​Cassie Schend is the Prevention Project Director at The Village for Families and Children. She received her Masters in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut in 2018 and became a Certified Prevention Specialist in 2021. Cassie began her prevention career as a Youth Advocate for the Vernon ROCKS Coalition in 2017 and is now a co-chair for the coalition. Cassie is passionate about using data to inform prevention efforts and youth-driven prevention initiatives.

​Brailee Whan works at the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, a program of BHcare, where she leads community-driven efforts to prevent problem gambling and promote healthy communities. With 2.5 years of experience in the prevention field, she brings a strong passion for advocacy and public education to her work. Brailee holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University, which strengthens her ability to integrate clinical insight with community-based prevention strategies. She is committed to advancing proactive prevention efforts that are rooted in the needs of the communities she serves.

​Chelsea Kapitancek is a Certified Prevention Specialist who works as a Behavioral Health Program Manager at Western Connecticut Coalition, focused on the cannabis awareness and prevention program. She has been working in prevention for the past three years, and joined the WCTC team in 2024. She recently took on the role of CAPP Treasurer. With over a decade of experience in the human services field, she has a deep understanding and passion for building healthier communities throughout Western Connecticut. In the pursuit of being an active learner, she is always looking for new information to weave into her prevention activities, including naloxone administration and suicide prevention trainings, as well as capacity-building and facilitating community discussions. In her spare time, she enjoys being out in nature with her family, crocheting, and getting lost in thrift stores.

Ben serves as a Prevention Specialist at the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, the Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization for Region 2. His passion for prevention began in college, where he was actively involved in Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services. While pursuing a degree in Art and later playing professional sports, Ben remained committed to prevention through community engagement, training, consulting, and mentorship. Since moving to the states, Ben has applied these experiences and passions both at the community and state level. He now lives in Groton, Connecticut.