​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.

Melvin attended Curry College where as a double major he studied Psychology and Philosophy. During his time at Curry Wells was involved in the Student Athletes Leadership Program focusing on resolving social issues on campus. Wells was also a 4-year member of The Curry College Football team where he earned a selection as team captain, becoming the second African American captain of the football team in college history. Concluding his time at Curry College Wells was selected as orator of the class of 2021, where on May 23 of that year Wells delivered a powerful speech that echoed the importance of determination and perseverance. After returning home from college Wells in his spare time began coaching football at Hamden Hall Country Day School where his love of sports and desire to guide youth continue to grow together. Melvin is a Research Assistant 1 HSS at The Consultation Center at Yale University.

Kiersten Naumann earned her Master’s of Public Administration in Health Policy & Management from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. After graduation, she worked for the Deafness Research Foundation’s National Campaign for Hearing Health, as Director of Development & Media Relations, in Washington, DC. After returning to Connecticut, she worked as the Development Director at Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport, and then as a Substitute Teacher for the Milford Public Schools. Kiersten is the Prevention Coordinator for the Town of Trumbull and TPAUD, Trumbull’s Prevention Partnership. She is a Certified Youth Mental Health First Aid and QPR Suicide Prevention trainer, a Certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist, and holds a Certificate of Competency in Gambling Prevention from the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.

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.