LIKE Documentary Screening – January 23rd

Wednesday, January 23rd, 7PM
Saxe Middle School

The documentary LIKE explores the impact of social media on our lives and how we can learn to navigate it more safely together. There will be a brief panel discussion following the movie.

Sponsored by New Canaan Cares, Saxe PTC, NCHS PFA and The Riverwalk Group.

Riding the Roller-Coaster of the Adolescent Brain

October 9th, 7PM
NCHS, Wagner Room
Speaker: Ruth Potee, MD

Learn about the developing and vulnerable adolescent brain. Understand why risk taking, constant use of digital devices and mood swings are all part of the adolescent development.

*In partnership with the NC Parent Support Group

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Family Conversations: Helping Youth Make Smart, Healthy Decisions

May 2, 7 PM
NCHS, Wagner Room

Rising freshman and their families explore the ins and outs of high school transition, from schedules and extra curricular to avoiding negative outcomes. Breakout session for youth with high school leaders.

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CARES Welcomes New Executive Director

New Canaan CARES enthusiastically welcomes Ellen Brezovsky, LCSW as our new Executive Director! Ellen knows our community, is already established with our local partners and has outreach in surrounding communities which will serve to enhance our town’s local programs. Most importantly, Ellen is passionate about CARES mission and she has the vision to move our organization into its 40th year and beyond!”

Ellen received her Master’s in Social Work in Program Planning and Clinical Work from Columbia University. Ellen is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of CT and has a long history of working in prevention education and program planning.

Prior to her role as Executive Director of New Canaan CARES, she served as Director of Community Relations at Silver Hill Hospital. She has worked closely with New Canaan Cares and the New Canaan Coalition and is knowledgeable about the issues facing New Canaan’s youth and families. Ellen offers an excellent balance of clinical, program development and community outreach experience.

Ellen spent the previous 18 years working for the City of Stamford Health and Social Services Department in their HIV Prevention Program, first as the HIV Prevention Educator and then as the HIV Prevention Supervisor. Ellen also has consulted at the Stamford Counseling Center as an individual/couple/family therapist. She has also supervised school social workers in the Stamford School Based Health Centers as well as HIV case managers. Ellen began her career as a medical social worker in the AIDS unit at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, NY where she also planned educational programs for both staff and the community.

Additionally Ellen serves on the Board of Directors for a new non-profit, the Youth Mental Health Project whose goal is
to empower families and communities to act with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to support the social, emotional, mental, and behavioral health of youth.