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
Colette Anderson, LCSW
Chairperson
Colette comes to us rich with experience in the field of mental health and substance use. She was the Executive Director of The Connecticut Women’s Consortium where she led statewide and national conferences for the service system.
Prior to that she spent 35 years working in behavioral health for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction services. Her expertise is vast and varied. She has led key initiatives for CT and is also an experienced trainer. Colette was awarded the National Association of Social Workers – CT Social Worker of the Year in 2016.
Her passion and experience is a perfect fit for her new role as Board Chair and we are very excited about what Colette will bring to the TriCircle table.
While Colette is not a person in recovery, she has many years of experience working with individuals and families in recovery and suffered the heartbreaking loss of a nephew from opioids 7 years ago.
Colette is married and the proud mother of two grown girls and has four beautiful grandchildren who mean the world to her! TriCircle could not be happier to have Colette leading our team!
Lamar Terrell
Vice-President
Lamar Terrell, TriCircle’s Board of Directors Vice-President, is a passionate advocate for families, dedicated to establishing vital resources for communities. A proud Army veteran, he served with distinction in the fight against terrorism, defending his country with unwavering commitment. Throughout his career, Lamar has embodied the values of service, leadership, and resilience.
A devoted father and husband, he has always prioritized his family’s well-being while working tirelessly for the betterment of others. His journey has been one of growth and service from his roots as a public-school graduate to becoming a union representative, a political candidate, and ultimately a small business owner. Through each phase of his career, Lamar has demonstrated his deep commitment to community development, supporting both families and local businesses.
With a strong belief in the power of autodidacticism, collaboration, and hard work, Lamar continues to advocate for policies and resources that uplift families and build stronger communities for future generations.
Jeff Russitano
Board Treasurer
Jeff Russitano is the Board Treasurer and 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.
Kyle Rybczyk
Board Member
Kyle Rybczyk, a long time TriCircle Board Member, 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 served as Secretary for the TriCircle Board of Directors in 2023-2024.
Rachel Ciarello
Board Member
Rachel Ciarello has a background focused in senior care. During her 25 years in the field, she has helped to raise awareness, develop strategic partnerships, build collaborations, encourage growth, oversee programs and educate future healthcare providers.
She currently serves as the Regional Director of Business Development & Recruitment at Excel Academy CT and is the Co-Founder and Board Advisor at Endurance Home Care in Stamford.
Her goal as a TriCircle Board Member is to assist with Marketing, Fundraising and Outreach. She has a real passion for helping people who are affected with mental health challenges and the disease of addiction.
Dundee Benson
Board Member
Dundee Benson is a Digital Marketing Specialist at Connoisseur Media. She is an accomplished Business Development Sales Manager with over 18 years of expertise in devising and executing revenue-generating strategies. She has a proven track record of exceeding sales targets, building high performance teams, and expanding market presence. Adept at forging key client relationships and leveraging technology to streamline operations, Dundee is committed to delivering exceptional results and fostering sustainable business growth.
She received the Record Journal “Digital Media Consultant of the Year” for nine years in a row, won the 2023 Community Impact Award from the local Chamber of Commerce and the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Wallingford Education Foundation, which is testimony to her passion for her work.
She loves volunteering in the community and participates by caroling at Christmas time for the residents in the local Homeless Shelter. Special Olympics is near and dear to her heart. She is proud to be a new member of the TriCircle Board of Directors and looks forward to helping TriCircle move its mission and vision forward with her enthusiasm and expertise.
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
Memorial Scholarship Committee
Elizabeth Guidone
Sally Tremaine
Other Supports
- Robert Gollnick, CPA
- Adam Hechler, IT Support
- Bernie & Joanne Staggers
- Mary Headd, Mary Headd Consulting