The LGBTQ+ community often faces unique and nuanced challenges regarding addiction and mental health treatment. When looking for professional help, it is vital that you find a facility and staff that understands this. The Pride Institute staff of treatment specialists is ready to guide you on your recovery journey—all you have to do is reach out. Call 888.408.1625 or fill out our confidential online form today for more information about Pride Institute.
Meet the Pride Institute Staff
Todd Connaughty(he/him)
MA, LPCC, LADC – CEO
Todd Connaughty has worked for Pride Institute for more than 15 years in a number of roles and has most recently been named CEO and currently sits on the board of directors. Previously he had been Director of Clinical Services since 2012. Connaughty is passionate about his work with the LGBTQ+ community and has been part of the conference circuit in recent years, presenting at the Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorder, the Finding Freedom Symposium, the West Coast Symposium, the Minnesota Association of Resources for Recovery and Chemical Health (MARRCH), and the Minnesota Social Services Association (MSSA), to name a few.
Connaughty received his Bachelor of Science degree from Metropolitan State University in Addiction Counseling and his master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary’s University. Connaughty is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is a board-approved supervisor for licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
Meghan Bang
(she/her)
LADC-S – Clinical Director
Meghan Bang has been with Pride since 2016 when she started as a ADC-Intern and has held several clinical roles over the years, most recently as the Residential Program Manager. In May of 2023 she stepped into the role of Direct of Clinical Services.
Bang graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelors of Science in Community Psychology and Chemical Dependency and she is a BBHT board-approved supervisor for licensed alcohol and drug counselors.
Kaylee Hoaby (she/they)
Director of Marketing and Business Development
Kaylee Hoaby started at Pride in 2019 as part of the Marketing and Business Development team where she used her person-centered approach to help over 2,700 individuals find treatment. She is excited to continue her journey with Pride after accepting the Director role in 2023.
Hoaby received their bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a focus in chemical dependency.
Vivian Nordlund
(she/her)
LADC – Admissions Director
Before joining the Pride Institute team as the Admissions Supervisor in August 2018, Nordlund worked as a lead counselor at an outpatient treatment program. She has extensive history working in the healthcare field, having held positions in adult foster care as a caregiver and in residential treatment as a chemical dependency technician. She’s gained experience through internships, technician roles and clinical roles in both outpatient and residential facilities.
Nordlund received her Bachelor of Science degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Metropolitan State University in May 2017. She holds her licensure as a alcohol and drug counselor (LADC) through the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy (BBHT)
Meaghan Morton
(she/her)
Director of Nursing
Morton served as Director of Nursing at the Pride Institute from 1997 to 2000 and rejoined the staff in May 2019. Morton has held various positions in healthcare, including Hospice Care Clinical Service Director, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, Clinical Researcher of HIV/AIDS/Cardiology/Oncology, and Director of Nursing, Senior Living. She mostly served as Clinical Nurse Manager of the HIV/AIDS unit at the City of Lakes Transitional Care Center.
Morton obtained her Associate of Applied Science degree from North Hennepin Community College, and graduated from the nursing program at the College of St. Catherine.
Dr. Patrick Zhao
(he/him)
MD – Psychiatrist and Medical Director
Sandstrom joined Pride in May 2015. Before her arrival, she served in several HR roles in various industries, including hospitality, maDr. Patrick Zhao has served as Pride Institute’s Medical Director since 2014 and sits on the Board of Directors. As the champion behind LGBTQ-affirming, comprehensive psychiatric consultation (ACPC) at Pride, Dr. Zhao has completed more than 1,000 sessions. Zhao emphasizes LGBTQ development history and its interweaving relationship with mental health and substance use disorder, drawing on knowledge and wisdom from psychiatry, psychology, philosophy and spirituality. Dr. Zhao has been a part of SAMHSA’s LGBTQ curriculum project, and he has recommended the broader adoption of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) screening tools and ACPC in clinical settings.nufacturing, commercial real estate, property management, and construction. Sandstrom graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a human resources management concentration.
Ann Leible
(she/her)
Director of Utilization Review
Ann Leible has been with Pride Institute since 2001. During this time, she held positions in Pride Institute’s intake department and still provides critical support for the staff with her professional counseling and assessment experience. She has spent most of her time at Pride as a member of the leadership team as Director of Utilization Review and Co-Director of Performance Improvement. She is grateful to be part of the process of hope and recovery for community members that struggle with the pain of addiction.
Jerri Sandstrom
(she/her)
SPHR – Director of Human Resources
Sandstrom joined Pride in May 2015. Before her arrival, she served in several HR roles in various industries, including hospitality, manufacturing, commercial real estate, property management and construction. Sandstrom graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a Human Resources Management concentration.
Find Professional LGBTQ+ Addiction and Mental Health Treatment at Pride Institute
The Pride Institute staff of treatment professionals can help you break the cycle of addiction and address your mental health. Reach out today at 888.408.1625 or via our online form.
