Connection

Michael Scanlon is a recovery support specialist, advocate, project coordinator and consultant with a passion to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Michael’s lived expertise within the mental health system and as a brain injury survivor, along with his professional experiences, gives him the unique insight and ability to create positive change. Michael serves as a mentor and member on numerous state and federal advisory boards and projects, and is enthusiastic about ensuring young adults have the opportunity and support needed to thrive. Off the clock, Michael can be found either whipping up something in his kitchen, drawing, or reading from his vast amount of books taking over his apartment.

Alex Perfetto has such a variety of facets attached to his journey which started with an early onset of Bipolar Disorder at the age of 10 to an improbable success story that he lives and shows continuous progress in a unique way that only such a life story can demonstrate.

Alex Perfetto is an activist regarding Mental Health and became certified by the state of Connecticut as a Recovery Support Specialist In October of 2020. During his early to mid 20’s, Alex was heavily involved in an extensive amount of advocacy work at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. He would then start to collaborate with different legislators, representatives, administrative staff from the Office Of the Commissioner, and agencies alike on how to best provide services for Adults and Young Adults across the state. Alex is also Affiliated with National Alliance Of Mental Illness CT, is a Certified NAMI SMARTS for Advocacy Teacher, and a part of NAMI CT Public Policy Coalition.

Alex was employed at Join Rise Be, the Young Adult Branch for Advocacy Unlimited, and then hired as a Recovery Support Specialist for The Department of Mental Health and addiction services. Alex started working at Connecticut Valley Hospital on July 2nd of 2021, and now currently works at Western Connecticut Mental Health Network in Torrington. Alex Perfetto has also done public speaking, and been a Keynote Speaker at various state wide events, shining insight upon countless topics for Mental Health and Recovery across the state.

Alex Perfetto utilizes his expertise as Recover Support Specialist by being able to relate to others that have been in similar situations, life experiences, and scenarios. This approach of peer support is motivating, empowering, and empathizing. It helps educate, make connections, provide hope, and promote change in the behavioral health field with passion, and the goal to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.

Savannah is just a gal with a vibrant personality, faith in the unknown and an ever evolving curiosity. She provides peer support at The Gloria House Peer Respite and was drawn to this work because it is something she wishes was available to her when she was growing up feeling lost and confused, not understanding how to fit into the world. Savannah is a certified Recovery Support Specialist and is also trained in Intentional Peer Support.

Laura Zeppieri, LPC, LADC, AADC, ICOGS, holds advanced certifications as an alcohol and drug counselor
and an international co-occurring gambling specialist. With over 29 years of experience, Laura has
worked with people across the lifespan across various levels of outpatient care, addressing issues such
as unresolved grief and gambling disorders, and she has been dedicated to local and regional prevention
efforts for over 15 years. Laura has lived experience related to loved ones’ substance use, mental health
and co-occurring disorders and has used this experience to shape her life’s work.

Since 2023, Laura serves as the Project Coordinator for Youth Recovery CT, an initiative that promotes
peer support and SMART Recovery groups for youth, young adults, and families throughout Connecticut.
She is a facilitator trainer for the SMART Recovery Program and additionally holds the position of SMART
Recovery Volunteer Support Coordinator for Connecticut.

Dr. Stephanie Bozak is a Behavioral Health Clinical Manager at the Department of Children and
Families in Connecticut. In her role, she oversees the Children’s Community Mental Health Unit
which is part of the Behavioral Health Community Services Division. She is a licensed clinical
psychologist who received both her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Master of Arts in
Clinical Practices from the University of Hartford. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at
MercyFirst, a large residential treatment center in New York where she served as the primary
therapist on the Abuse Treatment and Prevention Program Unit. Following the completion of
her doctoral degree, Dr. Bozak relocated back to the state of Connecticut where she worked in
numerous roles within the non-profit sector. Her broad range of clinical experiences have
included providing individual, family, and group therapies to children, adults, and families, as
well as completing a variety of different types of psychological evaluations and psychosexual
risk assessments within outpatient, school, and residential settings. She has also worked in
several supervisory roles, provided administrative oversight of programs, and has created and
delivered professional development and psychoeducational workshops to various audiences.

Dr. Bozak is passionate about the work involving children, adolescents, and their families. Her
clinical interests include youth who have behavioral difficulties, trauma, and resiliency. Before
joining the Department of Children and Families, her most recent roles included Vice President
of Residency Services at Boys & Girls Village, and Psychologist at the Institute of Living. She
is a member of the Connecticut Psychological Association, as well as the American
Psychological Association. She enjoys being active, baking cupcakes, cooking, and spending
time with her family.

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