OnwardWell Foundation Team
Mark Lassoff
Program 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
Certified ADHD Coach
Lil Kerson
Therapeutic Coach
Lil Kerson (they/them) is a clinical mental health counseling student located in the Pacific Northwest. With over a decade of experience in somatics, they are particularly passionate about the intersections of neurodivergence and nervous system regulation.
They believe in providing dignity-focused, holistic, and trauma-informed care to those experiencing the implications of stigma and shame. Lil provides individual therapeutic coaching, as well as facilitates groups for OnwardWell.
Kye Fox
Therapeutic Coach
Kindness meets accountability. Kye’s purpose is to step wholeheartedly into the lives of the rejected and guide them through their wisdom on the path of redemption, integrity, and hope for the sake of all those impacted by their journey.
Working as a mentor coach with Still Here, facilitating with CCAR, and regularly contributing to collaborative circles, coaching has been the “north star” for supporting those who struggle with addiction in all of its facets.
Kye has been in Long Term Recovery since 2017.
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.
Dan is currently a rabbi and cantor at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson. His creative pursuits include writing, music composition, and digital content creation.
Psychiatric Consultant
Raquel Campbell
DNP, APRN
Raquel is a mental health provider who offers compassionate, individualized care for clients ranging from children to adults. She specializes in creating a nonjudgmental, supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their mental health needs and working toward meaningful change. Her clinical focus includes anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders, and she integrates a range of approaches—including talk therapy, CBT, holistic methods, and exposure therapy—alongside medication management when appropriate.
Support Staff
Wendy Curtis
Operations Manager
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. Outside of work, Wendy enjoys music, sports, motorcycles, dancing, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
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 degree from the University of Texas in 1980 and provided compassionate support to individuals and groups, including those undergoing court-ordered treatment for addiction.
Rhonda Loft
MA, LMFT, Clinical Consultant
Rhonda Loft is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist committed to helping individuals, couples, and families overcome challenges by uncovering strengths and creating healthier environments. 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. His professional background includes managing and founding grant and fellowship programs at the nonprofit, municipal, and statewide levels.
Tom Green
Treasurer
Tom Green is a seasoned educator and community leader with a background in interactive technology and educational counseling. He brings extensive experience from his tenure with the Westport Public Schools system.
Shirah Sklar
Member
Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar brings spiritual depth, warmth, and wisdom to the OnwardWell Foundation through her leadership on the Board of Trustees. Her voice and vision help shape OnwardWell’s mission to restore dignity, hope, and direction in the lives of young people on their path to recovery.