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 Margaret "Bonnie" Walls, Executive Director
Bonnie Walls founded Fresh Start along with her late husband John Walls in 1989. As CEO, she oversees all aspects of daily operations. Bonnie often makes the statement: "It's wonderful when the people believe in their leader; it's more wonderful when the leader believes in her people." She is dedicated to our mission: to provide safe, structured, and healthy living environments to addicts seeking recovery. Bonnie has been involved in all aspects of the development of Fresh Start which is now recognized as the benchmark organization for recovery housing programs in the City of Philadelphia.
Bonnie has an extensive background in addiction services and education. She has worked with many local research, managed health care, and advocacy groups including the following:
- BHSI: Behavioral Health Special Initiative
- TRI: Treatment Research Initiative
- NIDA: National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health
- The Veterans Administration
- University of Pennsylvania
- Kensington Action Now
- Concerned Citizens of Harrowgate
- Pennsylvania Recovery Organization
 Dan Slavin has been involved in the administration and management of small businesses in the Greater Philadelphia area for 30 years. Dan joined Fresh Start in 2004 as VP. Dan is responsible for strategic planning and program development. Dan’s work on program development has resulted in the following educational programs being implemented at Fresh Start:
- Focus on Fathers
- Automotive job training
- GED education programs
Dan is actively involved in community organizations to the benefit of Fresh Start.
- He is a member of the Board of Directors of KANAC—Kensington Area Neighborhood Advisory Committee
- He is also a member of the Board of Directors of NKCDC—New Kensington Community Development Corp.
- Dan is a member of the Veterans Subcommittee of the Philadelphia Interagency Forensic Task Force where he is the Information Officer
"I've met many good men in my life. I loved John Walls like a brother and I admired him as a giant among men who was never out of reach of those in need of help. I dedicate each day to continuing the important work of Fresh Start."
 Carlo Liberati was appointed Chief Operating Officer of Fresh Start in 2004, and is responsible for the daily operations of the Fresh Start program. He has been part of Fresh Start for more than 10 years, working under the direct supervision of our Founder, John Walls. Mr. Liberati has performed the functions of Case Manager, Supervisor, and Director at Fresh Start. Mr. Liberati holds an Associate's Degree in Addictions Counseling and is certified in administering the Addictions Severity Index. He has attended and completed the Office of Addiction Services (OAS) training course for Supervisors in the field of addiction. He has also maintained a 10-year working relationship with the Forensic Intensive Recovery (FIR), Intermediate Punishment (IP), and Treatment Court programs. Additionally, Mr. Liberati has forged a strong, reciprocal relationship with the Philadelphia County Probation Dept.
 Rich DiMeo started at Fresh Start in 2002 and has over 27 years of experience as a Controller in Manufacturing, Services and Health Care. Rich has extensive experience and accomplishments in financial reporting, analysis and control: cash management, accounting systems and auditing: budgeting and forecasting, cost controls, operation analysis, PC hardware, software and administration. Mr. DiMeo is a significant asset to the management team.
 Jeffrey Pittner, MHS, CCDP
Director of Veterans Program, Coatesville, PA
Jeffrey Pittner is the Director of the Fresh Start Veterans Program. He was born and raised in Northeast Philadelphia, obtaining his Master's Degree in 2004. In 2004 he was also certified by the Pennsylvania Board as CCDP—Co-Occurring Disorders Professional.
He began working at Fresh Start in 1999 directly under Carlo Liberati as a case manager. After a year, Jeff began to work directly under John Walls in many different administrative roles. He was appointed Director of the Men's Program in 2004 and oversees all self-referrals and veterans' referrals. Jeff also oversees grant and contract writing at Fresh Start, quality management, and on-site staff education.
Due to his personal life experiences, Jeff has chosen to dedicate his life to helping those recovering from substance abuse, and to make a difference in the world by helping one person at a time. He continues to participate in many conferences, symposiums, research projects, and advocacy groups for the improvement of addiction treatment and awareness in the City of Philadelphia.
 William Rodriguez joined Fresh Start in 2001 and has been the Director of Casa Latina for the last 3 years. He is our liaison for treatment court as well as coordinator of our Spanish-speaking program (Casa Latina is a Spanish-speaking facility).
 Bob Costigan
Property Manager
Bob started with Fresh Start in 2000 and worked his way up to housing coordinator. He is responsible for maintaining safe and clean housing as well as the contents. Bob is also the director of purchasing for all furniture and operational items. He also supervises all new construction and renovations.
Bob attributes his success at Fresh Start to our founder, John Walls, with whom he had a close personal relationship. He is dedicated to helping each and every Fresh Start client succeed to their highest ability. His contribution to our staff in the area of housing is outstanding.
 Helen Anhalt: joined the Fresh Start Organization in 1998 as a data entry clerk, she soon move up to Administrator Assistant to Bonnie Walls overseeing the general office duties of the Company
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