Leadership Team Jessica Branson Interim Executive Director Read More Melanie DeLapp, MS, LMFT Clinical Director Read More Margaret Watt, MPH, MA Prevention Director Read More Clinical Team Tava Auslan, BA, M.Ed. Clinical Intern Read More Jacalyn Clark, MS, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Read More Leslie Corrigan, BA Clinical Intern Read More Julia Daly, BS Clinical Intern Read More Jessica Dassori, MA, NCC, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Read More Mohamed Elsamra, MD Medical Director Read More Emily Farrell, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Read More Karen Krupnik, MS, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Read More Lori Lang, APRN Lic. Advanced Practice Reg. Nurse Read More Ryan McGough, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Read More Nicole Merlo-White, MA, LMFT Lic. Marriage & Family Therapist Read More Sarafina Ndzi, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Read More Stephen Osika, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Read More Destiny Sammut, LCSW Lic. Clinical Social Worker Read More Bob Vietro, MS, LADC, ICGCII Lic. Alcohol & Drug Counselor Read More Ethan Wattley, MA, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Read More Prevention and Peer Support Team Vivian Balazs Intern, The Norwalk Partnership Read More Teraya Broaden SMART Recovery Groups Facilitator Read More Timothy Cohen Intern, The Norwalk Partnership Read More Cindy Dupiton Coalition Coordinator, The Norwalk Partnership Read More Jules Garcia, RSS Peer Support Specialist Read More Francesca Guerrier, MPH Manager, Mid-Fairfield Cannabis Project Read More Quinn Jannetty, RSS Manager, CT Support Group Project Read More Jen Lord Recovery Coach & Alt2Su Facilitator Read More Therell Mayes Social Media Lead, CT Support Group Read More Rylie Peterson Intern, The Norwalk Partnership Read More Administrative Team Kimberly Falconer Billing Specialist Read More Ashley Gonçalves, BA Office Administrator & Clinic Coordinator Read More Board of Directors Officers Members Robin Chung Tiffany Loomer Adam Murphy Kathleen Sweeney Mercedes Escala, President Tom Green, Treasurer Suzanne Hermus , Secretary Wendy Bentivegna, Past President

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Christine Rutigliano shares her son's struggle with Cannabis Addiction Christine, a local parent, shares her son's heart-breaking struggle with cannabis dependency. As a result of misusing cannabis, her son developed cannabanoid hyperemesis syndrome (CMS) and has "thirteen emergency room visits under his belt." pd discusses pressure Positive Directions, in partnership with the Westport Weston Family YMCA and the Westport Library, hosted a panel discussion about the pressure and anxiety being experienced by our youth. Learn from the experts about what is causing the pressure, how to recognize signs that your child is struggling, strategies for reducing their anxieties, and local resources available to your family. In The News Norwalk ACTS, Positive Directions-The Center for Prevention and Counseling, The Norwalk Partnership, and the New Canaan Community Foundation are inviting residents to take an active role in supporting the mental wellbeing of Norwalk’s young people. The Westport Prevention Coalition — whose members include parents and professionals, with representatives from the Aspetuck Health District, Positive Directions, the Police Department, Westport Public Schools, and Westport Human/Youth Services — urges “parents to talk with their teens now, and make clear safety plans together.” Positive Directions was selected to be a charity partner of the New York Marathon! Our runners Brian McGarvey, Cam Gaylord, and Gianna Affi all ran the marathon for their first time, collecting over $19,000 for Positive Directions! Positive Directions offers a safety kit with the medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, plus fentanyl test strips and more. WESTPORT — Two community programs on alcohol and drug abuse are planned next week next week in conjunction with “National Public Health Week.” Lifesaving Overdose and Narcan(™) Education For Westport, Weston and Easton Another Shot At Addressing Teen Substance Use. ‘Liquor Stickers’ promote awareness of alcohol abuse by minors. Liquor Stickers Program Relaunched In Westport: The Westport Prevention Coalition is revitalizing its parent awareness campaign through an outreach effort by Aspetuck Health District. Liquor Stickers are Back: Westport package stores join educational campaign around underage drinking Survey of Norwalk students shows declines in feelings of anxiety, depression: 'A large difference' Grant targets youth in Norwalk, Wilton for education on risks of cannabis use Survey: Westport students’ substance abuse falls, but still higher than elsewhere Westport Teens, By The Numbers Positive Directions Fall Fundraiser Recap During an Oct. 15 Family & Children’s Agency webinar, Walsh was joined by FCA Jessica Vivenzo, manager of FCA’s Project Reward program, and Margaret Watt, prevention director at Positive Directions, to discuss unlicensed marijuana. US Congressman Jim Himes who represents Connecticut’s 4th Congressional district, met with federal grant recipients, Greenwich based Kids in Crisis (the fiduciary for the Greenwich Together coalition) and The Norwalk Partnership on Thursday. Led by Margaret Watt, a Prevention Director at Positive Directions, juniors have been participating in Question, Persuade and Respond (QPR) Training in their health classes since Monday, Sept. 30. The Norwalk Partnership will benefit from a $625,000 Drug-Free Communities federal grant awarded to one of its fiduciaries and coordinating organization, Westport-based Positive Directions. A five-year, $625,000 grant has been awarded by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy that will support the efforts of The Norwalk Partnership, a coalition to prevent substance misuse and promote mental wellness among Norwalk youth and young adults, according to the Westport nonprofit that will administer the grant. FentaNO! Narcan for college students Spring Fundraiser: An Evening of Mental Fitness Drug Takeback Day & Westport Wellness Fair This Saturday = 3rd Annual “NorWALK for Mental Health” Positive Directions is awarded the Westport Woman Club's Ruegg Grant Norwalk Partnership announces FREE screenings of new film Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age Norwalk Partnership to air ‘Screenagers’ film Westport Prevention Coalition Streams Anti-Drug Film 'Don't Wait' Free Live-Saving NarcanⓇ Available to Norwalk Residents and Businesses Martha Stewart Returns to Westport for Positive Directions Social Emotional Health Day of Training in Norwalk Is Response to Youth Mental Health Challenges Martha Stewart to host fundraiser for Positive Directions 2nd NorWALK for Mental Health features dozens of resources — plus DJ, art and yoga: 'not alone' Westport, Weston, Wilton come together to form mental health partnership with Positive Directions Teens Night Out offers substance-free events through The Norwalk Partnership Norwalk Board of Education looks at youth survey results Community groups host virtual legislative meeting to expand conversation about legal cannabis in Connecticut Survey: Westport high schoolers drink at rate higher than CT average Liquor Stickers Seek To Clamp Down On Teen Drinking Westport Launches 'Liquor Sticker' Campaign To Fight Underage Drinking Greenwich Community Unites at ‘Better Tomorrow’ Vigil at Arch Street Teen Center New suicide prevention group comes to Westport Norwalk Council Committee moves cannabis ordinance to final vote New Support Model at Positive Directions Addresses the Increase in Suicidal Ideation CT clinic workers: Overdose patients can re-overdose after receiving Narcan Westport Woman's Club Awards Its Spring 2022 Community Service Grants Positive Directions: 50 Years Of Substance Abuse Service Alternatives to suicide Vanessa and Ally discuss Positive Direction's new group, Alternatives to Suicide, on a local radio show. 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Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Angelina Miceli, LCSW Clinical Director Angelina joined Positive Directions with experience providing individual and group psychotherapy in the school system as well as in both the non-profit and private sectors. Most recently, she served as Assistant Director at Personal Growth Concepts, Inc in Stratford - a private counseling agency. In those settings, she has helped adolescents and adults to work through and overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, marital conflict, grief, loss and traumas. Angelina utilizes a collaborative approach to help clients work toward their identified goals. She believes that her clients are the experts on their lives and, in turn, are the most important tool in their healing process. She adjusts her style to fit her clients and their needs as opposed to functioning from a one-size-fits-all approach. In doing so, she draws from her experience using Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT), psychodynamic, insight-oriented and strengths-based approaches. She offers to her clients an empathetic ear, a supportive environment, and the encouragement to realize their full potential. In her spare time, Angelina loves spending quality time with her husband attending concerts and exploring nature or being a kid again with her niece and nephew. She can often be found in the kitchen baking a new egg-free confection, or curled on the couch travelling around the world through the pages of a good book. Angelina can be contacted via e-mail at amiceli@positivedirections.org . Or by phone at 203-227-7644 ext 828 Psychology Today Angelina Miceli, LCSW: Team Members

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Mohamed Elsamra, MD Medical Director Dr. Elsamra is the Medical Director of Elevate Health and Wellness. He also serves as a consulting Medical Director for Positive Directions. Driven by a mission to deliver high-quality, timely, and affordable care, Dr. Elsamra established Elevate Health and Wellness to support individuals in dire need of comprehensive medical and psychiatric treatment. In 2024, Dr. Elsamra became the Principal Investigator of a Clinical Trial involving Sublocade injections for opioid use disorder, providing his patients with access to cutting-edge treatments. His unwavering commitment to aiding individuals battling addiction is a testament to his passion and dedication. Dr. Elsamra firmly believes in the resilience of the human spirit, viewing the psychiatrist’s role as pivotal in helping individuals overcome obstacles to natural healing and recovery. Dr. Elsamra’s illustrious career as a psychiatrist includes roles as Medical Director at various Connecticut-based facilities, including Turnbridge and Mid Western Council of CT in Danbury. Mohamed Elsamra, MD: TeamMember

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Grief When experiencing grief, feelings of depression, confusion, shock, and guilt, or a combination of all can be present. This pain can be felt after losing a loved one, such as a family member, significant other, friend, or even a pet, job, or significant possession. Grief may be experienced for a short period of time - also known as acute grief, but may also return after a long time. When experiencing grief, it can overlap with symptoms of depression such as: Loss of or increased appetite Insomnia Sleeping too much Trouble thinking or concentrating It’s important to learn how to cope effectively when mourning loss, whether it is due to death or the end of a relationship. Giving yourself time to heal and process your emotions is essential for being on track to recovery. There is no specific timetable for the grieving process. Speaking with a counselor can help you navigate through the challenge of overcoming grief. Positive Directions’ Approach to Grief: At Positive Directions, we know that Grief and Loss can have a wide-reaching impact not only on emotional but also on physical, social and spiritual wellbeing. Our approach in working with clients to address their symptoms is collaborative and client-driven, and we work to meet the client where they are at to tailor treatment to their individual circumstances and experience of loss. Upon admission, a comprehensive intake evaluation is completed to gather a history of the client and learn more about the loss they experienced and the symptoms they have been experiencing. This helps us to gather a comprehensive picture of the impact the clients’ symptoms have had on their lives and allows us to tailor our approach to the client’s needs. Starting with this information, we then develop an individualized treatment plan for each client that is tailored to their needs and goals. The treatment plan is the guide-post for the work we do in session, and progress toward treatment goals is evaluated and measured during each counseling session. Additionally, we periodically review this plan with our clients to ensure that we are consistently working toward and updating goals and objectives as appropriate. Based upon the treatment plan, services are provided to address individual needs and teach clients the skills and tools necessary to gain insight and understanding, provide psychoeducation, work through their grief, and improve their overall quality of life. Our counselors also work closely with family members as appropriate, educating them about grief and mental health, and supporting their involvement in their loved one’s treatment. When providing these services, a variety of clinical techniques are utilized such as cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, narrative, solution-focused and dialectical behavioral tools. Our clinicians are trained in a variety of effective treatment modalities, and treatment is tailored to specific individual and family needs. Furthermore, our clinicians connect with outside providers as necessary, and are able to make appropriate referrals to additional providers should the need arise in order to collaborate and provide comprehensive treatment. Our approach is designed to assist people in improving the quality of their lives. Resources: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/grief Grief: Service

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Our Community Coalitions Prevention coalitions consist of volunteers representing the 12 sectors shown above, working together to prevent substance misuse and promote mental wellness in their community. Volunteers share what they know, learn about current issues, and help plan and carry out strategies and events. Read about our work with local coalitions (also known as Local Prevention Councils) below and contact Margaret if you'd like to get involved! In 2020-21, Positive Directions worked with several Local Prevention Councils in the area, playing a different role in each: The Norwalk Partnership Since seeking and receiving the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant in December 2019 for our prevention work in Norwalk, Positive Directions partnered with the Human Services Council (which has state prevention funding) to create a new coalition: The Norwalk Partnership (TNP), which launched in September 2020. Positive Directions is leading TNP's data collection, strategies around alcohol and marijuana, and website and communications. Visit the website to learn about our Liquor Stickers campaign, youth & community surveys, and more, or to download slideshows and infographs. The Norwalk Partnership Website Fairfield CARES Community Coalition Positive Directions has managed the state's CT Strategic Prevention Framework Coalitions (CSC) grant for the Fairfield CARES Community Coalition for the past six years. Under this grant focused on underage drinking, Fairfield has successfully decreased youth alcohol consumption and raised awareness among youth and adults. Prior to the close of the grant in June 2021, our staff worked with the coalition to apply for a federal grant to sustain and expand the coalition's work. Fairfield CARES Website Westport Prevention Coalition Positive Directions coordinates the Westport Prevention Coalition and serves as its fiduciary for the Local Prevention Council (LPC) and State Opioid Response (SOR) grants, working as part of a town-school-community partnership known as Westport Together. During the pandemic we have been able to conduct focus groups and a community and youth survey, provide online trainings, develop a postcard series aimed at parents of middle and high school students, and provide online information campaigns related to vaping and opioids. Westport Together Website Alcohol & Drug Awareness Program of Weston We have helped ADAP identify data needs and plan for a youth survey to be held in the fall of 2021. ADAP Website The Hub We work closely with The Hub, which is the state-designated "Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization" (RBHAO) serving Southwestern CT. The Hub administers the state LPC and SOR grants, provides resources, coordinates quarterly regional meetings, and helps disseminate information regionally. Click the link below to find other LPCs (coalitions) in southwest CT or for additional behavioral health resources. The Hub website

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Therell Mayes Social Media Assistant Therell joined TurningPointCT as their Social Media Assistant in September 2021. He is a young adult who wants to help other young adults who are struggling with mental health like he has. Therell is a student at Norwalk Community College, majoring in Liberal Arts & Science. His experience with social media began as a hobby in middle school. Since then, he has learned how to use various social media platforms to promote his photography, music, and YouTube videos. Therell loves to write screenplays, poetry, and lyrics as well as record music, photograph nature, and exercise. Therell can be contact via email at tmayes@positivedirections.org Therell Mayes: Team Members

< Back Julia Daly, BS Clinical Intern Julia has joined Positive Directions as a Clinical Intern and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. Her background includes direct care work with behaviorally challenged children as well as those with disabilities. She has worked as a nanny to infants and toddlers, and a caregiver to the elderly. She also volunteered at a Crisis Textline, supporting texters of all ages and backgrounds during a mental health crisis. Julia prioritizes a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients and meets them where they are. She tailors her approach to each client’s cultural identity, background, and unique life experiences. Julia also acknowledges how influential relationships are to an individual and incorporates them into the therapeutic process. She sees counseling as a collaborative journey, for the client is the expert on themselves and the support they need. In her free time, Julia enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with her loved ones and her cat, and exploring Milford and surrounding towns, as she just recently moved to the area. Julia can be contacted at 203-227-7644.

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Karlene Barnett, MS, LADC, LPC-A Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor Karlene joined Positive Directions with experience providing individual and group psychotherapy in Early Childhood, Inpatient and Outpatient entities. She previously served as a Clinician at Recovery Counseling Services in Bridgeport - a non-profit counseling agency. In those settings, she has helped adolescents and adults to work through and overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), grief, traumas, and substance abuse. Karlene also worked in collaboration with Court Officers in assessing clients for mental health disorders and identifying the right approach for treatment. Karlene utilizes a collaborative approach to help clients work towards their identified goals. She believes that her clients are the experts on their lives and, in turn, are the most important tool in their healing process. Karlene also believes that the client has the power to thicken their stories. Therefore she believes immensely in the Narrative Theory which helps the client to minimize their problems and rewrite their lives. In addition to also using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Karlene also believes in Spirituality which guides the client in their beliefs and walks them through stages that are important in their recovery. She offers to her clients an empathetic ear, a supportive environment, and the encouragement to realize their full potential. Karlene graduated with her Masters from the University of Bridgeport and is also the recipient of a Doctorate in Theology. In her spare time, Karlene serves as the Senior Pastor for a growing ministry in Stratford and serves on the Board of Directors for an International Ministry in the Tri-state area. She is devoted to spending quality time with her husband and two children by traveling, going to the movies and enjoying great seafood! Karlene can be reached by email at: kbarnett@positivedirections.org Or by phone at 203-227-7644 ext 838 Psychology Today Karlene Barnett, LADC, MS: Team Members

Positive Directions is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing prevention, counseling, medication management, and support groups to adolescents and adults struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. Positive Directions The Center for Prevention & Counseling Transforming Perspectives, Embracing Mental Wellbeing for All Founded over 50 years ago by people in recovery from alcohol use disorder, Positive Directions today is a non-profit behavioral health organization providing a continuum of prevention, counseling, and peer supports to individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. We believe strongly that "prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible." Our staff is the best: talented, warm, caring, and effective. We recognize that our clients and communities put their trust in us, and we honor your trust by giving you our very best, from individual counseling to peer support to prevention education to community-wide initiatives that foster wellbeing. We work to remove financial barriers and to provide supports beyond clinical treatment to ensure that individuals can lead healthy, successful lives in supportive communities. Meet Our Team Home: Welcome What We Do Community Prevention: As innovative community leaders, we build coalitions and guide our local and regional partners in creating healthier environments that support mental wellbeing and prevent risky behaviors. Our work includes conducting surveys to identify challenges and at-risk populations, providing prevention education, developing community-wide initiatives that respond to the needs, creating supports and alternatives, improving policies, and much more. Our focal communities are in the mid-Fairfield County area. Outpatient Treatment: Our clinical team provides in-person and virtual counseling to children, teens, adults, and families struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Our clinicians help clients to develop coping skills and build resilience, while also providing additional connections to peer support and prevention education. We accept HUSKY and commercial insurances, and we never turn anyone away for inability to pay. Clients can be seen in-person at our Westport location or through virtual appointments. We also have counselors located at two local high schools. We have clinicians licensed to practice in Connecticut, New York and New Hampshire. Peer & Recovery Support: Recognizing the importance of peer-to-peer support, we offer several free online support groups, all of which are led by trained facilitators with lived experience: SMART Recovery, SMART Recovery Family & Friends, Alternatives to Suicide, and Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support. Our CT Support Group project is an online platform where youth and young adults can find connections, build community, learn about peer supports and groups around the state, and even access direct one-on-one peer support, either online or live, from our Recovery Support Specialist. Teletherapy Login Community Prevention Outpatient Counseling Peer/Recovery Support Coalition Work & Trainings Therapeutic Options Peer Support & Free Groups Follow Us! Facebook Instagram Contact Us Positive Directions 90 Post Road West Westport, CT 06880 info@positivedirections.org Tel: 203-227-7644 Fax: 203-227-0037 Name Full Address Email Phone Best way to reach you Phone Email Best time to reach you Morning (9AM-1PM) Afternoon (1PM-5PM) Subject Message Submit Thanks for submitting!

Jacalyn Clark, MS, LPC < Back Jacalyn Clark, MS, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Jacalyn graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with her master’s degree in clinical mental health. As a journalist of 16 years, Jacalyn brings her love for people and storytelling into the mental health field, working with couples and individuals. She is passionate about creating a strong therapeutic alliance with her clients and empowering clients to challenge irrational thoughts using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Rational Emotional Behavioral Therapy (REBT). As an experienced journalist, Jacalyn utilizes Narrative Therapy to help clients “rewrite” their life story, separating their problems from who they really are, reflecting their strength and their purpose. Jacalyn is dedicated to raising awareness around the effects of gaslighting and narcissistic abuse. In her free time, if there is such a thing, she loves to spend time with her three children, soaking up all the hugs, kisses and craziness that comes with raising three young, energetic kids. Jacalyn can be reached via e-mail at jclark@positivedirections.org . Or by phone at 203-227-7644

Timothy Cohen < Back Timothy Cohen Intern, The Norwalk Partnership Timothy Cohen is a dedicated junior at P-Tech High School who strives for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As a prevention intern at Positive Directions, he is gaining valuable experience in community support and leadership. He previously played varsity basketball. This experience strengthened his discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He has since shifted his focus to new passions and goals. Outside of school, Timothy is developing his skills as an aspiring barber, channeling his creativity and work ethic into a hands-on craft. With a deep interest in athletic performance and helping others, he plans to study sports medicine in college, aiming for a career where he can empower athletes to stay healthy, strong, and perform at their best.