State hired former Maple Leaf psychologist, despite harassment allegations

The entrance to the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center in Essex. File photo by Sara Priestap/Valley News
ESSEX — The state-run Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center hired a psychologist as its clinical chief who was the subject of harassment allegations in his previous role with Maple Leaf Treatment Associates Inc., records show.
Dr. Charles Simonds was the clinical director at Maple Leaf until the drug treatment provider unexpectedly closed in February. Several former Maple Leaf em