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. Vanessa Wilson, MA, LMFT Executive Director Vanessa joined Positive Directions in July of 2021 eager to continue her work in the nonprofit sector. In the ten years prior, Vanessa worked for YWCA Greenwich, Domestic Abuse Services, most recently as Manager of Operations overseeing delivery of high-quality programs and services to victim-survivors of domestic violence. Vanessa managed a team of professional counselors through trauma-informed leadership and served as interim director for the agency. She participated in several leadership groups including a multi-disciplinary team for child abuse and sexual assault, the CAN (Coordinated Access Network) Leadership team, and the Greenwich domestic violence working group. Vanessa is known for her collaborative approach, ability to foster positive relationships with community stakeholders, and focus on strategic growth. Vanessa obtained her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University in 2012 and shortly thereafter became licensed and opened a private practice in Darien, CT. Using a variety of family systems therapy models, Vanessa treated individuals, couples and families with a myriad of clinical concerns. Vanessa brings her clinical background in mental health and organizational leadership experience to Positive Directions and looks forward to furthering the agency’s mission and vision. When Vanessa is not at work, you will likely find her suiting up for a softball game with the CT Storm semi-pro women’s slow pitch team hailing from Wilton, CT, snowboarding in the Catskills or spending time with her husband and two daughters. Vanessa can be reached by email at: vwilson@positivedirections.org or by phone at 203-227-7644 ext. 823. Vanessa Wilson, MA, LMFT: 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

Timothy Cohen < Back Timothy Cohen Intern, The Norwalk Partnership Timothy Cohen is a dedicated junior at P-Tech High School who strives for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. As a prevention intern at Positive Directions, he is gaining valuable experience in community support and leadership. He previously played varsity basketball. This experience strengthened his discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He has since shifted his focus to new passions and goals. Outside of school, Timothy is developing his skills as an aspiring barber, channeling his creativity and work ethic into a hands-on craft. With a deep interest in athletic performance and helping others, he plans to study sports medicine in college, aiming for a career where he can empower athletes to stay healthy, strong, and perform at their best.

Ryan McGough, MA, LPCA < Back Ryan McGough, MA, LPCA Lic. Professional Counselor Assoc. Ryan is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate who graduated from Fairfield University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Ryan has worked with individuals from all walks of life - including people struggling with addiction in a correctional setting, young adults experiencing depression and anxiety, individuals looking for ways to cope with grief and loss, and those who are unclear about what they are looking for in therapy. Ryan’s therapeutic approach centers around the idea that no matter what you are going through, there is always hope. He uses a variety of therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness techniques, and Gestalt strategies to ensure that you are always learning new ways to look at yourself and improve your mental well-being. Ryan lives in Wilton with his girlfriend and four dogs. In his free time he likes to read, go hiking, play piano, and contemplate the meaning of life (while his four dogs are tackling him). Ryan can be reached by phone at 203-227-7644.

Quinn Jannetty, RSS < Back Quinn Jannetty, RSS Manager, CT Support Group Project Quinn Jannetty (they/them) is a queer, trans non-binary researcher with a background in psychological science and criminology. Before coming to the CT Support Group project, Quinn worked as a direct care provider in the mental health and addiction field during which they earned their certification in Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Quinn also spent two semesters interning for CT’s Judicial Branch in CSSD’s Multicultural Affairs Division. It was in these roles that they deepened their desire to educate folks about mental health, addiction, trauma stewardship, cultural responsiveness, identity, and marginalization. In 2020, Quinn began serving as the Advocacy Director for The Reflection Zone in Watertown, CT. They wrote and facilitated workshops about LGBTQ+ identities and collaborated with the team to plan family friendly events for their community to enjoy. Quinn is passionate about creating and holding space for the narratives of marginalized people and facilitating conversations with folks about identity, bias, power, and community care. They are an ardent believer in challenging systems rooted in oppression through education, sharing resources, and creating environments conducive to social change. In their spare time, Quinn enjoys furthering their studies of astrology (they’re a Leo sun, Gemini moon, and Scorpio rising) and doing card readings for friends and family. Most weekends, you can find Quinn out hiking and searching for new plants and fungi. When they’re not on the trails, Quinn is usually improvising on the piano, curled up with a book, or in the kitchen measuring spices with their heart and, of course, waiting on the potatoes.

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

Vivian Balazs < Back Vivian Balazs Intern, The Norwalk Partnership My name is Vivian Balazs, and I am honored to serve as one of the Prevention Interns for Positive Directions. I am a junior at the Center for Global Studies in Norwalk and the President of the TNP Teens Club at Brien McMahon and CGS. Beyond my academic pursuits, I lead a writing club, participate in musicals and plays, tutor, and work at a children's theater. I also enjoy spending time with friends, reading books, and baking. I have a passion for helping others, ensuring that resources are accessible to everyone, and educating others about mental health and drug abuse. I am so happy I have found a place where I can be creative, express these passions, and leave a lasting mark on my community. You can reach Vivian Balazs at vbalazs@positivedirections.org

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< Back Therell Mayes (he/him) TurningPointCT Social Media Lead Therell joined TurningPointCT as their Social Media Assistant in September 2021. He is a young adult who wants to help other young adults who are struggling with mental health like he has. Therell is a student at Norwalk Community College, majoring in Liberal Arts & Science. His experience with social media began as a hobby in middle school. Since then, he has learned how to use various social media platforms to promote his photography, music, and YouTube videos. Therell loves to write screenplays, poetry, and lyrics as well as record music, photograph nature, and exercise. Therell can be contact via email at tmayes@positivedirections.org

< Back Quinn Jannetty (they/them) TurningPointCT Peer Support Specialist Quinn is a queer, trans non-binary researcher with a background in psychological science and criminology. Before coming to TurningPointCT, Quinn worked as a direct care provider in the mental health and addiction field during which they earned their certification in Crisis Prevention and Intervention. Quinn also spent two semesters interning for CT’s Judicial Branch in CSSD’s Multicultural Affairs Division. It was in these roles that they deepened their desire to educate folks about mental health, addiction, trauma stewardship, cultural responsiveness, identity, and marginalization. In 2020, Quinn began serving as the Advocacy Director for The Reflection Zone in Watertown, CT. They wrote and facilitated workshops about LGBTQ+ identities and collaborated with the team to plan family friendly events for their community to enjoy. Quinn is passionate about creating and holding space for the narratives of marginalized people and facilitating conversations with folks about identity, bias, power, and community care. They are an ardent believer in challenging systems rooted in oppression through education, sharing resources, and creating environments conducive to social change. In their spare time, Quinn enjoys furthering their studies of astrology (they’re a Leo sun, Gemini moon, and Scorpio rising) and doing card readings for friends and family. Most weekends, you can find Quinn out hiking and searching for new plants and fungi with their partner. When they’re not on the trails, Quinn is usually improvising on the piano, curled up with a book, or in the kitchen measuring spices with their heart and, of course, waiting on the potatoes.