Bob Vietro < Back Bob Vietro, MS, LADC, ICGCII Lic. 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.

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. Anxiety The feeling of anxiety is a normal occurrence in life, perhaps before taking an exam or waiting to hear back test results from the doctor; however, anxiety that is consistently present and continues to worsen over time is known as an anxiety disorder. The symptoms can interfere in daily activities such as during work, school, or in personal relationships. Understanding the types of anxiety disorders is important for knowing how it should be treated. Types of Anxiety Generalized Anxiety Disorder Characterized by consistent worry and ongoing tension that involve job or family responsibilities, health, finances, or minor matters such as appointments. This type of anxiety may cause symptoms such as: Restlessness Feeling on edge Muscle tension Difficulty sleeping Panic Disorder The main symptom of panic disorder is recurrent panic attacks that involve physical and psychological distress. This type of anxiety may cause the following symptoms: Palpitations, pounding heart or rapid heart rate Sweating Trembling or shaking Feeling of shortness of breath or smothering sensations Chest pain Feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint Feeling of choking Numbness or tingling Chills or hot flashes Nausea or abdominal pains Feeling detached Fear of losing control Fear of dying Due to the severity of such symptoms, it may cause someone to think they are having a heart attack or another life-threatening illness, requiring them to go to the hospital emergency room. Phobia-related Disorders This type of anxiety is focused on specific and excessive fears about objects, situations, or activities which the person experiencing it feels they cannot overcome. Some examples include fear of heights or spiders. Social Anxiety Disorder This type of disorder is characterized by a person who experiences anxiety in social interactions, in which they fear being humiliated, embarrassed, or looked down upon by other people. Someone experiencing social anxiety will generally avoid such interactions. Common examples include the extreme fear of public speaking, not wanting to eat or drink in public, and meeting new people. Separation Anxiety Disorder A person with separation anxiety disorder fears being separated from someone they are significantly attached to. They may feel reluctant to sleep away or be apart from whomever they are attached to for long periods of time. Symptoms generally begin during childhood and can continue on throughout adulthood. Anxiety: What We Do

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.

Ashley Gonçalves < Back Ashley Gonçalves, BA 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.

< 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.

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 Aisha Abdel, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Read More Tava Auslan, BA, M.Ed. Clinical Intern 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 Deirdre Ekholdt, MSW, LCSW Lic. Clinical Social Worker Read More Mohamed Elsamra, MD Medical Director Read More Araceli Escamilla, MA, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor 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 Nikoletta Moschidi, MFA Clinical Intern 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 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

Jen Lord < Back Jen Lord Recovery Coach & Alt2Su Facilitator Jen ( she/they) has facilitated PD's Alternatives to Suicide support group since 2022. As of 2025, Jen is also serving as our school-based provider at BMHS and CGS high schools in Norwalk, providing substance misuse and recovery support to students on campus. Jen is a dedicated advocate for mental health and substance use recovery. Driven by a profound passion for helping individuals reclaim their lives and live happy productive lives, they are currently pursuing a drug and alcohol counseling license at Gateway Community College while also working with Mental Health CT and Recovery Network of Programs. Born and raised in Stamford, Jen brings a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to their work, ensuring that every individual feels seen, heard, and supported. As a certified recovery coach for the state of Connecticut, they are committed to fostering an environment rooted in compassion, accountability, love, and reflection. Through her leadership of two Alternative to Suicide support groups and as a Life Coach, Jen provides a safe space for those in crisis to find connection, hope, and healing. Jen’s own journey with mental health and substance use recovery serves as a field guide for others, showing that change is possible with the right support and determination. Outside of her professional endeavors, Jen cherishes the opportunity to spend time outdoors, bond with friends and family, and care for her beloved cats, Mango and Bam. Jen finds joy and balance in creating art, listening to music, working out at the gym, and practicing self-care, all of which fuel their passion for helping others.

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

Deirdre Ekholdt, MSW, LCSW < Back Deirdre Ekholdt, MSW, LCSW Lic. Clinical Social Worker Deirdre Ekholdt, MSW, LCSW has over 27 years of experience working with individuals and couples. She began her career in Chicago, Illinois working in child welfare, hospital, and outpatient therapy settings. Most recently, she has worked as a school social worker and enjoys supervising MSW candidates to help develop their clinical skills during their internships. Deirdre spent 4 years living abroad in Hong Kong and enjoys travel and spending time with her family. Deirdre’s expertise is in supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress management. Deirdre can be contacted via email: dekholdt@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644, ext. 852

< Back Aisha Abdel, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Aisha is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA) with experience supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, severe and persistent mental illness, addiction, and acquired brain injuries. She is dedicated to creating a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood and empowered to explore their thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. Her therapeutic approach is integrative and person-centered, meaning she meets each client where they are and tailor treatment to their unique needs and goals. She draws from evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Schema Therapy. Through these approaches, she helps clients build insight, develop coping skills, and move toward meaningful and lasting change. She believes in the power of mindfulness, self-care, and positive psychology to support healing and growth. She works together with clients to identify strengths, develop practical solutions, and foster resilience. Whether clients are looking to better understand themselves, manage overwhelming emotions, or create healthier patterns, she views therapy as a collaborative journey where together you can share, explore, and heal. She earned her degree in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Trauma and Addictions from Fisher College in Boston, Massachusetts. Her training and experience have strengthened her commitment to providing empathetic, compassionate care that honors each individual’s story and promotes lasting well-being. Aisha can be reached 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. 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. VANESSA & ALLY (1) 00:00 / 14:10