused glass.
Rhonda Loft, MA, LMFT, Clinical Consultant
Rhonda Loft, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges by uncovering strengths and creating healthier environments. She specializes in addressing issues within the broader context of family, marital, work, and community dynamics, a hallmark of Marriage and Family Therapy. With experience in both the private and public sectors, Rhonda has also volunteered at the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital, where her compassionate support for cancer patients and their families earned her the President's Award for Outstanding Volunteer Services. Rhonda believes therapy is a transformative tool for fostering growth, connection, and resilience. Learn more about Rhonda here.
Board of Trustees
Wes Bemus, Member
Wesley Bemus believes that mental health is not an individual's fault, but it is their responsibility. A robust network of supporters and resources were key to his own personal journey with his mental health, and this fostered a sense of duty to make those same resources available to people taking responsibility for their own well-being. In his professional life, Mr. Bemus has managed or founded grant and fellowship programs at the nonprofit, municipality, and statewide levels. His approach to grantmaking focuses on directing seed funding towards foundational improvements that "prime the pump" for future success in people, organizations, and communities.
Wesley lives in Connecticut where he finds the greatest mental peace and clarity in the open waters of New England. He brings special perspectives on mental health challenges faced by members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Tom Green, Treasurer
Tom Green is a seasoned educator and community leader with a rich background in interactive technology and educational counseling. Holding an Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate School of Education, he brings extensive experience from his tenure with the Westport Public Schools system, where he has taught and counseled students across all grade levels, from elementary to high school. Throughout his 30-plus-year career, Tom has specialized in teaching math, science, and technology while also making a meaningful impact outside the classroom. He has held key leadership roles, including Treasurer and President, in various local organizations such as the United Way. With a passion for lifelong learning and community service, Tom embodies the ideals of educational achievement and civic engagement.
Shira Sklar, Member
Rabbi Cantor Shira Sklar brings spiritual depth, warmth, and wisdom to the OnwardWell Foundation through her leadership and guidance as a member of our Board of Trustees. She is the Senior Rabbi and Cantor of Temple Shalom in Norwalk, Connecticut, where she is known for fostering inclusive community, supporting healing through Jewish tradition, and nurturing meaningful connections across generations. Rabbi Sklar earned her Master of Sacred Music and received Rabbinic Ordination from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, with a background in vocal performance and a lifelong dedication to service. Her voice and vision continue to shape OnwardWell’s mission to restore dignity, hope, and direction in the lives of young people navigating recovery. Shira lives with her husband, Rabbi Cantor Dan Sklar, and her three sons in Westport.