Sara Zaientz

LCSW, Executive Director and Therapist

“You fight for what’s right, you set that vision of where we could be—and then you go after it” Chandini Portteus

Sara completed her Masters in Social Work at Boston University in 2002, where she trained as a clinician and as an advocate for our society’s most vulnerable individuals and groups. Prior to joining WYFS in 2017, Sara worked as a clinician, supervisor, and administrator for programs including youth emergency mobile crisis, outpatient mental health, and home-based clinical programs.

In her role as Executive Director, Sara loves to support the dedicated clinicians, staff, and interns who comprise the WYFS team. She is committed to ensuring that WYFS continues to provide affordable and accessible counseling and wellness programming to all of the unique members of our community’s diverse population.

Vito Iallonardo

LCSW, Therapist, Clinical Supervisor

Vito Iallonardo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of extensive experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Vito has been a clinician with WYFS since 2022.

Vito provides individual therapy to primarily adolescents and adults for the treatment of anxiety, depression, ADHD, phase of life problems, and anger. Additionally, he offers parenting support with strategies for managing challenging behaviors and enhancing parent-child relationships.Vito’s therapeutic approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Strengths Based Therapy. He believes in the inherent value of developing a collaborative relationship with his clients, to identify therapeutic goals and choosing a path forward. With Vito’s non-judgmental and compassionate approach, clients can expect professional and evidenced-based support towards healing and personal growth.

Athena James

LMSW, Therapist and Lead Assessment Therapist

(She/Hers) Athena graduated from Fordham University in clinical studies and joined WYFS in 2019. Prior to joining the team at WYFS Athena’s work included overseeing arts education classes, with a emphasis on social justice and critical thinking, for students who would otherwise go without. She also utilized art therapy techniques in hospital settings to support patients and staff during stressful life transitions.

Athena’s practice is a strength based approach and believes each individual and family has the power to create the positive changes they desire. She enjoys working with children (as young as 5) and their families on issues such as anxiety, grief/loss, and phase of life. She encourages exploration of patterns that may not benefit the client and works to find new tools to increase quality of life. Athena utilizes a variety of approaches and upon meeting with the client will have a better understanding of how to best collaborate to meet the client’s goals.

Kim Wood

LMFTA, Therapist

Kim offers a compassionate, non-judgmental, and collaborative approach with clients. Through curiosity, communication, and connection, she encourages and empowers clients to find solutions. Kim believes that all clients have an innate ability to heal through strengthening and rediscovering the connection to SELF and others. There are times in life when we can get stuck and just need some encouragement and support to move through the discomfort and challenges of life. Kim will assist you with redefining and rediscovering parts of yourself that have been lost. Sometimes we just need to explore roles that are no longer serving us and let these go as we allow for new experiences and roles to redefine our present and transform our future.

Kim brings thirty years of experience as an educator and special educator. In addition to a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central Connecticut State University, Kim holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education. This extensive experience working in the field of education has provided insight into the unique challenges of parenting today and the unique needs of each child. Through a client-centered and systemic approach, she specializes in relationship issues, stress management, anxiety, and parenting support.

Brenda Iaquessa

LMSW, Therapist

Brenda is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW). Brenda has been with WYFS since the Fall of 2023 where she started as a MSW intern. Brenda has over 27 years experience in the human services field, specifically working with adults with intellectual disabilities and the elderly population doing case management. Brenda also has experience working with individuals and families affected by a loved one’s alcoholism. Brenda is working on learning how to speak Spanish and is hoping to be conversational someday. Brenda’s passion is to help empower others and encourage them to advocate for themselves. Brenda enjoys providing clinical services to people of all ages and providing a safe, non-judgmental space.

Alyssa Sullivan

LMSW

Alyssa joined WYFS in 2023 as an intern while pursuing a Master of Social Work. After receiving her MSW from the University of Connecticut in 2024, Alyssa now works as Program Coordinator at WYFS, as well as in a clinical capacity with clients. Alyssa assists with the coordination of grant-funded programs, including the Westbrook Early Childhood Council, the Youth Diversion Team, and Safety from Substances. In this role, she helps to design, implement, and oversee programs, and foster relationships with community partners. As a clinician, Alyssa offers a supportive and compassionate approach to work with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her previous experience in the field includes interning at a nonprofit organization in Hartford serving immigrant and refugee populations. Prior to pursuing her degree in social work, she has worked in early childhood education, and continues to enjoy working closely with children and their families. In her free time, Alyssa enjoys reading, running, and traveling.

Cindy Pascale

Office Manager

Cindy joined WYFS in August, 2022 as the office administrator. Her role allows her to support the wonderful work that the WYFS staff provides to the area communities. Cindy earned a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Technology many years ago at Southern CT State University. Her education makes her naturally curious about everything, most especially those things that she has yet to master. Cindy’s door is always open and she welcomes the opportunity to meet new people and get to know them. As a Westbrook resident for the past 4 years, Cindy is excited and proud to be a part of the team.

Staff & Board of Directors