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. It’s been over 28 years now that Ana has identified herself as a woman in recovery, 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
Clinicians
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
- Caitlin Boots, LMFT
- 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
- Kristy Thrall
- Asia Velazquez
Committees and Other Supports
Media & Newsletter Committee
- Trish Williams
- Lenore McLean
- Ceci Iliff
- Piper Schwab
- Melissa Gionfriddo
Memorial Scholarship Committee
Trish Williams
John Bialobrzeski
Elizabeth Guidone
Sally Tremaine
Other Supports
- Robert Gollnick, CPA
- Adam Hechler, IT Support
- Bernie Staggers, Photography