Meet Our Team
Our leadership and support staff bring together lived recovery experience, clinical expertise, and a genuine commitment to helping men build lasting, fulfilling lives in sobriety.
Paul Gardner
Paul Gardner is Tharros House's Managing Director, working with clients and families each day. He found sobriety in Los Angeles in 2010 after completing inpatient treatment at a non-12-step facility. Paul became active in Alcoholics Anonymous and lived in sober living for 13 months before starting his own sober house in LA. A Babson College graduate, Paul studied entrepreneurship, started several ventures, and spent 12 years in hospitality. His personal recovery experience drives his passion for helping others build a strong foundation for sobriety.
Melissa Gardner, Psy.D.
Melissa Gardner leads support design and implementation at Tharros House. She provides evidence-based strategies, team training, and psychoeducation related to substance use disorder and recovery support. Melissa draws from her background in occupational therapy and clinical psychology to help clients rebuild healthy routines and meaningful daily engagement. She completed her Psy.D. at William James College and has trained in neuropsychology, CBT, ERP, ACT-based approaches, and motivational interviewing support.
Christian Santilli
Christian Santilli is the Co-Program Director at Tharros House. He oversees daily operations, manages staff, supports clients, and leads the case-management system he developed. A former Tharros House resident, Christian spent 13 months in the community and brings personal recovery experience to his work. He is a Boston University College of Fine Arts graduate and previously worked as an actor and teacher before finding a passion for helping other recovering addicts and alcoholics.
Dr. Gita Zarnegar
Dr. Zarnegar brings over 30 years of behavioral health and clinical treatment experience to the Tharros Advisory Board, where she guides resource development, team growth, and client support services. Her credentials include a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from California School of Professional Psychology, a Psy.D. in psychoanalysis from the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, and a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. She has been a licensed MFT since 1988.
Darren Shaughnessy
Darren Shaughnessy is the Director of Teras Sober Living and has been part of the Tharros House community since 2015. Before joining the team, he spent two years working in the Los Angeles recovery community. Darren works closely with clients, families, and support staff, with a focus on helping residents develop recovery skills that support long-term sobriety. He previously served as Assistant Director at Tharros House and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stonehill College.
Donna Wolfe
Donna Wolfe serves as Vocational Coach for Tharros House, helping clients build confidence, workplace readiness, and practical life skills. Her background includes consulting, sales, team development, motivational speaking, workshops, and nonprofit leadership. She has worked with historic museums and venues, the John F. Kennedy Library, Brandeis University, and both established and start-up businesses. Donna also serves as President of the Board of Directors of Granada House, the oldest nonprofit rehabilitation program in Boston.
Dave Adamson
Dave is the Director of Tharros Nashville, where he oversees daily operations, supports staff, and provides case management to clients.
He began his recovery journey in 2020 in Massachusetts and spent twelve months in the Tharros community as a client before joining the team as a Recovery Tech. After several years with the organization, he moved to Nashville to help support and grow the Tharros program there.
Dave holds a BA from Syracuse University and is dedicated to helping clients build structure, accountability, and momentum in their recovery. His leadership is grounded in lived experience, empathy, and a commitment to supporting clients as they work toward fulfilling lives in sobriety.
Ready to Learn More?
Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right path forward. Reach out today to speak with someone who understands.