Senior Leadership Team
Deena Tampi MSN, MBA-HCA, RN, DFAAGP
President & Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Tampi is an accomplished senior healthcare executive with expertise in leadership, operations, financial oversight, clinical excellence and strategic planning. Her experience is in both the public and private sectors throughout the U.S., and includes work across the range of mental health and addiction treatment programs and services.
Prior to her appointment as President and CEO of ABH, she was the Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Behavioral Health Advisory Group, a national consulting and management firm. Ms. Tampi previously served as Executive Vice President of Diamond Healthcare Corporation and as Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford. During tenure at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Ms. Tampi served as the CT Hospital’s Association’s Chairperson for its mental health chapter.
Among many honors, she was recently appointed by the Connecticut Speaker of the House to the Behavioral Health Partnership Oversight Council. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry and served on its Board of Directors. Ms. Tampi has co-authored over 70 evidence-based publications and five academic text books.
Christine Cowan MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Christine is a seasoned and mission-driven finance executive with extensive experience leading financial strategy and operations across several nonprofit organizations in Connecticut. She brings deep expertise in state contracting and grants administration, having worked closely with DCF, DMHAS, CSSD, OEC, and other state agencies throughout her career.
A servant leader and strong team builder, Christine fosters an environment of collaboration, trust, and goodwill for colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. Prior to joining ABH, she served as Vice President of Finance at Wheeler Clinic, where she oversaw revenue cycle operations, budgeting, and grants management. She has also held key leadership roles as Chief Financial Officer at the Root Center and Controller at Clifford Beers Guidance Clinic.
Christine holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Stony Brook University. In her role at ABH, she is responsible for the full scope of financial leadership, including accounting, treasury, budgeting, financial planning, and information technology.
Kristin Bonilla MS, LADC, AADC, CCS
Vice President of Programs and Clinical Services
Kristin Bonilla has over 30 years of experience across diverse behavioral health settings, including extensive expertise in Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). Before joining ABH, she served more than two decades as a senior leader in a community-based nonprofit. A licensed clinician for more than 20 years, Ms. Bonilla holds Advanced and International Addiction Counselor credentials and has been a Certified Clinical Supervisor in Connecticut since 2011.
She is a CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) surveyor and mentor, and former owner and founder of KBonilla New Hope Counseling, LLC, where she specialized in serving women with substance use disorders. At ABH, Ms. Bonilla oversees the development and continuous improvement of clinical services, fostering innovation and evidence-based practices that meet the needs of diverse communities.
Throughout her career, she has led transformative initiatives that expand access to care, elevate service quality, and advance integrated, trauma-informed systems. Widely recognized for her collaborative leadership, strategic vision, and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Bonilla continues to shape the future of behavioral health services across Connecticut and beyond.
Paul Zakarian
Vice President of Programs
Paul Zakarian is a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience designing and managing high-quality, cost-effective programs funded by state and federal sources. He specializes in serving vulnerable populations through evidence-based clinical and support services. His expertise lies in addressing the social determinants of health by implementing comprehensive community-based programs—including safe, affordable, and sober housing; community-based treatment and case management services; transportation supports; education and employment opportunities; nontraditional counseling; and other essential supports.