A program for young adults providing educational, vocational, and emotional growth opportunities.
Our Team
Cornerstones of Maine is the result of a labour of love for our two founders, Josh and Jake. It is independently owned by them and was established on the foundation of their desire to create a young adult transition program that is based on mental health research and experience. Not only are they the founders, they are also part of our core clinical staff.
Therapeutic Residential Team
Lacee DeLorey
Residential Coordinator
Lacee has worked in residential programs for young adults for almost 15 years as both a case manager and program manager. She brings extensive experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting young adults in their efforts to reach their potential. She is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community and is a great support for those residents in our program. Lacee also heads our photography club and continues to work as a professional photographer when she can find the time. She has a love for cooking, kayaking, exploration, the ocean, and contributing healthy doses of sarcasm to everyday life.
Steven Sicard
Therapeutic Residential Advisor
Steven joined Cornerstones of Maine with over seven years of experience working in residential care programs for children with mental health challenges. Steven is a history and geography buff and when not at Cornerstones, he enjoys listening to music from the 50's to the 90's and watching documentaries.
Candace Collins
Therapeutic Residential Advisor
Candace has experience working in the mental health field with both adults and adolescents. She earned a bachelor's in business administration & management and has her certificate in behavioral health science and holds an MHRT-C. She enjoys spending time with her family at the beach, hiking and exploring local trails, and exploring the state parks and forts. Candace enjoys using essential oils and other homeopathic remedies and is in the process of becoming certified in natural holistic remedies, all in an effort to live a healthier lifestyle.
Art McLendon
Therapeutic Residential Advisor
Art has eleven years of experience in the direct care field, working both with the developmentally disabled and young adults with behavior issues. When he's not mentoring at Cornerstone, he runs a business as a Sign Artist, selling his works to home decor shops along the New England coast. He likes working with others and encouraging them in their own artistic endeavors. He enjoys surfing, traveling, Mexican food, and spending time with his wife and dog.
Matthew Thomas
Therapeutic Residential Advisor
Matt is one of our first Therapeutic Residential Advisors at Cornerstones and has been with us since our inception in 2016. He earned his B.S. in Environmental Management and is a passionate supporter of environmental conservation. Matt enjoys working with young adults, is excited about offering guidance and support in our residences, and always looks forward to any opportunity for outdoor adventures with the clients. Some of Matt's favorite experiences with our young adults have been camping at the Rangeley Lakes, snowboarding trips to Shawnee Peak, whale watching off the Kennebunkport coast, many climbs of Mt. Major in NH, and exploring Acadia National Park. In his free time Matt enjoys spending quality time with his family, seeing some live music, and exploring our beautiful state.
Celina McMichael
Therapeutic Residential Advisor
Celina has her B.S. in Elementary Education and has taught in multiple schools in the surrounding area. Celina is also an experienced certified yoga teacher and has taught locally for over 15 years. Celina has a great passion for health and wellness and role models that well as a mother, resident advisor, and teacher. Celina is an avid athlete/runner who competes regularly in endurance races. Celina is an advocate for environmental awareness and overall physical health and well-being.
Elizabeth Hunter
Therapeutic Residential Advisor
Coming from a teaching background, Liz has been working with children and young adults with disabilities in an educational setting for a little over eight years. Deciding to switch things up, she opted to branch out and see where life took her. She is a self-proclaimed nerd with a passion for history, crafting, and costuming, and loves to share that with anyone willing to listen. When she is not engaging in her hobbies she can often be found baking up something delicious.
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Andy Benckart
Therapeutic Residential Advisor
Andy joined Cornerstones of Maine as a peer support counselor after having successfully graduating from the program. As a peer counselor, Andy provided our residents with a lived-experience perspective and our residents benefited significantly from his wisdom and modeling. Andy has since moved into the position of Therapeutic Resident Advisor, supporting our residents to graduate the program and into independence. While working at Cornerstones, Andy also went on to attend and graduate from the University of New England with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. During this time Andy also became actively engaged in Portland's recovery community, making time to engage and support others in our greater Maine community. Even with all of this work, you can still find Andy pursuing his hobbies such as surfing, Crossfit, and rock climbing.