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 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. 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

Kimberly Falconer < Back Kimberly Falconer Billing Specialist

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 Sponsors We are honored by the financial support of the following community sponsors, which helps us fulfill our mission: Our prevention work is funded by federal and state grants. We are very grateful to our prevention partners: And we are extremely grateful to the individual donors and Board members who support us through one-time or annual gifts. Not a donor? Please consider clicking on the Donate button on our menu bar! Every gift is welcome and is put to good use--whether it supports our Treatment Fund , enabling people in need to receive therapy, or our community education and prevention work , or TurningPointCT , our young adult peer support project. Thank you!

Jacalyn Clark < Back Jacalyn Clark, MS, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. 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

Destiny Sammut < Back Destiny Sammut, LMSW Lic. Master Social Worker Destiny is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker who first started her journey with Positive Directions in 2020 as a Clinical Intern. After a year filled with a wealth of knowledge, learning, and laughter she graduated with her master’s in social work from Fairfield University. She has worked in inpatient, residential, and outpatient settings. Destiny’s therapeutic approach is rooted in identifying and cultivating each person’s unique strengths that shape how they interact with the world. Sessions with her are centered around collaboration, empathy, problem solving, and are free of any judgment. She is ready to meet each client where they are in their journey and support them while they navigate what it means to grow and make positive changes. Destiny has experience working with both adults and adolescents, struggling with substance use and/or mood disorders. Her therapeutic approach includes elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Outside of work, Destiny loves to hike, write poetry, and go to as many concerts as she can.

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. Bob Vietro, MS, LADC, ICGCII Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor Since 1988, Bob has treated and studied substance misuse/disorders and process addictions, including gambling. He has practiced in both residential and outpatient treatment settings. Bob also has extensive experience in planning and facilitating family Interventions and mediation. The focus of his treatment approach is to help his clients modify their presenting behaviors in order to reduce harmful consequences and to attend to the emotional and situational factors that underlie their actions. Inherent in his approach and personal style, he creates an environment for his clients that is free of judgment and stigma. Bob has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from NYU and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Addictions Studies. He is a Connecticut State Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and an International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICCGCII). He has attended training and received certification from the Johnson Institute for Interventions. In 2014, Bob received an award from the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling in recognition of his contribution to the field and work in problem gambling as well as a Certificate of Special Recognition from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal. Bob Vietro, MS, LADC, ICGCII: TeamMember

Mohamed Elsamra, MD < Back 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.

Ashley Gonçalves < Back Ashley Gonçalves Office Administrator & Clinic Coordinator Ashley joined the Positive Directions team in early January 2025. Although she is new to the field of mental health, she has prior experience working with children and families as a daycare teacher, a Kids Ministry Director, and a receptionist at a pediatric clinic. She has always been curious about the field of counseling and is very excited for the opportunity to learn more about the field. She has a passion to help others and helps cultivate a safe space for all clients by treating everyone she interacts with empathy and compassion. In her free time, Ashley enjoys cooking and baking goodies for her family and friends. She also enjoys knitting shawls and baby blankets for her church, and spending time with her husband and calico cat, Charlotte! Ashley can be contacted via email at info@ positivedirections.org or by phone 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. How does community prevention work? Prevention science is a public health model that focuses on creating change at the community level. It starts with a Community Coalition of 12 stakeholder "sectors" that work together: youth and parent volunteers, designated partners from local institutions such as schools, police, treatment centers, and other concerned groups. The coalition leadership follows the Strategic Prevention Framework to provide training, data, and coordination to the coalition's members so that they can develop, implement and evaluate plans using the 7 Strategies for Community Change . This model is based on the idea that local ownership of the work helps ensure cultural appropriateness and sustainability. At the same time, the model is vulnerable to the realities of work that is based on volunteerism: lack of expertise, lack of time, lack of coordination. Positive Directions brings prevention leadership to the coalitions we work with, helping build members' capacity, gathering data, coordinating meetings, providing training, and leading initiatives. Positive Directions also seeks out and manages grants that support community coalition work. Over the years, our coalitions --also known as Local Prevention Councils or LPCs--have included Fairfield, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton.

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. Margaret Watt, MPH, MA Prevention Director, TurningPointCT Project Director Margaret joined Positive Directions in July 2020 as Director of Prevention after serving as a regional leader in behavioral health for almost eight years, as Executive Director of the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board and Co-Director of The Hub. In those roles she worked with a wide variety of stakeholders on initiatives to support the integration of mental health and substance use; to improve prevention, treatment and recovery; and to promote peer support. In 2017 she won the Policy Leadership Award from the Keep The Promise Coalition in recognition of her advocacy work. In 2021 she was honored to join the board of NAMI CT. Prior to her career in behavioral health, Margaret worked for 12 years in global health and eight years in education. She also has experience as a grants and publication editor. Margaret received her MPH from UNC/Chapel Hill, her MA in Education from Columbia University, and her BA from Harvard. She is fluent in Spanish and French. You can reach Margaret at: mwatt@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644 ext. 827 Margaret Watt, MPH, MA: 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