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. Prior to her appointment as Acting CEO of ABH, she was the Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Behavioral Health Advisory Group and served as the Executive Vice President of Diamond Healthcare Corporation.
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.
Margie Barse
Chief People Officer
Marjorie Barse, Chief People Officer, has over 35 years of expertise in Human Resources and Operations. Ms. Barse is a results-focused leader who delivers talent acquisition, retention and motivation solutions that help harness the full power of our most valuable assets – our people. As a senior leader at ABH, she demonstrates commitment to ABH’s key initiatives by leading strategic and tactical efforts to acquire, engage, retain, and reward talent.
Throughout her career Marjorie Barse has held various leadership positions in the insurance and healthcare industries including serving as a leader on an Operations Review Team that reviewed offices across the country to provide consultative support in the areas of Operations and Human Resources. Prior to coming to ABH Ms. Barse led a non-profit organization as the Chief Operating Officer/Leader of HR providing services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Marjorie has been a valuable member of the ABH team for 5 years and has demonstrated career progression within the organization.
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.