Leslie Corrigan < Back Leslie Corrigan, BA Clinical Intern Leslie has recently joined Positive Directions as a Clinical Intern and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Sacred Heart University. With her life experience, her background in teaching special education and years of volunteering in her community she brings an adaptable and dynamic approach to counseling. Leslie engages with clients and meets them with openness and optimism. She is passionate about developing healthier thought patterns and setting and pursuing achievable goals. Leslie tailors her approach recognizing each person’s potential and unique qualities as she focuses on a positive mindset and listens intently. She emphasizes empathy, collaboration, and patience. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exercising, listening to music, and taking time to explore NYC or relax on the beach. Leslie can be contacted at lcorrigan@positivedirections.org

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. Community Surveys Over the years, Positive Directions has worked with the Local Prevention Councils (LPCs) in Fairfield, Norwalk, Weston, Westport, and Wilton to conduct surveys of youth, college students, and/or community members. This information allows our community coalitions to identify needs and develop plans that address local conditions and target high risk groups. Survey data also assists in seeking grants. Our survey work has allowed both Norwalk and Fairfield to be awarded the federal Drug-Free Communities (DFC) grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. See recent data presentations below or contact us for additional data. Data Presentations 2021 Fairfield Youth Survey results: presentation to Board of Education Download Mental Health and Substance Use in Norwalk in 2021: presentation of community and youth survey findings to Common Council Download 2021 Norwalk Youth Survey results: combined presentation to Board of Education and The Norwalk Partnership Download 2021 Westport Youth Survey results: presentation to Board of Education and Westport Prevention Coalition Download

Sarafina Ndzi < Back Sarafina Ndzi, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Sarafina Ndzi (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. She works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and relational stress. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in person-centered care and wellness. She integrates a variety of strategies including person-centered therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), psychodynamic techniques, mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing . Sarafina tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client, while also considering the social and cultural factors that shape their experiences. Sarafina earned a Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and a Master of Arts in Community Psychology from the University of New Haven. She completed her clinical counseling training here at Positive Directions, and also serves as a Program Evaluator for mental health initiatives outside of therapy. Sarafina lives in Fairfield County with her husband and young child. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, dancing, attending live music events, and spending quality time with family and friends. Sarafina can be contacted via email at sndzi@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644.

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