Mission Statement
TriCircle is an organization that provides resources for individuals, families, and communities affected by the disease of addiction. Through education and community engagement, it is dedicated to providing the tools that build strong futures.
Vision Statement
Company Description
Since its inception, TriCircle has surpassed many milestones. We have reached a pivotal point in our evolution as an organization.
TriCircle has succeeded in changing the conversation about substance use disorders by providing much needed services. The support we have received has helped us evolve into a substantial force for good. At breakneck speed, we have strengthened our brand, recruited more talented professionals, established many new connections, collaborated with strong partners, held multiple community engagement events, and hosted educational webinars!
We have grown our reach and influence in Connecticut by establishing clinical services, opening a resource center, and hosting in person and virtual Hope & Support Groups as well as Hope After Loss Groups in towns across the state. At no cost to attendees, these meetings are all staffed by qualified professionals who are committed to our cause.
Together WE are Stronger! As we fully engage our communities in this conversation, we strengthen our presence and clearly demonstrate what our mission and vision bring to the table. We are dedicated to creating real, long-term solutions for individuals, families, and communities affected by substance use disorders and the disease of addiction. We will not stop until we reach full implementation.
Meet the Founder
Ana M. Gopoian
Founder and Executive Director of TriCircle
Found Recovery July 13, 1995
Ana has a strong personal commitment to explore multiple pathways for recovery and treatment options. She continues to cultivate resources to create continuity to connect individuals and their families to sustainable long-term options.
Growing up on the west side of Wallingford (Yalesville), CT, Ana experienced trauma and went on to manage and self-medicate herself, losing her way in life at a young age, leading her down a path that wasn’t conducive to meeting healthy social norms. Despite her misguided experiences and adversities, she is now enjoying success in many areas in life. Ana has been identifying herself as a woman in recovery for many years, which means she hasn’t misused substances, including alcohol, since July 13, 1995.
Ana has had the honor of doing service work in many communities across Connecticut and has shared her recovery story both nationally and internationally. Ana has a very colorful and motivating way of sharing her journey, leaving her audiences hopeful, and inspired.
A believer that success cannot be achieved alone, Ana strives for win-win outcomes. Her diverse network has aided her in helping many people. Humble and open to opportunities to learn about the disease of addiction, she has remained an asset to those affected by substance use disorders and possible co-occurring mental health challenges.
After 26 years in a corporate career, Ana has transitioned all her energies into TriCircle, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This company was created to support needed change, build solutions, while providing support, education, and resources needed in all Connecticut communities. Ana believes that bringing TriCircle to full implementation will fulfill her lifetime purpose to serve.
Ana integrates complementary methodology and techniques to help individuals effectively address their life challenges. She supports families, loved ones and communities across the state who are affected by addiction as well as the families that have had a loved one(s) die due to a drug related passing. Ana will continue to find solutions, and resources needed to thrive in life.
At the age of 42, with 10 years of recovery, Ana enrolled in college for the first time. Years later, education still drives her passion and purpose. She has had the privilege of sharing her recovery story in many places. Ana has also been documented as part of the “I Am Not Anonymous” project. http://www.iamnotanonymous.org/ana. More recently Ana was given the opportunity the participate in the documentary, “Silence on the Streets” and share a piece of TriCircle Restoration LLC’s educational tool, “The 169 Paraphernalia Walking Project.” Everyone Knows Someone and each of the 169 towns of CT have been affected.
Ana regularly says that the shame, guilt, isolation, and stigma that surrounds individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction is just as detrimental as the disease itself. The opposite of addiction is connection, and Together WE are Stronger!
Board of Directors
Emily Noonan
Chairperson
Dennis McKelvey
Vice Chairperson
John Bialobrzeski
Secretary
John Bialobrzeski worked for 35 years for the Labor Department at both the State and Federal levels, retiring as the Unemployment Insurance Director for the State of Connecticut. John has a BA in Urban Studies/Geography from Saint Anselm College and a JD from Western New England University School of Law.
The father of three children, he was active in the Durham, CT community while his children were growing up, including serving for several years as treasurer for the Parent Teacher Association. With Janet Rooney, his wife of 35 years, he currently lives in Southbury, CT, serving on his condo board and working part-time for the US Department of Agriculture.
Luke, John and Janet’s oldest son, died September 5, 2015, at the age of 28 from the disease of addiction.
Jeff Russitano Sr.
Board Member
Jeff Russitano is a seasoned
financial professional with over 35 years of experience in both personal and corporate finance, including leadership roles at organizations such as UnitedHealthcare Group and
ESPN. A Connecticut native, Jeff specializes in retirement planning, with a focus on dividend and interest-bearing strategies designed to help clients generate reliable income, manage risk, and build a retirement plan they won’t outlive.
Jeff is deeply committed to financial education and community outreach. He regularly leads workshops on topics such as Investing for Income and Required Minimum Distributions—empowering
individuals to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Originally from Monroe, Jeff now lives in Wallingford, Connecticut with his wife and their two adult children. He graduated magna cum laude from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and later earned his MBA with a concentration in Business from the University of Phoenix.
Outside of work, Jeff enjoys traveling, golfing, skiing, and exploring his passion for cooking. Above all, he values time with his family, who remain the cornerstone of his life.
Lamar Terrell
Board Member
Kyle Rybczyk
Board Member
Kyle Rybczyk is a Nurse Practitioner and the Director of the Human Research Protections Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. His clinical background is in Infectious Diseases (HIV, Hepatitis C, and COVID) and leading research programs of HIV and COVID vaccines. He is a newer resident to Connecticut, and he served as Secretary for the TriCircle Board of Directors in 2023-2024.
Clinicians
Jonathan Beazley
Jonathan Beazley, LADC, LMFT, is the Alcohol and Other Drug Interventionist at the University of Connecticut, Storrs Campus, and has served in this role since 2009. He is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Connecticut and has been in the field of behavioral health since 1979. He earned his BA in Psychology at Penn State University and completed his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Connecticut State University. Throughout his career he has served in numerous clinical and supervisory roles across the spectrum of organizations treating mental health and substance use. He is a frequent presenter and educator on subjects associated with substance use disorders and other mental health issues. Finally, he is the co-author of the 2018 book: Cannabis on Camps: Changing the Dialogue in the Wake of Legalization.
Mike Black
Mike Black is Licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health as a Professional Counselor Associate and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Michael brings over 25 years of experience in health care, mental health, and addiction treatment to his practice. He has served as the Clinical Director for a licensed alcohol and drug treatment center as well as having served as a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) psychotherapist, where he assisted trauma victims in recovering their sense of safety and security and helped them move forward with their lives. Mike has also served as a veterans’ advocate and therapist for service members who have experienced significant trauma while serving their country. Mike emphasizes the importance of building a strong relationship with people by taking the needs of the client and building a strong therapeutic relationship. Therapy can be uncomfortable at times, but Mike strives to make each client feel heard and valued. Michael specializes in the treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and men’s issues around relationships, depression. and anxiety.
Supportive Professionals
Support Group Facilitators, Licensed Professionals:
- Jonathan Beazley, LMFT, LADC
- Michael Black, LPC, LADC
- Bill Buller, LMSW, LADC
- Christina Caputo, LMFT
- Margaret O’Hagan Lynch, LPC
- Karen Zebrowski, LCSW
Support Group Facilitators, Paraprofessionals:
- Angivette “Angie” Acevedo
- Bill Buller, LMSW, LADC
- Ken Cairns
- Martha P. Garibaldi
- Ana M. Gopoian
- John Johnson
- Paula LaJoie
- Julie Lyons
- Rachel McCullough-Smith
- Maryvette Morales
- Asia Velazquez
Committees and Other Supports
Media & Newsletter Committee
- Melissa Gionfriddo
- Ceci Iliff
- Lenore McLean
- Mary Headd, Mary Headd Consulting
Memorial Scholarship Committee
Elizabeth Guidone
Sally Tremaine
Other Supports
- Robert Gollnick, CPA
- Adam Hechler, IT Support
- Bernie & Joanne Staggers