News, Events & Press

Worker's Compensation Trust Recognizes CMHA

CMHA has been a member of The Workers’ Compensation Trust of Connecticut since 2001. Recently, on behalf of the agency, Chief Human Resources Officer Shawn Lewinson, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Mary Gilhuly, and CMHA President & CEO Raymond J. Gorman received a plaque from The Trust commemorating CMHA’s longtime membership and involvement.

“We have enjoyed working with the Trust over the last 20 years to manage risk, control costs, and of course provide excellent service to our employees.” said Shawn Lewinson, Chief Human Resources Officer.

The Workers’ Compensation Trust is a comprehensive workers’ compensation insurance program designed to meet the unique needs of the Connecticut healthcare and human service industries. The Trust was formed in 1981 for the sole purpose of providing a cost-effective alternative to the traditional insurance market for healthcare and human service employers in the State. Membership consists of over 450 employers representing over 60,000 employees in the healthcare industry.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SEPTEMBER SPOTLIGHT RECIPIENTS!

Molly Satalino, Assistant Clinical Director

A stellar Ambassador for CMHA, Molly continuously advocates for the agency and furthers our involvement with the community. Recently recognized as a "Living Legend" by the Consolidated School District of New Britain, she also continues to represent CMHA within the ongoing New Britain Recovers initiative with aplomb. Congratulations, Molly!

Tanya Banas, Assistant Program Officer

Tanya Banas has played an integral role in maintaining services across the agency, especially IOP and AOP, during the course of the pandemic. Tanya advocates for staff, cultivates agency talent, and finds countless ways - both big and small - to boost morale and have a little fun, all while keeping her team informed. Thank you so much for all you do ,Tanya!

Sol Karnuk, Practice Manager

For nearly 15 years, Sol Karnuk's fast-paced, indomitable work ethic and supportive leadership have helped shape CMHA's client-facing services. Never one to be caught standing still, Sol is a resource to staff across the agency. Just recently, she helped realize the new, centralized CMHA Call Center that will increase accessibility and streamline our intake process. For this and all you do every day: Thank you, Sol!

Let's Get Real, Let's Talk Recovery

 While CMHA champions #Recovery all year long, we make a special effort during September: National Recovery Month.

Early in the day on August 31, CMHA was invited by Senator Richard Blumenthal to join the Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance's 'call to action' overdose awareness event in Hartford.

Mary Gilhuly, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President attended, as did Molly Satalino, Assistant Clinical Director who spoke at the event to highlight the importance of behavioral health services and community support in fighting back against the ongoing opioid epidemic. Thank you for speaking and representing the agency at this important event!

CMHA also participated in the Overdose Awareness Vigil in Walnut Hill Park, New Britain. The event, initiated and championed by Czes Dzierlatka, Lead Peer Recovery Coach reminded our community that you are not alone and Recovery is not only possible, it’s real.

Thank you to the event organizers, New Britain Parks and Recreation Department, NBRecovers, and all partner agencies for making the evening so impactful. We'd like to give a special thank you to Czes Dzierlatka, Lead Peer Recovery Coach for speaking at the event and leading his colleagues and community members in the memorial lantern release at the event's conclusion.

Also in September, Assistant Program Officer Chris Porcher facilitated a virtual panel discussion on "Faith Based Organizations' Impact on Recovery."

Porcher was joined by Michele Stewart-Copes of SEET Consultants, Pastor Sam Blanks from Spottswood AME Zion Church, Dr. Michael D. Bailey of The First Cathedral, and Tim Feeney, Certified Recovery Coach. Their discussion focused on the role faith-based organizations have in reducing the stigma surrounding behavioral health and addiction within our diverse communities.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AUGUST SPOTLIGHT RECIPIENTS!

Chris Marino, Clinical Director

For his significant contributions to the community, Chris Marino, Clinical Director was recently nominated as a "Living Legend" of New Britain. The Consolidated School District of New Britain invited Chris to be interviewed by their Grade K-3 summer students, where he discussed his work, hobbies, and involvement in the community. Well done, Chris!

Dawn Zabek, Clinical Director I

The pandemic continues to impact how we provide services and manage our programs - especially those for children and families. Dawn Zabek, Clinical Director I in Waterbury has wonderfully handled numerous changes and challenges, working tirelessly to ensure that our clients and their families continue to receive the best care possible. Kudos to you, Dawn!

Maria Torres, Residential Monitor

CMHA's Residential staff provide around-the-clock care to some of our most vulnerable clients, and helping them cope with the ongoing pandemic has not been easy. Maria Torres, Residential Monitor at Harvest House has a unique way of engaging residents, and is able to reach even the most challenging clients 'where they're at'. Maria, you truly care about their well-being, and it shows every day. Thank you, Maria!