Passionate professionals. Compassionate individuals.
Mark Twain said it best: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never work a day in your life.” Our highly trained teamed of dedicated professionals are living proof of this very sentiment. What we do isn’t work – it’s a pursuit of our collective passion to help individuals, families, and communities access resources, overcome adversity, build resilience, and achieve wellness.
Maria Coutant Skinner, LCSW
Maria has been serving the community with McCall Behavioral Health Network since 1997. She began working at the McCall Center for Behavioral Health in the prevention department after her first daughter was six months old. Maria now leads the organization as its President and CEO. She earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She had the opportunity to have many diverse roles at McCall throughout the years; working with children, parents, families, and communities to help facilitate change, connection and healing on micro, mezzo, and macro levels. In 2013, she co-founded and continues to co-chair the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force, a multilateral, multidisciplinary community collaborative that works to reduce addiction and overdoses in the region. The group has had far reaching impacts on shaping culture around root causes of addiction, education and connection amongst providers and community and influence on state and federal policies regarding healthcare. With the merger of McCall to our sister behavioral health organization; CNV Help, Inc., the now expanded organization has the infrastructure to reach and serve all of western Connecticut. Maria is proudest of the honor bestowed upon her as the Top Leader and consecutive Top Workplace awards; distinctions made possible by the extraordinary staff of McCall.
Maria is the chair of the board at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, a past president of the Rotary Club of Torrington and Winsted areas, serves on the boards of the Winchester and Canton Youth Service Bureaus and co-chairs the treatment committee of the CT Alcohol and Drug Policy Council. She presents at conferences throughout the region on topics related to addiction, trauma, parenting and community connections.
Joy Pendola, LMFT LADC
Joy Pendola, LMFT LADC
Joy has over 20 years of professional experience in the behavioral health field. She has worked in various clinical and administrative leadership roles, in her career, overseeing outpatient, partial hospital and intensive outpatient treatment, as well as residential levels of care. Across the continuum of care Joy has worked with children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, she has had lead roles in program development, accreditation, grant writing, and clinical training and development. Joy has a passion for creating programs to truly meet the needs of adolescents, adults, and their families who are dealing with co-occurring disorders.
Natalie March, MD
Natalie March, MD
Dr. March has been providing psychiatric care for clients since 2014. She has worked in private practice and clinical settings providing psychiatric care and consultations for children, adolescents, and adults. She currently serves as McCall’s Medical Director, the attending psychiatrist at the Institute of Living, and the consulting psychiatrist at Ms. Porter’s School. Dr. March received her medical degree from the Creighton University School of Medicine and is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She is passionate about the wellbeing of her clients and providing exceptional, compassionate care.
Rosamma Vithayathil, MS
Rosamma Vithayathil, MS
Rosamma moved from India to the United States in 1993 and has over 25 years of experience in accounting within the healthcare industry. She has managed many Federal, State, and other grants and has always strived to maintain the highest accounting standards. Her passion for accuracy and helping those in need makes her a perfect fit at McCall. She is a problem solver at heart and is solution focused. Rosamma has a BS and MS in Accounting and Administration from Calicut University in India.
Jamie Calvano, LADC, ADS
Jamie Calvano, LADC, ADS
Jamie started her career in February of 2002 with legacy Central Naugatuck Valley Help, Inc. as a Counselor at McAuliffe Manor after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Jamie immersed herself in working with individuals with co-occurring disorders and helping them find their pathway to recovery. Jamie has been an advocate for clients by participating in multiple agency and community committees, councils, and task forces. Jamie went on to complete her master’s degree of Science in Human Services in 2020 and is a Licensed Addictions Counselor (LADC). She is dedicated to the work she does and has moved into different positions throughout the years and is now the Director of Training and Compliance for the merged agency.
Shawn Lewinson, MBA, SPHR
Shawn Lewinson, MBA, SPHR
Shawn is a graduate of the University of Hartford, where he earned his BS and MBA. He holds a certification from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Shawn’s diverse and extensive background in Human Resources spans over two decades. He has held several leadership positions in healthcare organizations, gaining a great deal of experience at nonprofit and governmental agencies.
Shawn acknowledges that a great workplace culture is important because it results in more engaged, loyal, and productive employees. He recognizes that a more diverse and inclusive workforce attracts outstanding talent.
Shalyn Sheldon, MSW
Shalyn Sheldon, MSW
Shalyn began her career in social work at McCall while completing a year-long internship. She moved on to Housatonic Youth Service Bureau providing counseling for youth and families in the northwest corner of Connecticut, before returning to McCall as a full-time Prevention Specialist dedicated to increasing prevention efforts in that same geographical region.
Shalyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Post University and her master’s degree in Social Work with a concentration in Community, Organization, Policy and Administration from the University of Southern California. For nearly five years, Shalyn worked as the Director of Development and Marketing using her passion for McCall’s mission to increase the donor base, create new and exciting fundraising events, and spread the word about what makes McCall so special through grant writing and marketing efforts. In January 2022 Shalyn accepted the role of the Director of Quality Assurance and Accreditation and is currently responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an agency-wide effective quality improvement program and providing centralized oversight of the agency’s efforts towards sustaining and expanding accreditation, continuously ensuring that all standards are met throughout the agency.
Dr. Katrin Moskowitz, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Dr. Katrin Moskowitz, DNP, FNP, PMHNP
Dr. Katrin “Kat” Moskowitz is a dual certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who also holds her doctorate in Nursing Practice. Kat and her family have been part of the Torrington community since moving there in 2001. She has been part of the medical community for much of that time having volunteered for local ambulance services, working as a nurse at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and continuing to work as a provider in the ER, Urgent care as well as the community health center. She also holds a certification in acupuncture and has worked a majority of her career in mental health, substance use disorder treatment as well as transgender care services. She is happy to provide a variety of her clinical skills at Mccall Behavioral Health Network to provide holistic whole person care to all of the clients. While not working, you will find Kat backpacking and hiking, with her current favorite place being the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
Danielle Brundage, BA, SHRM-CP
Danielle Brundage, BA, SHRM-CP
Danielle brings joy and enthusiasm to the workplace every day. Her interesting career path began with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University. Danielle first joined our team in 2016 as a Mental Health Counselor in the Glenlunan Residential Program in Waterbury. She was soon promoted to Program Director for the Rogers House Residential Program. That’s where she realized that she was destined to work in an administrative capacity. Her passion was evident from the start. She was promoted from Administrative Assistant to Human Resources Administrator in just two short months. Thanks to her energy, focus and dedication, she earned her SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) Professional Certification in January 2023 and became McCall’s Human Resources Manager. We’re grateful that Danielle found her true calling and remains an invaluable member of our staff.
Teesha Huertas, LCSW
Teesha Huertas, LCSW
After graduating from UConn with a BA in psychology, Teesha took a year off to decide what she wanted to do with her career. In that time, she explored several options and ultimately fell in love with social work. She returned to UConn and earned her Master of Social Work. Teesha has a self-proclaimed passion for residential substance use disorder (SUD) programs. She believes in the necessity of stabilization and support during the early stages of recovery. Teesha’s care and commitment has led her to build SUD programs through evidence-based curriculums and different tracks for different populations. In addition to her experience with residential SUD programs, she’s been a positive force in a variety of settings and capacities – including community work, outpatient services, medical units, as well as inpatient psych and emergency services.
Laura Cummings, LCSW, CCDP-D
Laura Cummings, LCSW, CCDP-D
Laura joined the McCall Behavioral Health Network in July 2022 as the Adolescent Clinical Supervisor. She comes to McCall with twenty years of experience as a social worker. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University in 2001, and then her master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University in 2002 through their Advanced Standing Program. She is a SIFI-Certified Field Instructor for Social Work students, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of Connecticut and has her Certified Co-Occurring Disorders Professional Diplomate through the Connecticut Certification Board. Laura’s prior experience includes serving as the Director of Program Operations at a Youth Service Bureau in a city in Connecticut for seven years. Prior to that, she worked at a nonprofit directing multiple programs for youth on probation funded by the Court Support Services Division in multiple Connecticut cities. Laura also spent some brief time as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida. Laura is passionate about working with youth and building youth-serving programs that are culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and help each client reach their individual goals.
Kelsey Dlugozima, LCSW
Kelsey Dlugozima, LCSW
Kelsey has worked for the agency since 2013, starting as a counselor in the Torrington outpatient program, part of the former Central Naugatuck Valley Help, Inc. Kelsey discovered a passion for working alongside individuals with co-occurring disorders and felt connected to serving the community she grew up in. While working as a counselor, Kelsey went back to school for her master’s degree in Social Work from UCONN with a focus track on mental health and substance use. Kelsey currently oversees the administrative and clinical operations of our Waterbury and Danbury outpatient programs and has a commitment to ensuring clients have access to services that are person-centered and trauma-informed.
Raymond Donahue
Raymond Donahue
A member of the McCall team for more than a decade, Ray knows every nook and cranny on our campuses. He oversees all of the maintenance, housekeeping, and grounds work, ensuring that all of the McCall locations have a pleasant and welcoming environment.
Craig Esplin, BA
Craig Esplin, BA
After earning his BA in psychology from the University of Connecticut, Craig came aboard in 2015 as a counselor for the Central Naugatuck Valley Help, Inc. organization. Craig’s commitment to helping individuals throughout the state is matched only by his versatility.His background includes working in various group homes, taking on a wide variety of functions and responsibilities. He ascended quickly to the position of Program Director in 2018 and currently oversees three group homes (Rogers House, Glenlunan, and Wynnewood) in the McCall network.
John Fecteau, LCSW
John Fecteau, LCSW
John Fecteau, LCSW has 30 years of professional experience in the behavioral health field. He has worked in a variety of clinical and administrative roles in his career in groups homes, case management, jail diversion, outpatient and residential levels of care. He also has experience in contract oversight and program development with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Office of the Commissioner. John has a passion for developing programming for individuals with mental health and/or co-occurring addiction issues that assist them in achieving full and satisfying lives.
Cora Grandy, BS
Cora Grandy, BS
Cora joined McCall in 2020. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Cora has 20 years’ experience in administrative, finance, and human resources functions. She has enjoyed her experiences as a career Army wife, living and working in various locations across the United States.
Melissa Gray, CAC, CADC
Melissa Gray, CAC, CADC
Melissa’s heart belongs to McCall. She began as a student intern in our Carnes Weeks Center in 1993. She was such a great fit that she was hired as substance use technician and eventually was promoted to counselor. Melissa’s ability to connect with clients is unmatched. Clients are immediately at ease with Melissa and know that she is a person to be trusted. Melissa is a native Spanish speaker and can joke with staff and clients in two languages.
In 2007, Melissa took over as program director at McCall House and in 2008 at Hotchkiss House. Most recently she has taken the lead at Hanson House, which opened in 2017. Melissa also provides case management and direction to our Migeon House recovery home program. She is a Certified Addiction Counselor, holds a Specialty Certificate of Competency in Co-Occurring Disorders.
Andrew Lyon, MPH, CPS
Andrew Lyon, MPH, CPS
Andrew first came to McCall in October of 2017 after receiving his master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Connecticut. He has a keen interest in community and population level approaches to addressing the most critical issues facing our communities. Andrew heads the Prevention Services Department which provides educational services, community programs, and environmental based approaches to preventing youth substance use disorders.
Leann Mitchell, LCSW
Leann Mitchell, LCSW
Leann began her career with McCall in 2007 serving in a role as a Prevention Facilitator where she provided programming for at risk youth throughout the Northwest corner of Connecticut. She moved on to the Winchester Youth Service Bureau in 2009 where she worked as the Therapeutic Recreation Director for five years, providing therapeutic programming for youth and families in the community. Leann returned to McCall in 2014 where she worked in the Prevention Department as a parental educator and prevention group facilitator. She provided parenting services through an in-home program, Parenting Support Services, along with facilitating groups for adolescents needing additional support regarding substance use concerns. In 2014, Leann was also pursuing a master’s degree in Social Work from Springfield College which she earned in 2016. Since 2019, Leann has worked as the Director of Family Services overseeing programs that are focused on helping families gain support, build, and maintain strong connections, and learn healthy ways to cope with many of life’s challenging situations.
Marisa Mittelstaedt, MBA
Marisa Mittelstaedt, MBA
Marisa began working at McCall in September of 2020 and is passionate about ending the stigma around mental health and substance use disorders. She enjoys connecting people to services that can help them heal and sustain recovery and developing campaigns that inspire donors to support the lifesaving work we do every day. Marisa earned a BS in Packaging Engineering from Michigan State University and her MBA from Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.
Lauren Pristo, MPH
Lauren Pristo, MPH
Director of Community Engagement, COSSAP Statewide Project Manager, RCORP Program Director, Litchfield County Opiate Task Force Coordinator
Lauren joined the McCall team in 2018 as the Network Coordinator for the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force and now serves as the Director of Community Engagement. In her current role, Lauren leads several community-based projects: she is the Statewide Project Manager for the Community and Law Enforcement for Addiction Recovery Initiative (CLEAR), Project Director for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), coordinator for the Litchfield County Opiate Task Force, and provides oversight for the regional harm reduction program. Throughout her career, Lauren has worked on a wide range of public health topics including co-authoring infectious disease and immunity research and studying the needs and barriers to care for people living with HIV with a particular interest in assessing syndemic conditions. Lauren has a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases from the Yale School of Public Health.
Karin Robinson, LCSW LADC
Karin Robinson, LCSW LADC
Karin first came to McCall as an intern while pursuing her master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University with a focus on co-occurring disorders. She began her career in the field of mental health where she had the opportunity to see firsthand the correlation between mental health and substance use. This experience led to her passion for treating those with co-occurring disorders and using a holistic, strengths-based approach to work with individuals and help them realize their full potential. Karin has completed the Social Work Practice Fellows program for social work supervision, with the University of Connecticut School of Social Work.
Glenn Ryan, CAC
Glenn Ryan, CAC
A Certified Addictions Counselor and Co-Occurring Disorders Professional (CCDP), Glenn has been a part of the McCall family for more than 20 years. He leads McCall’s Special Services including, Veteran’s services, senior services, and regional case management. With strong relationships throughout the community, he is also involved in homeless and community outreach. Glenn has a bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College with a concentration in Human Services and Applied Behavior.
Janáne Silva, BS
Janáne Silva, BS
Janáne has 20 years of experience in behavioral healthcare. She began her career as a Counselor in the Litchfield women’s residential program, part of the former CNV Help, Inc. She has worked in various clinical and administrative roles in our residential and intensive outpatient programs, as well as in our mental health group homes. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Post University. Janáne currently works as the Shift Supervisor at the Dempsey Center. She has been a mentor to many staff members throughout the years and is passionate about helping individuals with co-occurring disorders.
Albert Stokes, LADC
Albert Stokes, LADC
Al holds an LADC and has been working in the field of behavioral health for almost 30 years. He has held multiple positions within McCall and its leadership team. Currently, he is the Director of Contract & Utilization Management. Al oversees the organization’s licensing with the Department of Public Health, the accounts receivable department and contracts with all third-party payors.
Marybeth Tedesco, LADC, LPC-A
Marybeth Tedesco, LADC, LPC-A
Marybeth began her career with McCall as a Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor Intern in 2010 at Carnes Weeks Center. Marybeth relocated for a short period to Florida in 2013 where she was a residential counselor in a private SUD facility. She returned to McCall in 2015 as an Outpatient Counselor. Since 2018, she has been the McCall House Supervisor as well as the supervising two sober living residences. She has completed extensive training in Motivational Interviewing as well as the LGBTQ+ and Trauma population. In 2022, she returned to graduate school and received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in September of 2023
Board of Directors
Officers
- Joseph Stanley, Chair
- Paul A. McLaughlin, Jr., Vice Chair
- Gail Petteway-Hardy, Secretary
- Deborah Ullman, Treasurer
Members
- Dr. Michelle Apiado
- Gabrielle Bernstein
- Nancy Cannavo
- Dana Coelho
- Michelle Cook
- Eugene Andrew Field
- Tamika Goldson
- John Janco
- James Jones
- Jay Moody
- Tami-Jo Stevenson
- Thomas Quinn