Name: Empower Her: Candle Making
Start: 2026-02-25T18:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-02-25T20:00:00-05:00
Location: Common Fence Point Community Center

Sean Palumbo

Sean Palumbo has been involved in the prevention field since 2013 as a student member of the Kickemuit Middle School STAAND (Students Taking Action Against Negative Decisions) club. Since then, Sean has been an avid advocate with American Lung Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Rhode Island Department of Health, advocating and educating in various fields that include but are not limited to traffic safety, tobacco-control and alcohol / drug awareness and prevention.

Sean was born and raised in Bristol, Rhode Island and a graduate of Mt. Hope High School. Shortly after graduating from MHHS, Sean obtained his Associate Prevention Specialist certification and began working with the East Bay Regional Coalition as their youth council coordinator, recruiting and educating youth ages 12-18 on various prevention topics and encouraging them to advocate to their peers to make safe choices around substances. In September 2022, he took over the State Opioid Response grant for the East Bay region in addition to coordinating the youth council.

Meanwhile, outside of the prevention field, Sean focuses most of his free time to the Bristol Fire Department’s Division of EMS and the Defiance Hose Co. 1. Serving his hometown as a first responder with the div. of EMS since Jul. 2021 and a Firefighter II with the Defiance company since Jan. 2022.

Gregory Thompson

Gregory Thompson is a dynamic and results-driven professional with a knack for orchestrating grants with a twist. With an innate talent for fostering innovation and divergent problem solving, Greg brings a refreshing approach to coordinating grants, making the process not just efficient but also impactful.

His exceptional ability to cultivate and secure resources is nothing short of remarkable. Beyond his professional prowess, Greg’s role as a devoted parent fuels his unwavering commitment to championing substance use prevention, reminding him daily of the importance of his work. His dedication, coupled with his unique flair for program development, transforms ideas into tangible solutions, leaving a lasting imprint on the communities he serves. Greg is your go to partner for turning visionary projects into reality.

Rebecca Elwell, M.A., CPSS

Rebecca holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology and an Advance Prevention Specialist Certification with 24 years of community substance misuse prevention experience. Rebecca is a founding member of the Ocean State Prevention Alliance an organization that addressed the unintended consequences of marijuana laws using scientific research and public health approaches. Rebecca is the founder of Strategic Prevention Partnerships, a non-profit organization based in Newport County, that promotes community health and well-being through action, education, support and collaboration.

Rebecca loves collaborating with community partners to find innovative ways to support Newport County residents. She believes that the solution to every community problem can be found within the community! For Rebecca, the excitement comes from pairing evidence-based strategies with a grass-roots philosophy to achieve success. Rebecca is frequently requested to provide expert testimony on legislation impacting substance use and behavioral health.

Along with community behavioral health partners across Newport County, Rebecca was a founding member and facilitator of the Newport County Behavioral Health System of Care, known locally as No Wrong Door. NWD is an inter-agency behavioral health initiative that coordinates timely, high-quality, cost-effective, evidence-based mental health and substance use care to individuals and families in Newport County. No Wrong Door seeks to meet the challenges of individuals and families with behavioral health needs and ensures that those at risk are identified and connected to appropriate care and services.

Rebecca, a lifelong resident of Little Compton, has two adult children (her pride) and a beloved grandson (her joy). Before work each day, Rebecca is greeted by five small goats and six chickens eagerly awaiting their breakfast. An avid traveler, Rebecca has not been everywhere, but it is on her list!

J.R. Nelson

Now a Tiverton resident for some time, J.R. was born and raised in New England. He grew up and attended high school in the small town of Lunenburg, Massachusetts, where he then went on to attend college in Biddeford, Maine.

J.R. arrives at SPP after graduating from the University of New England in 2023, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Biology. While also studying a minor in Health, Medicine, and Society, he found a passion in the realm of Public Health, including sectors such as policy development, community health education, and global epidemiology. J.R. is now currently working towards the completion of a Master of Public Health degree through UNE.

Also, having been a member of the UNE varsity football team from 2019-2023, J.R. has a passion for the connection between athletics and education, as well as health and wellness. He has been a part of several notable groups throughout his early beginnings, one being UNE’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity. He also has experience as a member of an athletic leadership council, which formed based on adapting student-athletes to NCAA regulations at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

J.R. joined SPP as a member of the Newport County Prevention Coalition in November 2024, specifically working as a Community Educator with the Tiverton and Little Compton Prevention Coalitions. He hopes to bring a well-rounded background and youthful energy to the prevention efforts in these communities.

Andy Merritt

Andy Merritt serves as a project coordinator for Strategic Prevention Partnerships’ No Wrong Door behavioral health initiative, where they are dedicated to supporting marginalized communities, including individuals with mental health and substance use disorders. They believe that recovery is attainable for everyone and is passionate about helping people discover their unique path to a fulfilling life.

Before joining the team in July 2024, Andy completed their Peer Recovery Specialist internship at Hope Recovery, where they gained valuable experience supporting individuals facing complex behavioral health and substance use challenges. Their commitment to advocacy and outreach stemmed from witnessing the disproportionate need for support in underserved communities, inspiring them to pursue a career where they could make a tangible difference.

Andy holds an Associate’s Degree with high honors in General Studies from the Community College of Rhode Island and is certified as a Peer Recovery Specialist. Currently, they are completing a Community Health Worker certification to expand their ability to serve diverse populations. Andy’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that meaningful change comes from within, and they strive to empower others by demonstrating that life can be actively shaped through one’s efforts.

Andy is always eager to meet new people and learn about their experiences. In their free time, they indulge in creative pursuits like art and writing, along with reading, video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Bridget Manning

Bridget is the Senior Manager, Behavioral Health & Training for Strategic Prevention Partnership’s No Wrong Door behavioral health initiative. Bridget’s professional goal is to educate others regarding mental health and substance use disorders in an effort to decrease stigma and increase public awareness regarding recovery. To accomplish these endeavors, Bridget has obtained her Mental Health First Aid instructor certification, with a focus on youth-based skills and teaches the course content for a variety of audiences. Additionally, she is utilizing the Campaign to Change Direction to increase public awareness concerning the importance of prioritizing mental health — especially for young people.

Before joining Newport County Prevention Coalition in September of 2022, Bridget taught eighth grade English in Massachusetts for seventeen years. Her time in the classroom emphasized an increased need for prevention education tailored to adolescents, and Bridget decided to refocus her efforts back home here in Newport County.

A product of Tiverton Public Schools, Bridget earned her bachelor’s degree in English Literature with a concentration in Secondary Education from Boston College and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Bridgewater State University. She is currently working on a substance use counseling certification and is eager to show others that recovery is possible for them.

Bridget lives in Portsmouth and loves the Rhode Island beach life but appreciates international travel and experiencing new cultures when she can. If she isn’t working or traveling, Bridget can be found in the gym where she enjoys weight-lifting and yoga.

Bridget Santos

In her role as the No Wrong Door Coordinator, Bridget Santos collaborates closely with behavioral health providers and actively engages with residents who have lived experience to pinpoint and address the obstacles our community encounters when seeking mental health treatment.

Bridget initially pursued a marketing major, but she has since charted a new path, currently pursuing her CADC license to become a Substance Use Counselor. Her passion lies in assisting individuals on their journey to recovery, ensuring they have access to the most suitable care for their unique needs.

Throughout Newport County, Bridget has organized several community listening sessions, fostering an environment for candid discussions about pressing issues. Through these hundreds of dialogues, Bridget diligently seeks to comprehend the distinct barriers and, more importantly, devise effective solutions to surmount them. Driven by her personal experiences with mental health and her deep community roots, Bridget aspires to be more than just a coordinator; she aspires to be an advocate for positive change throughout her community.

Bridget’s commitment to learning from the community and her drive to create innovative strategies are at the core of her approach. She’s always seeking new ways to meet the diverse needs of the community she serves. When she’s not working, you can find Bridget spending quality time with her cat Stella, playing video games, or enjoying time with her family.

Kathleen Brughelli

Kathleen’s role is to create and manage initiatives to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of opiates for people of all ages. Her innovative approaches to opiate education programs come from a creative perspective which encourages people to fully engage with the topic.

Kathleen holds a BS from Russell Sage College and an MS from Northeastern University.

Georgie Allott

Georgie Allott serves as the Portsmouth Prevention Coordinator, a role she stepped into immediately following her graduation from the University of Rhode Island (URI) with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion in October 2024. She is also pursuing her master’s degree in healthcare management at URI, furthering her dedication to improving community health and wellness.

Georgie has always had a strong passion for supporting children and families. With over five years of experience as a preschool teacher, she has honed her skills in early childhood development and education, deeply understanding the challenges and needs of young children. This experience shapes her approach to prevention and support programs, allowing her to design initiatives that empower the youth in Portsmouth.

Growing up in Portsmouth and attending the local public schools, Georgie has a unique connection to the community. Her personal and professional experience provides her with an invaluable perspective, enabling her to better address the needs of her neighbors and create programs that resonate with local families. She is particularly passionate about female empowerment, advocating for girls and young women as they navigate the complexities of life, emotions, and self-identity.

Outside of her professional life, Georgie enjoys quality time with her Jack Russell Terrier, Yoshi, and her two-year-old nephew, JJ. Her commitment to family and community continues to fuel her work, as she believes in the power of connection and positive support in shaping the future for the next generation.

Brian Gough

Brian has been in New England for over 35 years, with 20+ years living in Tiverton, RI. He has a Master’s Degree in Student Personnel Administration and early in his career he worked at Keene State College, and Roger Williams University in residential community development, new student orientation, and volunteer programming. He understands from his time working with students the importance for all of us in finding a connection within the work we do, the places we live, and friends and family with whom we spend our time. The ability to “affiliate” gives us purpose and meaning.

After leaving higher education, Brian worked at American Power Conversion (APC)/Schneider Electric in West Kingston, RI. As a human resource business partner and leader he worked with a wide range of employees across the globe. He traveled extensively with APC and then with Schneider Electric who acquired the company at a critical point it it’s growth. He managed teams and supported employees in over 20 countries, learning a great deal about communication and the importance of understanding the cultural background of those you are trying to help.

After a short-lived early retirement, Brian has joined the Tiverton & Little Compton Prevention Coalition as the Coordinator. He is actively involved in the local community and has been building relationships throughout the region while continuing the work done to build the Coalitions.

Melanie Saunders

Melanie (she/they) is a dedicated community organizer and nonprofit professional with a passion for social justice and equity. She managed Community Programs at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport for seven years, where she led initiatives for LGBTQIA+ youth, wellness, and food access. A graduate of Roger Williams University with a Journalism and Creative Writing degree, Melanie brings strong communication skills to her work, using storytelling to amplify community voices and advocate for change. She has served on various local boards and commissions such as Newport String Project and the City of Newport’s Energy & Environment Commission. A lifelong learner, she is currently enrolled in Providence College’s Secondary Teaching Certification Program, and plans on becoming a High School Special Educator.

As a long-time resident of Newport, Melanie is the parent of two amazing children in the Newport Public Schools and will forever be an advocate for her community.

Lori Verderosa

Lori Verderosa is the Director of the Middletown Prevention Coalition and has been at the helm since 2007. Lori has a Master’s Degree in Human Development with a specialization in Holistic Counseling and a post graduate CAGS. She is an Advanced Prevention Specialist (APS) and has been working in the substance use prevention field for 38 years.

Lori has also worked as a national training consultant for the Discovery Channel in Maryland, Comprehensive Health Education Foundation in Seattle and United Learning in Chicago providing professional development workshops for health education curricula for school districts, state departments of education and parent groups across the country. These various prevention curricula targeted substance use, violence/bullying, HIV and tobacco prevention and Natural Helper retreats for students.

Lori was an adjunct faculty member in the education department at Salve Regina University for many years where she taught a course “Teaching Drug Prevention and Intervention in the Classroom”.

Additionally, Lori is a clinician in private practice here on Aquidneck Island. She is an LCDP (Licensed Chemical Dependency Professional) and is a Certified Hypnotherapist (CHT) where she specializes in substance use disorders and other behavioral health issues.

She loves dogs and has been volunteering for many years with the Potter League in many different capacities such as board member, capital campaign committee member and facilitator for their pet bereavement group. She has designed their pet loss group and has been facilitating the group for 30 plus years.

In her spare time, Lori can be found in her gardens where she finds peace and contentment. She loves nature and enjoys kayaking and taking long walks on the beach or Sachuest Point.

Polly Allen, CPS

Polly Allen started her prevention career in 2014 as the part-time Coordinator of the Little Compton Prevention Coalition. Prior to that, she was a work from home mother of four, keeping track of their farm animals and picking heirloom tomatoes. When her youngest child was in middle school, Polly was encouraged to apply for the prevention role, the job and the timing seemed like a perfect fit. A couple years later, Tiverton Prevention Coalition was looking for a Youth Coordinator, also part time, so the two roles were combined and Polly became a full-time prevention specialist.

In 2022, Polly was promoted to Director of Prevention for the Newport County Prevention Coalition. Polly pairs her years of prevention experience with her dedication to Newport County to bring about positive change and well- being to Newport County families. Polly along with co-host Greg Thompson hosts the weekly Totally Preventable Podcast, found where ever podcasts are available. Additionally, Polly provides Narcan training and Hidden in Plain Sight presentations for the county.

6:00 pm