Our Staff
Administrative Staff
KELLY PARKER, MPA
Executive Director
860.824.4720
Kelly brings more than 12 years of experience in youth development and education, crisis intervention, and non-profit management and development to the position. She is passionate about the need to make mental health services easily available to young people and their families, especially in these uncertain times, and values collaborative approaches that engage area schools, other mental health service providers, and HYSB volunteers and donors. Her multi-faceted experience and expertise will serve HYSB well as it continues to meet the mental health needs of youth and families in the Northwest Corner.
Kelly has a Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College, and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education and Women’s Studies, with a minor in psychology.
SARA BEATTY
Director of Finance
860.824.4720
Sara retired from the corporate world in 2021 and was looking for a volunteer opportunity that would allow her to give back to the community. Recognizing the increased need for mental health services amid a pandemic, Sara chose to join the HYSB team. After 6 months of volunteering 20+ hours a week, she transitioned from volunteer to employee and took on the Director of Finance position.
Around the office you will find Sara paying the bills, helping with fundraising, and keeping the office running smoothly. At home, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
Development Staff
Susan Swanson
Development Coordinator
860.824.4720
Susan is an essential part of our team, providing support by answering phone calls and ensuring that thank you letters to our generous donors are processed with care and efficiency. Her attention to detail and friendly demeanor make her a valuable asset to our organization.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children, creating lasting memories together.
Lauren Morelli
Event Coordinator
860.824.4720
Lauren Morelli joins our team as Event Coordinator, bringing with her a deep commitment to community service and years of hands-on nonprofit experience. Lauren has been a dedicated volunteer with HYSB for more than five years, supporting our organization in a variety of capacities and developing a strong understanding of our mission, programs, and community.
A graduate of Rivier College, Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. After beginning her career in healthcare, she made the intentional decision to step back from nursing to focus on raising her children—an experience that further strengthened her passion for supporting youth and families.
Lauren is thrilled to formally join HYSB in this new role and is excited to help create meaningful, engaging events that bring people together in support of our work. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
Lynn Nichols
Grant Writer
860.824.4720
Lynn will be writing grants to help further HYSB's mission and allow us to expand our programs and services to reach more young people and their families.
CLINICAL & PROGRAMATIC Staff
JESSICA HAWTHORNE, LPCA
Interim Director of Youth Services
860.824.4720
Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate receiving her Master’s Degree from Central Connecticut State University. She has worked with children and adolescents for 10 years. Her areas of experience include Autism Spectrum Disorder, learning disabilities, behavior management and teaching daily life skills. With a positive and individualized approach, Jessica is able to engage her clients in various activities to help improve their everyday lives. In her free time, Jessica enjoys music, concerts, drawing, and relaxing with her dog and family.
JAIMIE SADEH
Art Therapist
860.824.4720
Jaimie Sadeh holds a Masters Degree in Art Therapy from Marylhurst University and a Bachelors in Liberal Arts and Wilderness Studies from University of Montana. She has taught, mentored and led youth in a variety of settings from wilderness trips to after school programs, from environmental and arts education to mental health counseling. She has a depth of experience teaching art in many different settings with children and adolescents. Jaimie has seen art therapy serve as an important creative outlet for children and adults to channel emotions, work out challenges, and experience play. The metaphors, images, and stories that come from the art can give insight and empowerment, and the artistic process can bring focus and calm. Jaimie has lived in Falls Village, CT with her husband and 3 kids on a Jewish Retreat center and farm for 18 years and enjoys hiking, singing, meditation, and printmaking.
Emma Foster
NCPN Program Coordinator
860.824.4720
My name is Emma Foster and I am the new Project Coordinator for the Northwest Corner Prevention Network (NCPN). I recently graduated from Keene State College with a BA in Psychology. My work here involves empowering youth in Region 1 and working within the community to share information on substance prevention, mental health, etc. I love creating art, being outdoors and hiking.
AILEEN MURPHY
Youth Clinician & Juvenile Review Board Case Manager
Aileen is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate dedicated to helping individuals at all stages of life navigate challenges and foster personal growth. She brings diverse experience in mental health and addiction counseling across residential, outpatient, and inpatient settings. With a focus on active, engaged listening, Aileen works to build strong rapport and a supportive therapeutic relationship with each client. She views counseling as a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore thoughts, feelings, and emotions openly. Committed to developing a collaborative therapeutic alliance, Aileen supports clients through life transitions, depression, anxiety, self-discovery, and other personal challenges.
MAY FRIDAY
Student Intern
In the 3rd year of my Bachelors in Social Work at Charter Oak State College, I am honored to support HYSB in strengthening the emotional health of youth and families.
My guiding principle is that there are no troubled people, just troubling situations, that with assistance, will be overcome. Forging partnerships with all our local agencies is the key to thriving families and our greater community.
Spending free time with my family and pup, being outdoors, singing, and giving back are my joy.