The Outreach Report

Welcome to The Outreach Report monthly staff e-news!   

Save the Date! 

  • April 28 & June 30: Improving Client Engagement and Compliance Training (Outreach training requirement – See Details Below)
  • April 29 – June 18: Staff Wellness Series Chair Massage Sessions (See Details Below)
  • June 14, 2026: Join Outreach for Long Island Pride Parade in Huntington (See Details Below)

May 2026 Payroll Calendar

May 1, 15, & 29

Upcoming Holidays (Administrative Offices, Most Programs & Services Closed):

Monday, May 25: Memorial Day

Celebrations in April:

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, Military Appreciation Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Haitian Heritage Month.
April 26 – May 2, 2026: National Apprenticeship Week
May 1: May Day/International Workers Day
May 1: Vesak (Buddhism)
May 5: Cinco de Mayo (Mexican)
May 6: National Nurses Day and kick off to National Nurses Week
May 10: Mother’s Day
May 14: Ascension Day (Christian)
May 16: Armed Forces Day
May 17: International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
May 21: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (UN)
May 21: Global Accessibility Awareness Day
May 21-23: Shavuot (Jewish)
May 22: Harvey Milk Day
May 24: Pentecost (Christian)
May 25: Africa Day
May 25: Memorial Day
May 26: Eid al-Adha (Islamic)
May 31: Pentecost (Eastern Orthodox)

Recent Community Accomplishments & Celebrations:

  • OTI is excited to celebrate some well-deserved promotions: Myasia McClinton has been promoted from Coordinator to Senior OTI Coordinator, recognizing her outstanding contributions and leadership and Cynthia Izaguirre has stepped into the Coordinator role, advancing from Program Associate. Congratulations to Myasia and Cynthia on their new roles!

EQuITY and REACT team at the 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Fair at Roosevelt High School

  • Outreach’s EQuITY and REACT staff exhibited at the 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Fair at Roosevelt High School

John Venza on CBS News

  • John Venza, Vice President for Residential Services and Business Development, was featured in a WCBS-TV New York story during a 4/20 press conference, which brought together community leaders, law enforcement, and public officials to highlight the growing public health impact of cannabis use. Hosted by Wellbridge Addiction Treatment & Research, the event aimed to raise awareness on a day often associated with cannabis use. Click here to view the full video

Join Outreach at Long Island Pride 2026!

Outreach is proud to continue its tradition of celebrating Pride by participating in the Long Island Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday, June 14.

This year’s theme “Unstoppable Pride: Here. Now. Always,” honors 36 years of Pride and the strength, visibility, and connection of the LGBTQ+ community. Last year, more than 150,000 people came together across Long Island, Queens, and the North Fork in a powerful show of unity and joy.

All staff are warmly invited to join Outreach friends and colleagues as we celebrate together. This is a family-friendly, inclusive event, everyone is welcome. If you’d like to participate as part of the Outreach Pride team, please register using the QR code below:

Long Island Pride Parade Registration 2026 QR Code

Best wishes to staff who celebrate Birthdays in April!

Kashmira Andre
Rose Bacchus
Paul Anthony Best
Princess De Jesus
Manjot Kaur Dhaliwal
Roberto Diaz
Jovana Djurdjevic
Daniele Ebron
Benjamin Fitzgerald
Terrell Ford
Ronald Grant
Cedric Head
Jacqueline Hobson
Viodelda Hope
Aryeh Litt
Erin MacLeod
Juana Anneris Maria
Dane McCarthy
Cailin McDermott
Heidi Morales
William James Morris
April Morse-Rich
Lauren Murphy
Donna Quinn
Kathy Riddle
Marshashantel Rodriguez
Courtney Ross
Sydney Rountree
Erica Esmeralda Ruiz
Adante Simpson
Dayna Smith
Suzanne Soganics
Kelsea Surace
Ruby Thomas
Hana Tran
Chanel Weathers

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities:

Improving Client Engagement and Compliance* (3 hours)

This course will focus on how to effectively engage clients into treatment and use evidence-based practices shown to increase retention. Strategies to develop rapport, address client anxieties and apprehensions about treatment, increase motivation, collaboratively establish treatment goals, and establish a working alliance will be examined. Participants will practice using some of these strategies in counseling simulations.

Dates:

  • Tuesday, April 28
  • Tuesday, June 30

Time:

  • 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This course is provided virtually on Webex.  All you need is a computer with a camera, microphone, and a space free from distractions. You will receive 3 continuing education hours for CASAC, SW, MHC, and/or MFT.

With your supervisor’s approval, please use this link to register for one of the two dates above at: https://outreachtraininginstitute.digitalchalk.com/catalogs/outreach-training-institute—sor-2025-2026

Other Opportunities:

Integrated Care in Action (3 hours)

This training provides participants with practical, actionable skills for delivering integrated care to individuals engaged in behavioral healthcare Participants will learn how to apply integrated care principles including screening and assessment, collaborative treatment planning, care coordination, and team communication. Through case examples and interactive exercises, clinicians will practice using brief assessment tools, working effectively with multidisciplinary team members, and addressing social determinants of health.

  • Date: Wednesday May 6, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm
  • Trainer: Shameika Williams, Ed.D, Senior Trainer

Registration Deadline: April 27, 2026

• • • • •

Suicide Assessment and Intervention (3 hours)

This course provides participants with essential knowledge and practical skills to identify, assess, and respond to suicide risk in behavioral health and substance use treatment settings. Participants learn to recognize warning signs, risk and protective factors, conduct direct suicide inquiries, and implement evidence-based interventions including safety planning, referral, and ongoing monitoring. Emphasis is placed on trauma-informed, ethical, and collaborative approaches that prioritize client safety, clinical judgment, and continuity of care.

  • Date: Thursday May 7, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm
  • Trainer: Paige Fisk, LCSW, Adjunct Instructor

Registration Deadline: April 30, 2026

• • • • •

Trauma-Informed Supervision (3 hours)

This course explores trauma-informed supervision, a supervisory approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on both staff and clients and integrates trauma-informed principles into the supervisory relationship. Participants will learn how to support supervisees by addressing emotional reactions to the work—such as secondary trauma, burnout, and countertransference—while building trauma-informed competencies grounded in safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Through practical frameworks and case examples, supervisors will strengthen staff wellness, improve clinical practice, and model trauma-informed care across their organizations.

  • Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm
  • Trainer: TBD

Registration Deadline: May 5, 2026

• • • • •

Co-Occurring Disorders (3 hours)

The high prevalence of co-occurring mental health issues occurring in individuals with substance use disorders poses special challenges in assessment, treatment planning and service provision. This presentation will explore differential assessment, common modifications in treatment for individuals with co-occurring disorders, guidelines for treatment of some specific diagnoses, medication management issues, and service goals.

  • Date: Thursday, May 14, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm
  • Trainer: Dr. Dolores Jewell, PHD, JD, Adjunct Instructor

Registration Deadline: May 7, 2026

• • • • •

Cultural Competence in SUD Treatment (3 hours)

This course introduces participants to the core concepts of cultural competence and cultural humility, exploring how culture, identity, worldview, and intersectionality shape human experience and professional practice. Through self-reflection, discussion, and applied activities, participants examine implicit bias, stereotypes, and systems of oppression, and learn strategies to recognize and manage their own biases. The course emphasizes creating inclusive, respectful, and effective relationships by viewing clients and colleagues as experts in their own cultural experiences and committing to lifelong learning.

  • Date: Wednesday May 20, 2026
  • Time: 2:00 pm – 5:00pm
  • Trainer: Shameika Williams, Ed.D, Senior Trainer

Registration Deadline: May 13, 2026

• • • • •

Honoring National Apprenticeship Week: Outreach’s First-in-State Program Leads the Way!

As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week (April 26 – May 2, 2026), Outreach has something truly special to recognize, the agency’s role in launching New York State’s first Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) for Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Aides.

Since its launch in August 2025 in partnership with the New York State Department of Labor, this innovative program has marked a major step forward in strengthening the behavioral health workforce. Developed and led by Liliane Drago, Vice President of Training, with support from Residential Services’ leadership, and with encouragement from OASAS, this effort reflects Outreach’s deep commitment to growing talent and creating meaningful career pathways in our field.

At the heart of this milestone is our very first apprentice, Dylan Klansky, who is now nearing the completion of his apprenticeship. Since joining in the fall, Dylan has made a positive impact at ORC under the thoughtful supervision of Caitlin Duddy, the site’s Assistant Director. At the same time, he is working toward his CASAC certification through OTI, an important example of how this program is already building a strong, sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals for a field that needs them more than ever.

As we join organizations across the country in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to recognize the Outreach team members who are making this program possible and to celebrate Dylan’s accomplishments as he reaches this important milestone. Together, they are helping shape the future of substance use treatment and recovery services, one apprentice at a time.

HR Column

A Chance to Relax, Recharge, Renew: Staff Wellness Series Chair Massages!

As part of our ongoing Wellness Series, Outreach is pleased to offer staff a special opportunity to relax and recharge with a complimentary 10-minute chair massage, provided by JoyLife. This offering is not only designed to support your overall well-being but also serves as a small token of the agency’s big appreciation for the dedication and hard work you bring each day in support of Outreach’s mission. At Outreach, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to support you.

We’re excited to provide moments like these to help you pause, reset, and take care of yourself during the workday. Massage sessions will take place from April 29 through June 18 at all facilities.

Please note: Spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and sign-ups are specific to each facility.

To reserve a spot, you must contact the designated coordinator for your location (listed below). They will confirm availability and assign your time slot. Please also be sure to coordinate with your supervisor to ensure adequate coverage in your area during your scheduled time.

  • Wednesday, April 29 – Outreach House I
    Contact: Jovana Djurdjevic, Program Director
  • Wednesday, May 13 – Men’s Community Residence
    Contact: Christine Selario, Program Director
  • Wednesday, May 13 – Outreach Recovery Center Outpatient & OTP Services
    Contact: Thomas Olivio, Program Director
  • Thursday, May 14 – REACT Center
    Contact: Katia Andrade, Program Director
  • Tuesday, May 19 – Women’s Recovery Residence
    Contact: Stephanie Laureano, Program Director
  • Tuesday, May 19 – Bellport Outpatient Services
    Contact: Megan Ryan, Program Director
  • Wednesday, May 20 – Suffolk Avenue Outpatient Services
    Contact: Donna Bornfriend, Program Director
  • Thursday, May 21 – Outreach House II
    Contact: Catie Maguire, Program Director
  • Wednesday, May 27 (12:00–3:00 PM) – Young Adult Residence
    Contact: Emily Murray, Program Director
  • Thursday, June 18 – Richmond Hill CCBHC, Administration, HR & Finance
    Contact: Beverley Stewart, Executive Administrator

We hope you take advantage of this opportunity to relax and recharge. Thank you for all that you do!

Welcome New Outreach Hires!

Rachel Adinkra, LPN, Women’s Recovery Residence
Fartun Aliduux, Intern, Outreach House II
Ginamarie Amato, Weekend Counselor, Young Adult Residence
Ileanette Amaya, Intern, Outreach Recovery Center
Amber Arena, Floor Counselor, Men’s Community Residence
Manjot Kaur Dhaliwal, Counselor, Outreach House II
Victoria Ewart, Counselor, Outreach House II
Viodelda Hope, Office Manager, Richmond Hill CCBHC
Denise Lloyd, Counselor, Young Adult Residence
Gabriela Martinez, LPN, Young Adult Residence
Bushawn McMillan-El, Counselor, Outreach House I
April Morse-Rich, Counselor, Young Adult Residence
Heather Onishea, Case Manager, Young Adult Residence
Daniela Andrea Orellana-Salazar, Counselor, Young Adult Residence
Taylor Prezioso, LPN, Young Adult Residence
Donna Quinn, Nurse, Outreach Recovery Center
Monique Ramos, Floor Counselor, Men’s Community Residence
Marquenn Robles, Overnight Counselor, Outreach House I
Brendan Schonberg, Primary Counselor, Outreach House II
Adante Simpson, Porter, Men’s Community Residence

Compliance Corner

In an effort to provide support to our agency with compliance-related questions, documentation guidance, and process clarification, the Compliance Department has begun hosting Compliance Office Hours every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Similar to office hours held by other departments, Outreach’s Compliance Officer Nali Soreng will be available to answer questions, provide guidance in real time, and assist with follow-up on outstanding compliance concerns. Office Hours are open to all staff regardless of role, and no registration is necessary. Please bookmark the following link as it is a recurring meeting: Compliance Office Hours Link

Compliance Corner April 2026

Stay Connected with Outreach

Stay connected and keep up with everything happening across the agency by following Outreach’s social media:

Need assistance signing up? Contact Communications Manager Michael Stewart at michaelstewart@opiny.org.

Thanks for following!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month