About Us
Mission
New Canaan CARES is an independent, non-profit community organization whose purpose is to advance the health and well-being of youth and families. CARES provides responsive educational programs that support and strengthen parenting skills, positive youth development, and healthy lifestyles – free-of-charge.
Local Prevention Council
New Canaan CARES is the state-sponsored Local Prevention Council for the Town of New Canaan. As the LPC, New Canaan CARES helps to organize and facilitate the New Canaan Coalition – a group of affected families, community organizations, concerned citizens, faith organizations, first responders, government, the recovery community, schools and youth organizations, and treatment centers, committed to enhancing the lives of New Canaan youth and families through education, prevention, and positive programs.
The specific goals of LPCs are to increase public awareness of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention and stimulate the development and implementation of local prevention activities primarily focused on youth.
OUR TEAM
Executive Director
Colleen Prostor
cprostor@newcanaancares.org
Colleen has an extensive background with New Canaan nonprofits and charitable works. She has vast knowledge of New Canaan, is dedicated to serving the community and has a proven track record of success leading organizations and fundraising events.
Colleen is passionate about investing in the education of children in the New Canaan Community, and her values align wholeheartedly with NC Cares’ mission to advance the health and well-being of youth and families.
She knows the importance of engaging the entire community and looks forward to working with those who have so strongly supported CARES over the years and to developing relationships with those who aren’t as familiar with our organization.
With a dedicated, engaged Board of Directors, talented staff, and passion for providing programs that support the youth, families and New Canaan Community as a whole, Colleen is well-equipped and excited to be leading CARES.
Education & Program Manager
Maureen Asiel, MPH
Maureen’s career has focused on public health and healthcare management. She has a diverse background working in healthcare insurance, innovative startups, and pharmaceuticals with a depth of knowledge in technology. After a long tenure at Pfizer, Maureen began supporting her local community through educational initiatives, student enrichment programs, and a healthcare clinic that partially supports an at-risk population. Maureen believes in the power of education to promote positive behavior and wellness. In addition to her rich experience, Maureen holds a bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and a Masters from Yale School of Public Health.
Staff
East School Kelly Foran Tuller
South School Destiny Ikard
West School Erin Gutelius
Saxe Middle School PTC Co-Presidents: Emily Cerone & Sallie VanDam
NC High School PFA Presidents: Kristin Grzymski & Tia Whinery
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Collaborative Programs are presented to and with local organizations, in response to community concerns.
OUR SPONSORS
