New Outlook Counseling Staff

Charlie Coretto is a passionate and skilled Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, currently serving as the Director of the Mental Health Counseling Program. With a strong commitment to assisting individuals and families facing mental health challenges, Charlie has established himself as a respected leader in his profession.

Charlie began his academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Central CT State University, followed by a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Connecticut. After obtaining his LCSW licensure, Charlie embarked on a fulfilling career, working with diverse populations and addressing a wide range of mental health issues.

Throughout his career, Charlie has gained invaluable experience in areas such as crisis intervention, family therapy, and substance abuse counseling. His deep understanding of mental health complexities has allowed him to create innovative and effective treatment approaches tailored to the unique needs of his clients.

As the Director of the Mental Health Counseling Program, Charlie leads a dedicated team of mental health professionals, offering supervision, guidance, and support to ensure the delivery of exceptional care to those in need. Under his leadership, the program has grown and broadened its range of services, positively impacting countless individuals and families in the community.

Charlie is an active member of various professional organizations, contributing his expertise to the development of best practices and advocacy for policies that promote mental health awareness and access to care. As a recognized expert in his field, he regularly speaks at conferences and workshops, sharing his insights and inspiring others to join the cause.

Outside of his professional life, Charlie is an enthusiastic traveler and nature lover, finding inspiration and tranquility in the great outdoors.

Charlie Coretto’s unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, along with his extensive experience and empathetic approach, make him an invaluable leader in the field of mental health counseling.

Alice’n Castillo is a clinical social work intern with Sacred Heart University. She attended Liberty University where she minored in global studies and majored in social work. Through her years of employment with Catholic Charities, Alice’n has worked with families and individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the greater Danbury area and is now excited to serve as a clinical social work intern with New Outlook.

Judith Delaugere is a warm, empathetic, and supportive Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) committed to providing high-quality mental health care. Fluent in both French and English, Judith is skilled at working with diverse clients, including children, teens, adults, and families. Judith is trained in EMDR standard protocol as well as Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP), Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP) and Group Resource Enhancement Protocol (G-REP).

Judith earned her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University and did undergraduate work to earn her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Columbia University. She is a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Pi and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence and professional development.

With a person-centered approach, Judith creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings, gain self-awareness, and work towards positive change. She has experience treating various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem, and everyday stressors.

Before joining Catholic Charities of Fairfield County’s Behavioral Health Program, Judith was a part of Life Bridge Community Services, where she provided support in the Community Closet. She has also been actively engaged with the Fairfield County OCD Support Group since 2015.

Judith understands the importance of establishing a solid therapeutic alliance and employs evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of her clients. She is dedicated to helping clients develop coping skills, resilience, and self-compassion to navigate life’s challenges and improve their well-being.

In her personal life, Judith is a mother of four and enjoys spending quality time with her family and pets. In addition, she is an avid traveler and enjoys crafting and exploring new cultures in her spare time.

Allison Franz, LCSW, is our newest clinician specializing in behavioral health services at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County. With a strong educational background and extensive experience in the field, Allison is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges.

Allison earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Connecticut State University in May 2013. Recognizing her passion for helping others, she pursued further education and obtained a Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in May 2018. This advanced training equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of clinical practices and interventions.

Throughout her career, Allison has actively contributed to various nonprofits within the DMHAS service system since 2013. Her work primarily focused on assisting individuals with chronic mental illnesses in achieving their personal goals, whether related to vocational pursuits, housing stability, or other crucial aspects of their lives. She possesses a diverse background in working with individuals of all ages, including adults, adolescents, and children, which has enriched her clinical expertise.

With her compassionate approach and professional competence, Allison has provided invaluable support to clients in Danbury and beyond. Her commitment to mental health advocacy is evident in her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about mental illness and promote the importance of comprehensive care.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Allison finds solace and inspiration in nature. Spending time outdoors and nurturing her garden allow her to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance. She also cherishes quality time with her loved ones, recognizing the significance of family support in her personal and professional journey.

Allison’s unwavering dedication to her clients, combined with her extensive experience and passion for mental health advocacy, make her an indispensable asset to the behavioral health team at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County.

Meet Lisa LaGratta, our vibrant and passionate Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, who is committed to helping others live their best lives. Lisa’s journey into the world of therapy was sparked by her enduring interest in people and relationships, leading her to shift gears after a fulfilling 17-year career in sales and client management.

Lisa brings a wealth of experience from her MBA in Marketing and her extensive corporate background. As Lisa continues working with clients in individual, couples and family therapy - Lisa's approach is to help guide them along their life journey and see them each thrive.

Her approach to therapy is refreshingly straightforward—she’s all about helping clients achieve their goals for change while understanding the importance of each client’s unique journey. Lisa’s heart is wide open to working with clients from various backgrounds, embracing diversity in culture, sexuality, and spirituality.

Inspired by her deep curiosity about people’s relationships and life experiences, Lisa found her calling during the Covid-19 pandemic, realizing the profound impact she could make as a Marriage & Family Therapist. She emphasizes the importance of MFTs in creating positive changes in the lives of individuals, couples, and families, fostering love, mindfulness, and self-awareness.

As an active member of CTAMFT, Lisa looks forward to deepening her engagement, attending conferences, and networking events. She envisions a future for our profession where MFTs play a vital role in schools, communities, and corporations, promoting love and bridging family and relational connections.

Jillian Murphy is an empathetic and compassionate MSW intern from Sacred Heart University. Jillian is trauma-informed and strength-based with a focus on the resilience of the human spirit who recognizes the importance of diversity and practices cultural humility with the clients she serves. Jillian has extensive knowledge and skills in the mental health and social work field, as she has worked for Catholic Charities Community Support Program for almost a decade.

In her free time, Jillian enjoys spending time with her parrot, Kiwi and is an avid reader.

Kristine Paz is a highly skilled and compassionate clinician at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County’s Mental Health Counseling Program. With a strong background in social work and a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding mental health, Kristine is dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families in need.

Kristine holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Sacred Heart University, and throughout her career, she has honed her expertise in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Informed Care, and Greif Bereavement. Kristine has attained a certification in Compassionate Bereavement Care from the Center for Loss and Trauma, in collaboration with the MISS Foundation and the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Family Trust.

This diverse skill set enables her to tailor her approach to each client’s unique needs, ensuring they receive the personalized care and attention they deserve.

In her role at Catholic Charities, Kristine works with clients of all ages, helping them navigate life’s challenges and develop the skills necessary to foster resilience, growth, and well-being. Her genuine empathy, attentive listening, and insightful guidance have made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals and families across Fairfield County.

Sacred Heart University recognized Kristine’s remarkable achievements in the Social Work field, awarding her for her unwavering commitment to social justice.

Kristine is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of mental well-being. Her commitment to her clients and dedication to the Catholic Charities mission is truly inspiring, making her an invaluable member of our team.

At Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, we are proud to have Kristine Paz as part of our Mental Health Counseling Program. Her unwavering compassion and expertise continue to make a lasting impact on our community and the lives of those she serves.

I am fortunate to be starting my third career with an internship here at Catholic Charities, first at CSP for case management experience and now at New Outlook for clinical work. Married for 46 years with two children and four soon to be five grandchildren, I have lived in Connecticut since leaving college. I launched from Marist College into an English teaching profession for middle and high school for nearly ten years, and then made a sharp turn into a computer systems profession.

Battle weary from almost 30 years in financial computer systems development, the tide rescued me and brought me to Fordham’s MSW program and the doors of Catholic Charities. A shout out to my wife, who continues to support our lives while I put all my effort into this new phase of my life. I feel like I am growing a new skin, and it feels good. Many thanks to all at CSP and New Outlook for the opportunity, encouragement and professional skill building that fills my day.

Waleska Rosa is a dedicated and passionate bilingual (English and Spanish) social worker serving underserved populations for over a decade. Waleska joined the Catholic Charities team on August 29th, 2022, bringing her a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to helping those in need.

She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Lehman College in 2012 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Fordham University-Graduate School of Social Service in 2018, with a concentration in Clinical Social Work & Community-based Practice & Leadership. Waleska is also a proud member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Before joining Catholic Charities, Waleska was part of the executive team at HELP USA, a national leader in homeless prevention services. In this role, she provided permanent, transitional, and homeless prevention services to underserved populations in New York City. After several years of working in homeless prevention, Waleska decided to transition to a role in therapy, where she could focus on directly impacting the lives of individuals and families.

As a Clinician at Catholic Charities of Fairfield County’s Behavioral Health Program, Waleska adopts a holistic approach to providing short and long-term psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families. She is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment in which clients can explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and work toward personal growth and healing.

In her personal life, Waleska enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, exploring new places, and engaging in various community activities. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to social justice shine through in all aspects of her work, making her an invaluable asset to the Catholic Charities team.

Maryellen Zarnik Silva, APRN, is a deeply committed nurse practitioner with a wealth of experience in various medical fields. Based in Fairfield, Connecticut, she brings her extensive skills and compassionate care to Catholic Charities’ New Outlook Counseling Program.

Maryellen began her nursing journey with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and advanced her expertise with a Master of Science in Nursing, focusing on Critical Care Nursing Education. She also holds a Masters Certificate as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Her dedication to providing top-notch care is evident in her ongoing commitment to furthering her education and skills.

Currently, Maryellen serves as an Internal Medicine Nurse Practitioner with the Department of Corrections in New Haven, CT, where she provides comprehensive care to the male inmate population. Her role includes evaluating patients, creating care plans, diagnosing conditions, and offering both chronic and acute care. Maryellen also mentors nurse practitioner students, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Before this role, Maryellen worked as a Hospitalist Nurse Practitioner at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, CT, where she managed patient care, facilitated discharges, provided patient education, and participated in family meetings. She also served as a General Surgery/Trauma Nurse Practitioner, caring for patients in surgery and trauma departments, mentoring medical students, and collaborating with surgeons.

In family practice, Maryellen has cared for patients of all ages and has been a preceptor for nurse practitioner students. Additionally, she has extensive experience in internal medicine, providing care for adult patients and conducting rounds for nursing home and homebound patients.

Maryellen’s passion for education shone through during her decade-long tenure as an Associate Professor at Marymount University School of Nursing, where she specialized in medical-surgical nursing.

She holds important certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, and Registered Nurse in Connecticut, along with certifications in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Maryellen also maintains DEA and CPS licenses.

Maryellen Zarnik Silva, APRN, exemplifies the spirit of dedication and compassion that Catholic Charities values. Her vast experience, commitment to education, and unwavering dedication to patient care make her an invaluable member of the New Outlook Counseling Program, ensuring our community receives the highest standard of mental healthcare.

Celeste Salka is a highly qualified mental health counselor based in Danbury, with many years of experience in the field. She completed her undergraduate studies in psychology at Western Connecticut State University. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the same institution.

As a licensed professional counselor (LPC), Celeste has completed extensive training and education to provide effective counseling services to individuals of all ages. With her in-depth understanding of the intricate relationship between the mind, body, and spirit, Celeste is equipped to help her clients overcome a wide range of mental health challenges.

She is known for her compassionate and empathetic approach, which creates a safe and supportive environment for clients as they navigate difficult emotions and experiences.

Celeste offers a range of counseling services, including individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. She works with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures and is committed to creating a welcoming space for all who seek her help.

Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, Celeste is dedicated to helping you find the support and guidance you need to lead a fulfilling life.

Annie Sullivan is a dedicated clinician joining Catholic Charities of Fairfield County with a strong commitment to providing compassionate and evidence-based mental health services to individuals and families in need. With a diverse background and extensive experience, Annie is well-equipped to make a meaningful impact within the community.

Annie holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, where she received comprehensive training and developed a deep understanding of clinical social work practices. She also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Justice and Law Administration from Western Connecticut State University, further enhancing their knowledge of the legal system and justice issues.

With a proven track record, Annie has honed her skills while working at reputable organizations. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker she has provided trauma-informed psychotherapy to adults with various mental health diagnoses. Annie is experienced in conducting thorough assessments, developing tailored treatment plans, and providing quality care. Annie also has experience delivering clinical services to high-risk youth and their families, as well as to domestic violence survivors.

With her extensive education and practical experience, Annie brings her skills and passion to Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, working alongside the dedicated team to provide compassionate care and promote holistic well-being for individuals and families in the community.

Bartosz Szczypiorski is a graduate of University of Bridgeport where he earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He has worked as an intern at the Wolf Spirit Counseling and Wellness Center, providing in-person and telehealth psychotherapy, conducting assessments, and keeping confidential health records. He also has clinical experience from his practicum at the University of Bridgeport Counseling Services where he helped students navigate the challenges they face.

Bartosz’s experience includes working as a Case Manager with people struggling with homelessness and mental illness at the Thomas Merton Family Center. By connecting them to resources, coaching them through the obstacles, and advocating on their behalf, Bartosz served the Bridgeport community with compassion and care.

Bartosz believes that if you can figure out the right questions to ask, the answers will become clear. He utilizes motivational interviewing, CBT, and DBT skills focusing on interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance.

In his free time, Bartosz enjoys Historical European Martial Arts, hiking, and miniature war-gaming.