LAURA C. ZEPPIERI
GLASTONBURY,CT
Summary
A talented networker and tireless champion for all things recovery, as well as being an effective SMART Recovery facilitator trainer, this Project Coordinator is fluent in SMART Recovery and is successful at building strong community connections, while managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Delivering crucial support in organizing events and streamlining processes to enhance efficiency within context of Youth Recovery CT and Wheeler at large, my goal is to continue building and strengthening Youth Recovery CT, including increasing the number of grantees, network of SMART Recovery facilitators (English and Spanish-speaking) in CT. Attentive to detail, I am dependable and successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude who is a willing team player, adept at taking on additional responsibilities to meet YRCT goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Coordinator, Youth Recovery CT
Wheeler
04.2023 - Current
- With support of Supervisor and CCPWR team, Project Coordinator has assumed responsibilities of previous Project Manager after Program Manager's departure in April 2025. Responsibilities include managing all aspects of YRCT grant funding, negotiating contracts with vendors and suppliers, implementing YRCT tracking tools to monitor grantee progress and adherence to YRCT program agreements, timeliness of data.
- Facilitate monthly YRCT network and funders meetings, including preparation of agendas, scheduling guest speakers, ensuring all relevant parties are informed of objectives, items for discussion and for approval by funders.
- Liaise between funders, Wheeler and YRCT, facilitate communication and keep appropriate parties updated on YRCT project developments, grantee inquiries. Prepare and present report including compilation of data for quarterly meeting with funders.
- Collaborate with CCPWR and YRCT team for completion and maintaining of YRCT website. Using Canva and Constant Contact, create and send out monthly e-newsletters for grantee network and for community. Create flyers and registrations for SMART Recovery trainings. Manage registration for trainings, including Trainers by NAADAC and SMART Recovery.
- Establish rapport and engagement with grantees and expand current network of community members and stakeholders to build lasting professional relationships in and outside of YRCT network.
- Train the Trainer (TOT) for SMART Recovery. Volunteer Services Coordinator (VSC) for CT, SMART Recovery 2024-present. Includes training in-person (or virtual) SMART facilitators, monthly outreach to newly-trained SMART Recovery facilitators, implementation and management of monthly Statewide SMART Recovery Facilitator's Networking meeting, coordinating requests for SMART meeting coverage and networking/tabling events, informing CT SMART Recovery facilitators and new trainees of SMART announcements, making sure meetings are registered with SMART Recovery, liaison between SMART Recovery National and CT local SMART Recovery facilitators.
- Attend and participate in tabling events and professional networking events as assigned for Overdose Awareness, Prevention and gambling-specific events. Presented breakout session at 2025 SMART Recovery National Conference, community presentations local college campuses physician's offices, CCMC Care Coordination Forum.
- Presented Stress Management presentation for New Britain Police Department.
Clinician III
Rushford Center, Hartford Healthcare partner
02.2009 - 04.2023
- Clinician III, assessments, all aspects of group process, including documentation, individual and group work with adults 18+ in outpatient (OP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), per diem clinician in adolescent programs. Utilization review. Instituted client events like "Mocksgiving," "Recovery Shark Week," to provide clients with safe opportunity to explore options for use of maintaining recovery during the holidays, during vacations; initiated OP grief support group "Good Mourning" and "Taking a Chance on Recovery," an OP group for participants identifying gambling behavior as problematic.
Private Practice Therapist
FACETS Counseling Services, LLC
04.2013 - Current
- Owner/manager of all aspects of solo private practice, including scheduling, billing, all client contacts, maintaining client records, etc.
Facilitator, "Advocates' Connection" Lawyers' Support Group
Lawyers Concerned For Lawyers
06.2015 - Current
- Facilitate bi-weekly mental health support groups for lawyers, offering resources, topics for mental health and wellness support, stress management techniques.
Substance Abuse Counselor
AHM Youth and Family Services
04.2016 - 03.2018
- First Substance Abuse Counselor to be hired to set up individual counseling on-site at RHAM High School as collaboration between guidance departments and AHM. Individual sessions offered for youth at RHAM HS and at AHM.
Substance Abuse Counselor, Multiple-DUI Offender Program
Commonwealth Group
04.2005 - 01.2010
- Assessments, education and treatment recommendations in multiple DUI-offenders' weekend program.
Education
Post Graduate Certificate of Professional Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT01-2019
Master of Science - Counseling-Substance Abuse
Pace University
Pleasantville1996
Bachelor of Arts - English, Psychology
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY1990
Accomplishments
Founding member, Mental Health Ministry, Sts Isidore and Maria parish, Glastonbury, CT
Group leader, Walking With Purpose Womens' Bible study, Sts Isidore and Maria parish, Glastonbury, CT 2020-2025
Chairperson, Glastonbury Community Action Partnership (GCAP)
Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), State of CT Department of Public Health 2019-present
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), State of CT Department of Public Health 2009-present
Certified Addictions Counselor (CAC), CT Certification Board 2001-present
International Co-Occurring Gambling Specialist
Timeline
Project Coordinator, Youth Recovery CT
Wheeler
04.2023 - Current
Substance Abuse Counselor
AHM Youth and Family Services
04.2016 - 03.2018
Facilitator, "Advocates' Connection" Lawyers' Support Group
Lawyers Concerned For Lawyers
06.2015 - Current
Private Practice Therapist
FACETS Counseling Services, LLC
04.2013 - Current
Clinician III
Rushford Center, Hartford Healthcare partner
02.2009 - 04.2023
Substance Abuse Counselor, Multiple-DUI Offender Program
Commonwealth Group
04.2005 - 01.2010
Post Graduate Certificate of Professional Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
Central Connecticut State University
Master of Science - Counseling-Substance Abuse
Pace University
Bachelor of Arts - English, Psychology
Marist College
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