Jennifer Knight-Levine
CEO | Co-Founder
Jknight-levine@safecoalitionma.org
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I am a graduate of both Franklin High School and Framingham State University and began my career in the field of mental health in 2008. Starting in Massachusetts, I worked with adults in recovery from mental illness and later worked with adolescents in the foster care system in southern California. During my time in California my work primarily focused on implementing a groundbreaking three-year health and wellness state research contract dedicated to developing alternative holistic therapies to encourage behavioral and emotional self-regulation, increasing family relationships, and decreasing the use of psychotropic medication. In 2014, I began a doctoral program at Pacifica Graduate Institute in Depth Psychology with an emphasis on Community, Liberation, and Eco-psychology. Upon moving back to Massachusetts, I returned to working with adults in recovery and am dedicated to supporting those in the community who are affected by opioid addiction. As a Franklin Girls Ice Hockey alumni, I am an avid Bruins fan, an enthusiast of the mountains, and a lover of country music.
James Derick
Director of Family Recovery | Co-Founder
Jim Derick is a parent who knows about the devastating impact of Substance Use Disorder. His son Jack battled this illness for over 15 years and it was this struggle that led Jim to help form SAFE. On July 15, 2022 Jack died of an accidental overdose. Jim remains committed to helping families impacted by mental health and substance misuse challenges.
Jim spent 22 years in the risk management field. In 2015 he co-founded SAFE and was elected as its' first president. Jim dedicates most of his time to family recovery and is furthering his education at Hartford Family Institute to become certified in body-centered psychotherapy.
Jim is a facilitator for Road to Recovery, a 12-step support program for family members and Learn to Cope, a support group for families and loved ones impacted by Substance Use Disorder. Jim also serves on the Franklin Public Schools Substance Abuse Task Force.
Wendy Cohen, M.D.
I am a family physician and have been providing primary care in Southeastern New England for the past 14 years. I currently practice at, and co-own, Infinity Family Care in Mansfield, MA and live in Foxboro with my husband and two children. Over the years, I have witnessed the effects of opioid addiction on our communities and the practice of medicine, as well as the terrible toll this disease takes on individuals and their families. I am thrilled to have connected with the SAFE Coalition to be able to help educate more of our community and provide better support and resources for my patients and their families. I have a particular interest in increasing awareness about Narcan and improving its availability to any potential bystander to an overdose.
Robert Dellorco
I am a Franklin Town Council member and work at Massport Authority. I was a Vice President for Franklin Pop Warner League and Pop Warner and high school football coach, CYO basketball coach, Babe Ruth baseball coach, and am a member of the Franklin Recreational Committee. I want to be a part of the solution to this epidemic affecting our community. We have lost one too many young people to this growing problem of drug addiction. I am just one of the many members of this community that believe that together we can make a difference.
Mary Graham-Louise
I am a former Foxboro computer business owner who was always interested in medicine and helping those less fortunate. In my 50’s, I decided to leave my company and return to school to become a Registered Nurse. Currently, I work as a nurse at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program on Albany Street near the infamous Methadone Mile. Many of our patients are struggling with Substance Use Disorder and I had noticed an uptick in the number of individuals seeking our services. Knowing what was trending in the Boston, I was curious to explore what was happening in the suburbs and in my own back yard in Wrentham. I found a group of individuals, at the SAFE Coalition, working hard to help individuals and families navigate the road to treatment and recovery. The stigma and urgency of this deadly epidemic have grabbed my attention! As a result, I am bringing my expertise to the table with this group, to see how we can manifest change in our towns and state and help steer the direction for positive solutions to those suffering from addiction.
Lesley Hazeldine
I grew up in the Town of Foxborough and currently reside in Mansfield. I have worked at the Wrentham District Court since 1996 where I am currently an Assistant Clerk-Magistrate. As the face of the Civil Department at the courthouse, one of my duties is to meet with family members when they come to court seeking a commitment of a loved one suffering from substance use disorder. In the past, the process of civilly committing a person was frustrating for all parties involved. I am encouraged by recent and evolving changes in the law that have made the courts more accessible and also make community assistance more attainable. A volunteer for SAFE since 2016, I hope that my knowledge and passion make me a valuable member of the Board of Directors which I recently joined.
Michelle Kelley
I have worked in the Trial Court for 23 years and am currently the Clerk-Magistrate at the Wrentham District Court. I began my career at the Somerville District Court at a time when the majority of the substance abuse commitments were only alcohol related. I have observed the evolution of the opioid crisis from the frontline at the courthouse. In recent years, it has been extremely gratifying to watch the stigma of addiction slowly being erased. At the Wrentham District Court and through the SAFE Coalition, we strive to provide access to the entire community by working in collaboration with police, fire, schools and medical professionals. We take pride in helping private citizens affected by substance use disorder navigate the difficult process of getting help. I live in the Town of Norfolk with my husband and two children.
Michelle Kelley
MEMBER
Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy
Rep. Jeff N. Roy was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for the 10th Norfolk District in 2012. He is the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Ethics. He also serves as a member of the Committees on Judiciary, Labor and Workforce Development, and Ways and Means. In 2011, he was elected to the Town Council in the Franklin, Massachusetts, where he served for two years. From 2001 through 2011, he served on the Franklin School Committee, and served as its Chairman for 9 of his 10 years of service with that board. He is married to Maureen and has three children, ages 25, 22, and 19.
Steven Spiewakowski
I have worked within the Massachusetts Criminal Justice System for 26 years, the last 17 supervising adult offenders within the community. Over the last 5 years, I have seen far too many people succumb to substance use disorder. The majority of adults who have become court-involved have experienced substance misuse. Having experienced the frustration of not being able to secure appropriate resources for those who struggle with substance abuse disorders, I am extremely heartened that this wonderfully diverse group of dedicated stakeholders has come together to take these issues on.
Brian Hamlin
TREASURER
I am a family business owner, parent of three great children, husband to my wife Robin and know first hand the overwhelming circumstances a family can go through with addiction. It all started with a simple shoulder surgery. Since 2004 we have experienced the brutal life that substance abuse can lead you to. I have been doing public speaking now over 5 years on the trial and tribulations of substance abuse and the toll it can take on a family and friends. More importantly I speak openly to help others understand that feeling of being the ONLY one this is happening to. I wanted to do more in our community for substance abuse and driving down Rte 1 one day I saw a billboard for SAFE Coalition. I didn’t hesitate.
Meredith Poulten
MEMBER
I am a retired school adjustment counselor from the Medway Public School System. Having worked for over 35 years as a counselor and a licensed social worker on a variety of issues including depression, suicide, and drug use and abuse, I have witnessed first- hand the devastation that drugs can bring to an individual and family. As well as working with these issues through individual and group therapy, I established many programs such as Peer Counseling, TADA (Diversity group) and SOS (depression/suicide). Through my work and positions on the Board of Directors of Ben Speaks, the Samaritans, and In the Best Interests of the Children, as well as the Adolescent Advisory Committee for Milford Hospital, I have actively volunteered and stayed current on these issues. As a mother and grandmother living in Millis, I continue to see an ongoing, if not increasing, need for more support, education, and services in the community. I joined the SAFE Coalition in order to do whatever I can to help with this need.
Val Comerford
MEMBER
Val Comerford is the Director of Recovery and Employment for the Department of Mental Health in Central Massachusetts. BS, Certified Peer Specialist, Forensic Peer Specialist, Older Adult Peer Specialist. Val has worked in and been a part of the mental health system since 1993. She worked as the Program Director for Crossroads Clubhouse in Massachusetts for 23 years. She was an early pioneer in the peer movement as well as a strong leader and advocate for Dual Recovery Anonymous. Val has been open about her lived experience of mental health issues and addiction recovery before it was fashionable to do so. She has demonstrated a willingness to tell her story when it is helpful for others to hear. In her current position, Val serves as the Director of Recovery and Employment for DMH in the Central Mass Area. She provides support, consultation and supervision to both the community and hospital-based peer workforce and dual recovery efforts. She also provides peer support at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) groups.
Michael Colecchi
MEMBER
Michael Colecchi is a Patrol Sergeant and over the last 6 years has worked with the Franklin Police Department. Prior to his position of Sergeant, Michael worked as the department’s Narcotic Detective for 3 years. In this position Michael was able to learn first-hand the impact of substance use in our community and the effect it has on residents. Michael and the Franklin Police Departments Jail Diversion Clinician were responsible for conducting at home follow-ups with all overdose victims and their families to ensure they had knowledge of and access to the supportive services and treatment programs in the area. Michaels interest in substance use began when he was trained as a Drug Recognition Expert and became responsible for evaluating citizens under the influence of narcotics. SAFE is incredibly thankful for Michaels service and support in our community.
Carrie Asprinio
Carrie Asprinio is the COO of SAFE, and was drawn to its mission as a recovery and sexual abuse advocate, local resident, and business owner. Carrie is the CEO and founder of Ascension Digital Partners, and a co-founder of Boston-based fintech Numerated. While at Numerated, Carrie led the bank products team, as well as built out and led the implementation and customer success functions. She is a 15 year veteran of Wells Fargo, where she had increasing levels of responsibility in commercial banking and asset management. She holds a degree in Marketing from Santa Clara University, and an MBA from Golden Gate University. She lives in Norfolk with her husband, two boys, and Labrador.
D’Angela Alberty
D’Angela Alberty (she/they) is a lifelong learner, Criminal Justice graduate, Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Advocate, Meditation & Yoga Teacher, Energy Healer, Trauma Informed Coach, & business owner. Choosing to focus on her physical wellness, D’Angela became a Certified Health & Wellness Coach in September 2021. D’Angela has 200+ hours of yoga training, ranging from vinyasa focus to trauma-informed practices. D’Angela is a survivor of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse and has been free from all of the abuse for over a year now. She is also a solo parent to three young children ages 6, 3, & 2. D’Angela has opened her own business, Emotional Rebirth, LLC, to help trauma survivors break free of their story by reconnecting to their personal power. D’Angela is the Certified Trauma Informed Counselor here at SAFE and the Social Media Director. Find D'Angela on her Instagram or highly popular TikTok page.
Chavelyn Santana
Chavelyn graduated with her bachelor’s in science, in psychology. She experienced how individuals and families in need of support become marginalized. Chavelyn’s faith, passion, and sense of community are her driving force! Through Lasell University Chavelyn completed Research studies and co-authored “Affective judgement of social touch on a hand associated with hand embodiment”, which allowed her the opportunity to work with a multigenerational population. Chavelyn has completed internships at the Dept. of Children and Families, and BMC Adult Probation in Boston. She worked alongside with children, teens, and adults in their hardest and happiest moments. Chavelyn transitioned to Riverside Community Care and in various roles provided administrative and community support to the large community we worked with. Both in her professional and personal experiences has led her to the importance of empathy, connection, and empowerment to individuals in need. Believing in the mission of SAFE, Chavelyn is ready to provide a helping hand!
Alli Stokowski
I am an LICSW, earning both my Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Social Work, though my initial tendency to navigate towards the role of “helper” began at a young age. My experiences thus far have entailed a variety of roles providing outreach and clinical services to individuals, groups and families across Massachusetts. My experience has allowed me to support some of the most vulnerable people including those with chronic physical and behavioral health concerns, those living in poverty, survivors of trauma and intimate partner violence as well as those with co-occurring substances use disorders. I also provided families and their children with clinical support while navigating the anxiety, fear, isolation and associated impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I often work closely with school systems, medical providers, DCF, DMH and other community organizations. I recently established a private practice providing psychotherapy to individuals, where I utilize a combination of psychodynamic, CBT and solution-focused counseling to help my clients navigate the stressors of our daily lives. My approach is often rooted in identifying the ineffective boundaries in our interpersonal relationships that lead to increased anxiety, anger and other suffering. I provide evidence-based treatment and strive to convey empathy and compassion to my patients. I enjoy traveling, cooking (mostly eating), any sort of live music and especially working on jigsaw puzzles!
Emma Kelley
Emma graduated from UMass Amherst with her bachelor’s in psychology and legal studies. She has always had an interest in the intersection between mental health and how the court system responds. She has interned at Wrentham District Court working with Section 35 cases, and at Riverside Community Care. She graduated at the start of the pandemic, and with everything shut down, she moved to Nantucket, MA. She worked at the Boys and Girls Club where she discovered her passion of working with children and adolescents. Now, she is dedicated to helping adolescents through a holistic lens. I enjoy playing the piano, yoga, meditation, and any other mindfulness activity I can find!
Emilee Purdee
Emilee grew up in Franklin and currently resides in Framingham. She has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Curry College and a Masters in Social Work from Salem State University. Emilee currently works in the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office in the Special Victims Unit as a Victim Witness Advocate. Prior to working in the DA's office, Emilee worked for NewHope, a non-profit that works with survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence. Emilee has been volunteering for SAFE in multiple capacities since 2019 (Peer to Peer, Section 35 Advocacy and Hidden in Plain Sight). When not working or volunteering, Emilee can be found hiking,usually with her camera in hand, reading, and cheering on the Hometown teams.
Paul Molla
Paul Molla is the Co-Founder of the local Non- Profit, Random Smile Project, Inc. He is a Captain on the Franklin Fire Department. Paul has lived locally and has seen the devasting effects of the Substance Abuse and the Mental Health Crisis affecting our community. He wants to be part of the solution to this epidemic. Paul lives in Wrentham with his wife and three daughters
Oomiaya Kawas
Oomiya received their bachelors degree from UMASS Amherst in Community Health Education. They have 15 years of experience in the fields of education, healthcare, and community based mental health/ substance use prevention services. Oomiya specializes in developing culturally conscious, trauma informed, equity centered programming that speaks to the emergent needs of the community. Oomiya's workshops deepen connections and stregthen communities through vulnerable and courageous conversations about gender and sexuality. Oomiya believes in the power of authenticity in our ability to thrive as individuals and as a community. She is a life long learner, and loves to try new experiences and meet new people.
Lindsay Semas
Lindsay Semas brings a strategic skill set to the SAFE Board of Directors. She is a passionate problem solver, driven by efficiency and effectiveness. She has a strong background in strategy, financial management, building and scaling teams, and driving results for small and mid-sized growth companies. She currently serves as the Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development at Interactions, LLC. A conversational artificial intelligence company located in Franklin. Lindsay is the founding leader of the Women’s Leadership Group at Interactions and is an active member of the company’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
She holds a MBA and BA in Accounting from Salve Regina University. She is a member of the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame where she has been recognized for her outstanding achievements and leadership as a member of the women’s basketball team.
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Lindsay was drawn to the SAFE Coalition because she appreciates the value of quality education and support during difficult times. Such services have made a significant difference in her life when dealing with post-partum depression/anxiety and family experiences with substance use. Lindsay resides in Norfolk with her husband John and children Audrey and Gus.
Richard Alberts
Rick has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Suffolk University. Recently retired Rick spent over 40 years in Finance and Human Resource management including almost 15 years at Putnam Investments. Rick served on various client advisory boards and was a frequent speaker at conferences. He was elected to the Franklin Town Council in the early 90’s where he served 2 terms. Volunteered as a youth coach and served on local youth and high school boards. Currently you can hear Rick as the voice of the Franklin Panthers announcer on local cable TV. He has been involved with previous fundraising events serving as the co-chair on a scholarship committee. Rick is married to Audrey and has 2 children Kristen and Tim along with 2 grandkids Kinsley and Griffin.
Cobi Frongillo
Cobi Frongillo (he/him) is a Franklin Town Councilor, committed to community connectedness and people-oriented service. After graduating from Franklin High School, Cobi received dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Economics, with an environmental science minor, from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He went on to receive his Master’s in Public Policy the following year. Cobi advocates for future generations as a policy researcher for the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. He believes deeply in the SAFE Coalition's work and strives to support the mission in any way he can.