The Outreach Report

June

The Pharmacology for Clinicians Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Drugs? (3 hours)

This training allows participants to test their knowledge of various drugs of misuse. Drugs of focus will include alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis products, xylazine, kratom, dissociative drugs, psychedelics for treatment of MH conditions, opioid antagonists and medications for treatment of substance use disorders. Scenarios will often also invite decision making on “next steps” with substance use disorders in the context of assessment and/or service planning.

• Date: Wednesday, June 4, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Trainer: Dayna Smith Slade, MA, MS, MAC, SAP, Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline: May 28, 2025

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Crisis Prevention and De-Escalation(3 hours)

This course teaches participants to use Nonviolent Crisis Intervention by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). Participants learn to appropriately intervene at every level of a crisis, with emphasis on the identification of the early stages of a crisis and how to prevent its escalation. The use of verbal de-escalation and personal safety techniques is introduced and practiced. The overarching priority of this approach is to keep both clients and staff safe.

• Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Trainer: Dr. Kalisha Smith, DSW, LCSW, CASAC Master Counselor, Director, Outreach Training Institute, Outreach Development Corporation

Registration Deadline: June 3, 2025

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Working with LGBTQ+ Youth in the Field of SUD and MH (3 hours)

This course will review LGBTQ+ 101 terminology, queer history, risk and protective factors for LGBTQ+ Youth, allyship, and affirming best practices for LGBTQ+ Youth.

• Date: June 12, 2025
• Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
• Trainer: Dayna Smith Slade, MA, MS, MAC, SAP, Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline: June 5, 2025

• • • • •

July

Cultural Competence in SUD Treatment (3 hours)

The focus of this course will be the development of cultural competence in counseling, which includes an understanding of how cultural issues impact the therapeutic relationship. The complexity of cultural identity will be explored for a deeper understanding of the role of culture on beliefs, attitudes, values, and behavior. The practice of cultural humility and cultural self-awareness will also be examined as a key aspect of cultural effectiveness. A variety of applications of cultural awareness and competence will be reviewed in the class.

• Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Trainer: Dr. Kalisha Smith, DSW, LCSW, CASAC Master Counselor, Director, Outreach Training Institute, Outreach Development Corporation

Registration Deadline: July 2, 2025

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Domestic Violence and Substance Use (3 hours)

The causes, prevalence, and dynamics of domestic violence, including issues of power and control, the psychology of the victim and the impact on children, and approaches in the context of treatment for substance use disorders are examined in this course.  Participants will learn how screen for DV, get treatment for victims and batterers, and do safety planning with victims of domestic violence.

• Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Trainer: Dr. Kelly Smith, LMSW, Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline: July 6, 2025

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Bringing Evidence Based Practices Into the Service Setting (3 hours)

The growing emphasis on evidence-based practices (EBP) raises issues of practical integration into the treatment setting. This presentation will address just what is an evidence-based practice, what are some of the currently recognized EBPs in substance use disorder treatment, and what are some of the considerations for integration into existing services.

• Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Trainer: Adelya Urmanche, Ph.D., Adjunct Instructor, OTI

Registration Deadline: July 16, 2025

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Working with Women with Opioid Use Disorders (3 hours)

This training will provide behavioral health professionals with essential knowledge and skills to address the unique needs of women in treatment, focusing on gender-specific approaches, trauma-informed care, and comprehensive support systems for recovery.

• Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Trainer: Dr. Kalisha Smith, DSW, LCSW, CASAC Master Counselor
  Director, Outreach Training Institute, Outreach Development Corporation

Registration Deadline: July 23, 2025

• • • • •

Nicole Helen Butera, Outreach House II
Melissa Chavez, Richmond Hill CCBHC
Marc Denonn, Bellport Day Rehab Services
Josephine DeRuiter, Richmond Hill Administrative Svcs.
Michael DeStefano, Brentwood Young Adult Residence
Gianella Guzman, Ridgewood Outreach House One
Sasha Kemnitzer, Outreach Community Residence
Brian Krempa, Human Resources
D’naja Monique Lawrence, Ridgewood Outreach House One
Emma McCarthy, Brentwood Outreach House Two
Julius Mercer, Ridgewood Outreach House One
Adesola Oguntunji, Brentwood Outreach House Two
Myldraide Remy-Jocelyn, Brentwood Young Adult Residence
Joseph Trimarco, Outreach Community Residence
Julie Weissman, Brentwood Women’s Residential

Best wishes to staff who celebrate Birthdays in May

Syeda Ali
Amanda K Ballan
Edward Bellamy
Brittany Cerami
Cynthia Choisy
Kristin Cox
Keir Vindel Cruz
Michael DeStefano
Zita Dinda
Wiss Emile
Chyna Felder
Michael Garcia
Marcia Goldberg
Rebecca Harras
Rachel Hermann
Galit Ishay
Octavia Johnson
Dayniece Lugo
Johanna Michel
Jeanelle Miles
Keon Nematollahi
Anthony Pereira
Jose Rodriguez
Kenia De La Rosa
Carlos Ruiz
Alexander Salce
Yolanda Sanchez
Nalika Soreng
Gina Stafford
David Vizzini
Roberta Whitfield

May Staff Wellness Challenge #1:  What do you do to stay mentally and physically well?

We were truly inspired by the thoughtful and honest responses we received earlier this month from staff about how they stay mentally and physically well. Your stories reflect a genuine commitment to wellness—and we’re excited to share them! If you’d like to add your voice, it’s not too late. We’ll be continuing our focus on wellness in upcoming newsletters throughout the summer and would love to hear from you!

To stay mentally well I ensure I stick to a regular self-care routine. I start my mornings with a healthy and energizing breakfast and take my daily vitamins and supplements. I make sure to take lunch as often as possible instead of working through it. I try to take walks on better weathered days on my break or meditate with my headphones. I like to use a diffuser with lavender in it to breath in freshness. Herbal teas throughout the day instead of coffee for relaxation, as well as light classical music softly as background sound. I feel that mental wellness directly aligns with cultivating a mindset that empowers growth and healing.

-Cassandra Lehman, Residential Billing Supervisor, Brentwood campus 

I go for long walks. In the summer I spend lots of time sitting and relaxing on the beach. I also enjoy time with my nephews and niece at their sporting events. 

-Courtney Ross, Office Manager, ORC

For mental health, I play video games. I can match up with random people across the globe or play with friends I’ve made over the years of gaming. Lately I’ve been playing Phasmophobia which is a ghost hunting game and you have to figure out what type of ghost is haunting the site using tools, clues, and teamwork. Physical wellness has been a constant struggle for me. At 38, I am 5’6″ and currently weigh 295 pounds. After many discussions with my doctors, I have decided to try a short-term medication route in the hopes that it gives me the jumpstart I need to reach my goal of 200 pounds.

-Vanessa Saunders, Administrative Assistant, ORC

When I returned to working with Outreach in July of 2023, I also joined a CrossFit gym the following week. CrossFit is something I had declared I would never do or even try, because for years I had watched my brother and other professional athletes compete and dubbed it “insanity-there’s no way humans can move or lift weights like that.” CrossFit combines both weight training and technique with cardio, and the way these athletes move is, quite literally, one of the most impressive things I have seen a human body do. However, I have been consistently (albeit not every single day, we need to take time to rest) showing up to my gym (shout out CrossFit Rapture!) since July of 2023 and I have never felt stronger, healthier or overall better in my life.

I have a routine now with the gym and work (and personal life, because we all need some fun in our lives!) that I try to stick to as best as I can, because while exercise keeps me physically healthy, it also keeps me mentally and emotionally on track as well. I have gained a lot more confidence in myself, so much so that I signed up for and will be competing in my first Spartan Race on June 8th. Exercising and CrossFit have given me the strength to believe I am capable of achieving things I once thought impossible, and I am now able to apply that mindset to other areas of life as well. It’s also a good metaphor for the population we serve, because sometimes we have to struggle with lifting the empty 15-pound training barbell over our heads before we are able to squat our entire body weight. Sometimes, we have to start small in order to reach the larger goals we have set for ourselves. And it’s always important to remember to celebrate the small wins and give credit where credit is due. “Appreciate how far you’ve come. We get stuck focusing on what’s next which moves the goalposts and never lets us feel like we’ve done well. Reflecting on your growth refuels your confidence, tunes you into gratitude, and inspires you to keep thriving.”

Along with physical exercise, I see my therapist once a week to exercise my mind and work through my own personal stuff, such as my own trauma and emotions, as well as give myself the opportunity in a supportive, professional environment to squeeze out everyone else’s trauma and emotions that I have sponged in all week. As a social worker, I believe it is incredibly important to have a therapist as part of our support system to work out our own trauma, emotions, and whatever other mental health or life stuff we have going on. As social workers, we spend so much of our time helping and advocating for others that sometimes we forget to take care of, help, and advocate for ourselves.

-Caitlin Duddy, LMSW, House Manager, Outreach Recovery Center

I try to take as many weekend trips as possible to spend time with friends and family and I attend Pilates a few times a week.

-Jovana Djurdjevic, LMSW, CASAC-ADV, Program Director, OH I

I ride a Peloton for 30-45 minutes every day. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2002 and over 23 yrs I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs on the scale. So, I ride for maintenance and I fell in love with cycling and can’t get off the bike. I’ve done almost 4,300 rides since 2019.

-Elliot J. Kloper, MS, Talent Acquisition Specialist

What I do to stay mentally and physically well is drink water, socialize and decorate! 

-Denise Schellenberg, RH Administrative Assistant

With sleep being the most important for both mental & physical wellbeing, I’ve implemented a sleep winddown routine. I aim to sleep by 10:30. Thirty minutes before that I stop electronic activity (my phone is set for night mode if I must go on). I prepare something for the next day-either lunch, a to do list, or clothing. I brush my teeth and floss. Get into bed and apply creams while doing some deep breathing exercises. Also, I do a quick stretch upon waking up.

-Galit Shayo, Senior Director of Finance

I love doing morning yoga by the swimming pool. Meditation and stretching is a great way to start the day.

-Marsha Radulov, Director, Special Events & Fundraising

To stay mentally and physically well I find myself doing all sorts of outdoor activities. One of my favorite things to do is go hiking. I love taking a nice drive upstate to Lake Minnewaska and hike some of the trails up there with friends. It’s peaceful and when you reach the top of the mountain you find peace and mental clarity just standing on the top of the mountain and looking at the views below. 

-Stacy Hunt CRPA/CARC, Suffolk Avenue

What I do to keep me mentally physically strong…

• A healthy routine keeps me mentally and physically strong, even with a 9-month-old. Here’s how I make it work:
• HIIT 3x/Week: High-intensity interval training keeps me fit and boosts my mood with endorphins. Quick sessions fit my busy schedule.
• Whole Foods Diet: I eat nutrient-rich, low-sugar foods—grass-fed meats, pasture-raised chicken/eggs, wild-caught fish—to fuel my body and brain. Cooking grounds me, and I stay balanced without feeling deprived.
• Social Gatherings/Cheat Meals: I treat myself to cheat meals, like dessert with my wife or meals with friends, for mental joy and connection.
• Vitamins: I take supplements like vitamin D and methylated B12, tailored to my bloodwork, to support energy and clarity.
• Outdoor Time: I get outside for sunlight and stress relief, often with my baby. Park walks, pointing out nature, ground me and put life in perspective.
• Sleep: Sleep aids recovery, but it’s tough with a baby. I try a quick wind-down—no screens, dim warm lights, cool air. 8 hours minimum (fingers crossed).

-Chef Vito Virgilio, OH II

Journaling, listening to music, dancing and traveling! 

-Kalisha Smith, DSW, LCSW, CASAC-M, Director, OTI

I start my mornings with a 10-minute mindfulness routine that includes deep breathing and journaling, which helps reduce stress and set a positive tone for the day. I also take short walks during lunch to reset and clear my mind. Throughout the week, I schedule screen-free evenings to unwind—reading, stretching, or spending quality time with loved ones. To stay physically energized, I focus on hydration, sleep, and short home workouts that keep my body moving even on busy days. I also keep a “joy list” of small, uplifting activities like stepping outside for sunlight, doodling, or listening to music, and I try to incorporate at least one each day. These simple habits help me maintain balance and show up as my best self—both at work and in life. Thank you for encouraging us to reflect on and share how we care for our well-being.

-Nali Soreng, Compliance Specialist

To be mentally and physically well, I focus on balance. I make time for regular exercise, like walking or dancing, which helps me stay active and relieve stress. I also prioritize mental well-being by practicing mindfulness, staying organized, and making time for hobbies I enjoy. Connecting with friends and getting enough sleep also play a big role in keeping me healthy and grounded.

-Cassandra Thompson-Spence, Human Resources Associate

Hiking, gym, yoga, and meditation are my tools for mental and physical fitness.  

-Kenia De La Rosa

Director of Pay and Benefits, Asha Vareen, doing her wellness routine!

What I do to stay well: dinner dates with my husband and friends, dancing, weekend trips, regular vacations, family game night, and exercise.

-Jessica Shuren, LCSW, CASAC, Assistant Vice President, Outpatient Services

Some of the activities I do to support my physical and mental wellbeing include going for walks around my neighborhood and spending time meditating at a local park. Another activity I enjoy is taking trips to the beach, where I sit in my car, watch the waves, listen to music, and journalling. I find that being in nature helps relieve a lot of the stress I experience in my daily life.

–Ayanna Dorsett BA, Case Manager, ORC

I walk 1 mile daily, workout three times a week, I get a pedicure once a quarter as well as a massage. Periodically I will visit a pet store and get some pet therapy from the puppies. 

-Ron Grant, Orientation Counselor, OH1

I love to swim. In the summer, there’s a lake near us that I swim across whenever I have a chance. I’m slow so it takes me about an hour to go back and forth but feels so good to move through the water. I also enjoy going on hikes with my husband and our dog, Harry, who likes to lead the way. At night, I find reading calms me. Between the long walks and swims, and a good book, I’m pretty knocked out at bedtime!  

-Ellen Barker, VP, Development & Communications

New! June Staff Wellness Challenge

Do you have a go-to summer recipe that’s healthy, budget-friendly, and packed with fruits or veggies? We want to hear from you!

For this month’s challenge, share your favorite simple recipe—one that’s free of highly processed ingredients and alcohol—and you could be featured in the July All-Staff Newsletter!

Bonus: The first 10 people to submit a recipe will win a prize!

Want to snap a photo of yourself making or enjoying your healthy dish? Even better—we’d love to include it!

Let’s celebrate summer with the delicious, wholesome recipes you love. We can’t wait to see (and maybe try) what you create! Send your recipes to ellenbarker@opiny.org and michaelstewart@opiny.org.