Inspiring Brighter and Healthier Lives

Mission / Purpose

At The Transition House, we are on a mission to prepare our residents for a life free of crime, homelessness, and substance abuse. We do this through three core programs that offer career training, case management, housing assistance, and counseling services.
With the primary goal of supporting our residents as they become self-sufficient, we have established a community where the past does not define you. The Transition House supports those looking to close the door on their past and journey into a brighter, healthier life filled with dignity and purpose.

About us

We are dedicated to providing hope and healing to those who are struggling. Our team of dedicated professionals is passionate about helping our residents find brighter and healthier lives. We offer a wide range of services that help our residents overcome their challenges. Our mission is to improve the behavioral health of our residents and help them achieve their goals. We are committed to providing excellent care and making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

Our Principles

Here to guide and empower you!

Our Mission

Inspiring brighter and healthier lives.

Our Vision

Inspire believes individual wellness is the foundation of a healthy community. We are here to guide and empower you through your own personal journey by providing exceptional individualized care. We are a community provider that will always work to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our community.

Our Guiding Principles

Be Compassionate

We believe in seeing others and helping them along the journey of awareness, courage,confidence and joy.

Empower Others

We believe in giving our residents and employees the support, tools, and information to inspire and build brighter and healthier lives.

Embrace Diversity

We value equality and inclusion, respecting all individuals for their lived experiences and ensuring an environment of acceptance that allows us to continually evolve, united around a common mission.

Foster Innovation

We believe in harnessing our creativity and seeking new ways of doing things for the benefit of our mission.

Promote Collaboration

We believe relationships are foundational to our success and the key to creating a better society, both internally as we work together to drive our mission, and externally as we seek to maximize the impact on our communities.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Learn more about our leadership team at Transition House Inc.

Melissa Lucas

President/ Chief Executive Officer

TTHI/Inspire Start Date: 10/13/2015
Degree: Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management
Starbucks v. Dunkin: DUNKIN! Duh!

Shaped by the compassionate example of my mom, who taught me the value of giving even when we had little ourselves, my journey has been one of growth and purpose. I started in nursing, transitioned to retail management, and eventually found my true calling in behavioral health. Beginning as an executive assistant at TTHI, I worked my way up to become CEO within five years—not driven by titles, but by a deep commitment to making a difference and a love for the work we do.

Having grown up in Salem, Massachusetts, I find peace in nature, whether it’s swimming in the icy Atlantic or walking through serene woods. I hold a Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Human Resource Management and bring over two decades of leadership experience to my role. Leading with a growth mindset, I’m always learning to better serve our company, our employees, and the clients we support.

For me, the true reward of this work isn’t financial—it’s the profound fulfillment of seeing the light we bring to others. This mission, and the remarkable people I get to work with every day, is one of my greatest sources of pride.

Dr. Jennifer R. Dellasanta

Vice President/ Chief Operating Officer

Hometown: Massachusetts
Joined Team: April 2011
Licenses/Certification: LADC1 – MA, MCAP-FL, ICAAC- IN, CADAC – MA, FL, IN

Degree: Doctor of Human Services with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Management
Happy Place: At the Ocean, lake or a rive

Degree: Doctor of Human Services with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Management
Happy Place: At the Ocean, lake or a rive

My journey through life has been a testament to resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of recovery. Since March 1, 2004, I have remained on a path of active recovery from mental health struggles and addiction, a journey that has profoundly shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for making a difference in the lives of others.

 At my core is a commitment to kindness and service, values that permeate every facet of my existence. Recovery has been my greatest teacher, instilling within me a profound love for myself and my life, along with the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the courage to change things I can. This philosophy guides me daily as I navigate being a human in this world.

 With almost 20 years of experience in human services, I bring not only expertise, but compassion, collaboration and empathy to my work. I am dedicated to driving policy change that prioritizes the well-being of all human beings.

 Today, I find joy in the simple pleasures of life: my loving family and friends, my fur babies Hagrid and Luna, and a fulfilling career that allows me to make a meaningful impact. I stand tall in my own happiness, confidence, and self-respect, a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the boundless potential for growth and renewal. As I continue my own journey of growth, I remain steadfast in my belief that every individual is worthy of love, support, and the opportunity to thrive.

Paige Hudson

Director of Quality Services


Highest Degree: Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
License: LPC-MHSP
Favorite Quote: “If you are stone, be magnetic; if a plant, be sensitive; if a human, be love.”- Victor Hugo
Happy Place: Flight Park on top of Lookout Mountain, GA
Favorite Coffee Place: Starbucks

Being born and raised in Tennessee has given me a deep appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors, the strength of community, and delicious food. I enjoy camping, hammocking,
and other outdoor activities as well as board games and tabletop role-playing games with friends and family, road trips to new places, musical theatre, movies, and cozying up to a good show with my dog Ellie. I have been with The Transition House/Inspire since 2017 and and I am inspired by the resiliency and strength of our clients to do the hard work and make the difficult changes to become the best version of themselves.

Shaun Peterson

Director of Administration


Happy Place: Anywhere my dogs are
Hometown: Auburndale, FL
Favorite Coffee Spot: Dunkin Donuts!

I am a true Florida girl who feels most at home in any and all bodies of water (but the Wekiva River holds a special place in my heart). When I’m land-locked, I prefer to spend my free time hanging out with my animals, tending to my plants or binging a good show. I started volunteering at The Transition House in 2016, while also working full time as a Food and Beverage Manager in the hospitality industry. I immediately fell in love with the organization and knew this is where I wanted to be. So, a year later, I came on full time as the Administrative Assistant and never looked back!

A man with a beard and shaved head, wearing a dark suit jacket and white dress shirt, stands smiling next to a window in a softly lit, modern indoor setting.

Bryan Martin, MA, SHRM-SCP

Human Resources Director


Joined the Team: December 2025
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Degree/Certifications: Bachelors – Psychology/Communications. Masters – HR Development. Certification – SHRM – SCP. Certification – Development Dimensions International (DDI)

I joined The Transition House, Inc. in December 2025 as Human Resources Director, bringing nearly 20 years of HR leadership experience in nonprofit and behavioral health organizations. I moved to Florida in August 2025 from Des Moines, Iowa, and my career has always centered around mission-driven work that strengthens people, culture, and organizational impact.

Before coming to The Transition House, I served as a Vice President of Human Resources for a children’s mental and behavioral health nonprofit and spent eight years as a Senior HR Business Partner Director supporting Medicaid-funded behavioral health programs.

I hold a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from University of Arizona, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). I’m SHRM-SCP certified and have multiple DDI leadership development certifications.

At The Transition House, my focus is building a strong, accountable, and supportive workplace culture where employees feel valued and equipped to do meaningful work. I believe that when we invest in our people, we strengthen our ability to serve individuals and families with excellence.

Outside of work, I have five kids adopted out of foster care. Therefore, I enjoy my downtime at the beach, pool, and anywhere I can “zen” out. At the end of the day, I aim to help others in need. Supporting clients of ours isn’t just part of my professional life — it’s personal.

Success Stories

Brian C.

I am so grateful and thankful to Mr. Tom Griffin and all the staff at The Transition House for creating a new me. I’m more focused and determined than I’ve ever been. People love me again and want to be around me. That’s a great feeling.The main reason I’m writing this letter is that hopefully, it will inspire someone to change their life and realize that life is worth living.

Larry Moore

With the help of their Clinical Supervisor, Felipe, I was referred to and treated by LMHC Mike Kellogg, a specialist in cognitive therapy, EFT and PTSD. I received support from the treatment team including Mike, Alyssa, Sheba, Nina and many others. Along with the team, the other residents here have helped me deeply as well. It has been the best experience of my life and it has changed me forever.

Inspire Veteran's Program Resident

I work on recovery every single day because your Staff showed me the way and the result was up to me. I sat in your office once and you told me that this was the best time in my life and that I should enjoy it. I do and the best part is that I am present and appreciative of my life. Thank You, Tom and The Transition House for saving me when I believed there was no hope and no future.

Find Out More About Our Mission

If you require any further information, feel free to contact Us.