Root Center Spring Promotions

July 1st, 2026

Gabby Gelinas

Gabby has been at the agency since 2007, she started as a MMT counselor at the Bristol location, was quickly promoted to Sr Counselor and then clinical supervisor. She transitioned to Supervisor of our New Britain site where she help that position for the last 9 years.


Gabby’s commitment to this organization’s mission statement is evident by her longevity at this agency as well as the passion she exhibits in working with our clientele across the different service lines offered at the Root Center. 


She was a smooth transition into this role based on her knowledge and experience in the substance abuse and mental health field.


We cannot wait to see where her hard work and dedication leads her!

Morgan Poeta

Congratulations to Morgan Poeta on her new promotion as Root’s first ever Higher Level of Care Supervisor! This new role was created as a direct result of the Root Center’s continued organizational growth. As our agency continues to evolve, we are excited to be able to continue to provide staff with new ways to grow their careers in the behavioral healthcare industry.


Morgan started at Root in 2019 as a Methadone Maintenance Counselor. She was then promoted to Intensive Outpatient Program Senior Counselor at our New Britain Clinic, and now, she has once again been promoted, this time to our first HLOC Supervisor! Morgan is dedicated to ensuring that our patients are informed about the services available to them to help in their recovery and has assisted many on their treatment journey while at Root. We are excited to see staff grow into leadership roles within the organization, and we know the future is bright for Morgan here at Root!

Danielle Cormier

Root Center is proud to announce the promotion of Danielle Cormier, LADC, to Residential Clinic Supervisor!


Danielle has been with Root Center for almost four years. She started with us as a Counselor II before transitioning to Senior Counselor in Bristol, and now she has been working out of Washington Street in Middletown as a Senior, where she has been an integral support to patients and staff since the opening of that location. Not only does Danielle have experience working with Adult Outpatient, but she has a background in residential work as a psychiatric technician and counselor, and she is knowledgeable on ASAM and levels of care. She has been a great asset to the Root Center team and comes to this role with a wealth of experience.


We are looking forward to seeing all that she does to support Root’s first residential treatment facility!

Erica Munson

We are so excited to announce the promotion of Erica Munson to New Britain Clinic Supervisor! Erica's been with Root Center for 10 years. She started as an MMTP Counselor before transitioning to Senior Counselor once she obtained her LADC and LCSW. She's also helped our IOP program, managed New Britain’s mental health programming, and has served on multiple agency and clinic wide committees. Erica has been an integral support and asset to not only the New Britain clinic, but Root Center as an organization, and she comes to this role with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are looking forward to seeing her shine! Congratulations Erica!

Abby Thurlow

We are so excited to see Abigail Thurlow, LPC be promoted to Clinic Supervisor of the New London Clinic!


Abby came to Root Center in 2015 as a Counselor II at our Norwich site, and was promoted to Senior Counselor in 2018 after receiving her LPC, and worked per-diem within Root facilitating IOP for both adults and adolescents. After a brief time away at another organization, Abby returned to Root in 2023 as a Senior Counselor for the New London Clinic, and has been acting as an interim Clinic Supervisor.


Abby has a large range of experiences from adult outpatient care to group homes and hospital settings, and so much in between. Her patient centered approach and connection to her community makes her an amazing part of the Root Center team, and we are so excited to see her continue to grow in all that she does.


Congratulations, Abby!


Recent Posts

August 4, 2026
Peer pressure can have a powerful impact on teens — but with the right support, young people can build confidence, make healthy choices, and navigate challenges with resilience. Join Root Center for Advanced Recovery for a Teen Forum: Helping Teens Navigate Peer Pressure, on Tuesday, August 12, from 3–5 PM for an important conversation designed for parents, caregivers, educators, and community members. Together, we’ll explore how peer pressure affects teens, how to recognize the signs, and ways adults can provide guidance, support, and meaningful connections. 💻 Virtual event hosted on Microsoft Teams 🗓️ Wednesday, August 12 ⏰ 3–5 PM Join us as we work together to better understand and support the teens in our communities. Scan the QR code or click here to register !
July 1, 2026
Each year, International Overdose Awareness Day offers an opportunity to remember the lives lost to overdose, support those who are still struggling, and come together as a community to recognize that recovery is possible. On Monday, August 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. , Root Center for Advanced Recovery will host its annual International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony at the Manchester Root Center Clinic, 335 Broad Street in Manchester . Held in Root Center’s Memorial Garden, the ceremony brings together patients, families, staff, community partners, elected officials, and members of the public for a meaningful morning of remembrance, reflection, hope, and connection. Remembering Those We Have Lost A centerpiece of the ceremony is Root Center’s Remembrance Wall , where attendees are invited to write messages honoring loved ones lost to overdose. Paper and pens will be available for anyone who would like to leave a message in the wall. During the ceremony, Root Center will also hold a ceremonial burning of notes left at last year’s event, creating a powerful moment of reflection and remembrance. This year, TriCircle will join Root Center and display its memorial quilts , which share the names and faces of loved ones whose lives have been lost. The quilts serve as a deeply personal reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story that matters. The event will also include Root Center’s annual ceremonial planting in the Memorial Garden , symbolizing remembrance, growth, and hope for the future. Voices From Our Community Community leaders, legislators, Root Center staff, and patients will share remarks throughout the ceremony, offering perspectives on overdose, recovery, treatment, and the importance of continuing to support individuals and families impacted by substance use. The ceremony is designed not only to remember those we have lost, but also to stand alongside those who are currently navigating substance use, treatment, and recovery. Health, Harm Reduction and Community Resources In addition to the remembrance ceremony, attendees will have access to important health and community resources. Wheeler Health will be on site with its mobile unit, offering blood pressure checks, glucose checks, basic CPR training, and community outreach resources . Root Center will also provide free Narcan (naloxone) and fentanyl testing strips . These harm-reduction tools can help prevent overdose deaths and provide individuals, families, and community members with resources that can save lives. Join Us on August 31 International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us that no one should have to navigate addiction, loss, or recovery alone. By gathering together, we can honor those we have lost, support those who are still struggling, reduce stigma, and continue working toward a future with fewer lives lost to overdose. The International Overdose Awareness Day Remembrance Ceremony is open to the public , and all are welcome to attend. Event Details Monday, August 31, 2026 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Root Center for Advanced Recovery – Manchester Clinic 335 Broad Street, Manchester, CT 06040 Light refreshments will be served. We hope you will join us for this special morning of remembrance, connection, and hope.
June 22, 2026
Root Center’s Driving Recovery Golf Classic Returns to Lyman Orchards Root Center for Advanced Recovery is proud to announce the return of the Driving Recovery Golf Classic , a charity golf tournament dedicated to supporting our mission of providing accessible, compassionate behavioral health care throughout Connecticut. Join us on Thursday, September 24, 2026 , at the beautiful Lyman Orchards Golf Club in Middlefield, Connecticut , for a day of golf, community, and purpose. Whether you're a seasoned golfer, a community supporter, or a local business looking to make a difference, this event offers a meaningful opportunity to help advance recovery and wellness across our state.  At Root Center, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. Every day, our team works to provide mental health and substance use treatment, prevention services, community health programs, and recovery support to thousands of individuals and families. The Driving Recovery Golf Classic brings together community members, sponsors, and supporters who share our commitment to creating healthier communities and helping people build brighter futures. Event Details Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026 Location: Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield, CT Tournament Schedule Registration: 7:00 a.m. Driving Range & Putting Green Open: 7:30 a.m. Shotgun Start: 9:00 a.m. Banquet, Awards, Prizes & Raffle: 2:00 p.m. Event Conclusion: 4:00 p.m. Participants will enjoy a full day of golf, including contests such as Longest Drive , Closest to the Pin , and the chance for a Hole-in-One prize. A light breakfast, lunch, post-play refreshments, and a banquet dinner are included as part of the event experience. Sponsorship Opportunities The Driving Recovery Golf Classic offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations looking to increase their visibility while supporting a worthy cause. By becoming a sponsor, your organization will help strengthen recovery services and behavioral health programs that impact thousands of lives each year. Register Today Whether you're registering a foursome, becoming a sponsor, or making a donation, your support helps Root Center continue its work of improving lives and strengthening communities across Connecticut. We invite you to join us for a memorable day on the course while helping advance hope, healing, and recovery. Together, we can drive hope and lasting change. Visit our tournament website here.
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