Margaret Watt < Back Margaret Watt, MPH, MA Prevention Director Margaret joined Positive Directions in July 2020 as Director of Prevention after serving as a regional leader in behavioral health, as Executive Director of the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board for eight years and first 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 services; 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. As a Board member of NAMI Connecticut since 2021, she chairs the statewide Public Policy Coalition. 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

Jessica Branson < Back Jessica Branson Interim Executive Director Jess joins Positive Directions as Interim Executive Director having lived in Westport, Norwalk and Fairfield County for over 30 years. Her upbringing in a family of empathetic healers and devoted community leaders instilled in her the importance of listening, nurturing, and empowering others. These values have guided her 25+ years of experience in business, media and marketing strategy for fortune 100 companies and her own growth consultancy. A compassionate and determined leader, she’s helped hundreds of brands and organizations raise awareness, build resilience, and create meaningful change by blending a for profit mindset with a nonprofit heart. As a people person, Jess’ superpower is building connections. She leverages the talents and resources of individuals and organizations to inspire action, promote mental health awareness, and strengthen communities. “Making connections lights me up, and as a lifelong competitor, delivering results fills my cup.” No stranger to adversity, Jess’s determined spirit was tested after contracting Guillan Barre Syndrome (GBS), a neurological nerve disease that paralyzed her for over 10 months. After a year in a wheelchair and years in therapy and rehab, her tenacity, grit and faith have helped her persevere. She has deep empathy for those battling mental and physical health challenges. Jess’ experience changed her profoundly and inspired her mission to build healthier, more connected communities, perfectly synergistic with Positive Directions' vision “to strengthen the mental wellbeing of individuals and communities.” Her husband (Bill), family and friends were vital parts of her healing and life re-entry. She is forever thankful for the support of her caretakers, nurses, doctors, and therapists. She knows first-hand it takes a village, and she is honored to be a part of Positive Directions’. Jess can be reached by email at jbranson@positivedirections.org and by phone at 203-227-7644.

Nicole Merlo-White < Back Nicole Merlo-White, MA, LMFT Lic. Marriage & Family Therapist Nice to meet you! I am a licensed marriage and family therapist with twenty years of experience in the field. I work with all age groups, from early childhood to older adults. My clinical approach is nonjudgmental, integrative, and 'you' focused. I will always strive to provide a safe place for you to share, explore, heal, and progress in your journey. Within my own journey, I try to allow myself to feel the feelings and experience the sensations that arise. I am then able to thoughtfully respond or plan for next steps in a healthy and positive way. I believe in self-care and try to be mindful when it's needed. I find enjoyment and a sense of freedom when spending time outdoors, whether it be hiking, running or sitting on a bench and reading a book.

Ethan Wattley < Back Ethan Wattley, MA, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Ethan joins Positive Directions with experiences in multiple Inpatient and Outpatient settings, including Hospital settings and residential treatment facilities. He has worked with people to lessen symptoms of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and severe psychosis. Ethan approaches therapy from the perspective of wanting to understand what it would mean for his clients to have a meaningful life, and what is currently blocking that. Therapy is a collaborative process, to which Ethan brings training in different modalities (such as Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy) as well psychopathology and the therapeutic relationship. But he recognizes that clients also bring their own expertise and understanding of what it means to be them and what they want out of life. Together, he works together with clients to discover the internal strength and healing they already hold inside, even if they do not know it yet. Ethan has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. In addition a level 1 training in Clinical Hypnosis and experience working with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Ethan is a Licensed Professional Counselor by the State of CT.

Leslie Corrigan < Back Leslie Corrigan 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

Sarafina Ndzi < Back Sarafina Ndzi, MA, LPCA Lic. Prof'l 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 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic techniques, mindfulness practices, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), 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.

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. Mood Disorders Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, consist of general emotional states that intervene with a person’s normal functioning on a daily basis. Feelings of extreme sadness or depression, coupled with a fluctuation to extreme happiness (mania or hypomania) may occur. Examples of mood disorders include: Major depressive disorder Bipolar disorder (Bipolar I and Bipolar II) Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Dysthymia Symptoms Having a mood disorder may affect daily life activities. Due to the various types of mood disorders, each may involve different symptoms. Some major symptoms of mood disorders are: Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed Loss of appetite or overeating Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much Fatigue Crying Anxiety Low levels of energy or unusually heightened levels of activity Impulsivity Feeling hopeless or worthless Difficulty concentrating Difficulty with decision-making Feelings of guilt Irritability Thoughts of dying or suicide Positive Directions’ Approach to Mood Disorders: At Positive Directions, we understand that Mood Disorders can interrupt and negatively impact a person’s daily activities including work, school, and personal relationships. 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. Upon admission, a comprehensive intake evaluation is completed to gather a history of the client and learn more about 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, work to decrease negative or undesirable symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life. Our counselors also work closely with family members as appropriate, educating them about 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, 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. Mood Disorders: Service

Deirdre Ekholdt < Back Deidre Ekholdt, LCSW Lic. Clinical Social Worker Deirdre Ekholdt has worked as a psychotherapist for 20 years. She lived in Hong Kong, Florida, and now in Connecticut. She enjoys assisting her clients with reducing roadblocks due to anxiety, thought rumination, addiction, and codependency through somatic approaches and behavioral skill-building. She is an empathetic listener, engaging with a strength perspective. She enjoys supporting clients in being the best version of themselves as well as helping them self-advocate for healthier relationships. She utilizes DBT, CBT, EFT, and mindfulness skill training as therapy interventions. Deirdre can be reached at Dekholdt@positivedirections.org or at 203.227.7644 x 852.

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. Problem Gambling Compulsive gambling may begin the first time someone places a bet, or it can gradually turn into an addiction over time. This problem can be very detrimental to mental health as the consequences may lead to stress, anxiety, worry, and depression. Signs of a gambling problem may include: Spending excessive amounts of money when gambling Developing issues with personal relationships Gambling interfering with work Spending too much time gambling Stealing or committing fraud to support gambling Asking for loans to cover gambling debt It’s important to be able to recognize when someone is beginning to show signs of having a gambling problem. Struggling with any form of addiction can arise as a way to escape feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or depression. Problem Gambling: Service

Karen Krupnik < Back Karen Krupnik, MS, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Karen joined Positive Directions with a wealth of experience providing counseling services in the non-profit sector. Her approach to counseling is to help her clients make sense of the difficulties they are facing and enhance their coping skills, so they can feel better and enjoy their lives more. She works together with her clients to figure out what’s interfering with their well-being and, in turn, how to address it. She often utilizes a strengths-based approach, helping her clients to understand themselves better by discovering what strengths they have and developing new ones as well as by accepting or changing their problem areas. Karen is experienced in working with individuals, couples, and families, ranging from adolescents to adults. She has worked with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, substance misuse, sleep difficulties, relationships, anger management, psychosis, and more. Additionally, she has helped clients through major life transitions: divorce, job loss, death of a loved one, medical diagnoses, and becoming a parent. Karen has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Fairfield University. Her post-graduate training covered trauma, grief and loss, veterans’ issues, mindfulness, problem gambling and gender issues, among others. She tailors her approach to each individual and draws upon many types of therapy including CBT, Solution-Focused, DBT, Stages of Change, and Schema therapy. Karen can be reached via e-mail at kkrupnik@positivedirections.org . Or reached by phone at 203-227-7644 ext 834

Lori Lang, APRN < Back Lori Lang, APRN Lic. Advanced Practice Reg. Nurse Lori is a nurse practitioner providing medication management for clients at Positive Directions. She believes strongly in practicing kindness every day as well as making patients better and not worse with medical interventions. Prior to joining Positive Directions, she had many years of experience treating patients with blood cancers. During this time, she became increasingly comfortable managing not only the physical, but mental health and emotional concerns of this chronically- ill population. This experience of patients facing life and death under her care led to a fascination with the psychiatric component of medicine. In 2022, she made the decision to transition into caring for patients with co-occurring disorders in a residential substance use facility. She very much enjoys working with this patient population. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and gardening.

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. Donate We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your support, no matter how small or how large, will make a difference! Prevention & Education Support our community-based work to prevent substance misuse and suicide and bring mental health awareness to our communities. Donate Treatment Fund Help those who can't afford counseling to get the help they need. Donate CT Support Group Support CT Support Group, our online peer-developed resource for teens & young adults in CT who are struggling with mental health, substance use, or other challenges. Donate Support Groups Offset the cost of a support group. We offer free weekly groups related to suicide, recovery, and more. Donate General Donation Provide a donation for use where it's most needed. We appreciate your support for our organization! Donate Thank you so much for your support!