< 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. 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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. Support Everyone needs a good support system -- we're here to help! Recovery is Possible! Mental health and substance use disorders don't have to last forever! Practicing self-care, learning self-management skills, seeking the support of peers, and practicing wellness are ways to complement therapy and/or maintain your mental health. Positive Directions offers free support groups and peer supports to help you on your journey. The CT Support Group Project Positive Directions is proud home to CTSupportGroup.org ! Our CT Support Group project provides an online platform for young people throughout the state to build community and access peer support. Learn more Our Support Groups SMART Recovery, caregiver support, teacher support... see our current offerings Learn more Other Area Support Groups There are many pathways to wellness and recovery. Find a group that works for you. Get list from The Hub

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. Testimonials We care deeply about our clients' experience and are committed to providing the highest quality behavioral healthcare. To ensure we are meeting our clients' needs, each year we conduct a Consumer Satisfaction Survey, using a questionnaire from the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary and anonymous. We use the feedback internally as part of our continuous improvement initiative and we share the results with DMHAS. Below is a sampling of feedback we have received from our clients over the past two years. "I started seeing {Therapist} shortly after my fourth manic episode. It was a long road to proper diagnosis and acceptance of bipolar disorder. I tried seeing multiple therapists before working with her but none of them helped as much as she did. {Therapist} helped me greatly managing my anxiety and bipolar disorder. She taught me a number of skills that helped me being fully functional despite suffering from a mood disorder. I greatly enjoy working with {Therapist}." "{Therapist} is very supportive, understanding, and compassionate. As a result I have been able to open up to her more quickly than any of my previous therapists. She makes even the most ridiculous of thoughts, feelings, or emotions seem typical. When I have needed a therapy session last minute because I'm in crisis, {Therapist} finds availability. During crises she remains calm, neutral, but firm with options for her patients. I can't imagine seeing anyone else now that I have begun this relationship." “I am very grateful to Positive Directions and especially my therapist. When I first came here I was homeless, very depressed and impossibly sad. That was about a year ago? It feels like a lifetime ago, and since then I have been able to learn and utilize coping skills I never would have thought of on my own. My gratitude is immense. I have a nice home now, and I am even able to help others, too. Thank you to everyone at Positive Directions.” "I really need to thank {Therapist} for getting me through some very difficult times. Don't know what I would have done without her....she’s fantastic. Thank you all so much; and all the best to a classy organization".

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

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!

Jessica Dassori < Back Jessica Dassori, MA, NCC, LPC Lic. Professional Counselor Jessica is a Board-Certified (NBCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (CT) who began as an intern at Positive Directions. She has clinical outpatient experience working with adults and adolescents as well as years in elementary, middle, and high schools. Jessica’s therapeutic approach is unique to each individual. She draws on her training and experience to collaborate with her clients and shape an optimal counseling program for their specific wants and needs. Her most extensive work has been with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Jessica primarily utilizes components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her practice, but adds other modalities such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, and Mindfulness-Based Interventions. Regardless of the distinct dynamics of each relationship, Jessica brings compassion, flexibility, thoughtful analysis, and empathy to her sessions. Jessica lives in Westport with her husband and two young children and she graduated from Hamilton College and Fairfield University. Jessica can be contacted via email at jdassori@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644 ext. 835.