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Wilton Public Schools

Wilton Let’s Talk Mental Health: A Community Conversation

Posted Date: 10/13/26 (04:00 PM)
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In cooperation with Wilton Youth Council

Join the Wilton community at the Riverbrook Regional YMCA on October 22, 2026, at 9:00 AM for a discussion on mental health and substance abuse. Individuals, both youth and adults, in our community and across the country are facing a range of mental health challenges. This event aims to foster connection and conversation and reassure attendees.

Navigating these topics and the healthcare system can be difficult and isolating. We are coming together to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore the resources available in our community. The event will cover various aspects of mental health, offer guidance on recognizing signs of concern in both youth and adults, and discuss challenges and resources for navigating the ever-changing mental health system.

The panel will be moderated by Christine Cha, Ph.D., a psychologist and youth mental health researcher at the Yale Child Study Center and the Yale Center for Brain and Mind Health.  She will also be fielding questions from the audience.  

Panelists will include:

  • Robert Cipolla - Deputy Chief, Wilton Police Department
  • Vanessa Elias - Parent Coach, NAMI facilitator, Founder, Block Party USA
  • Jackie Britt-Friedman, Psy.D. - Asst. Professor, Yale Child Study Center
  • Stephanie Rowe, MS, LMSW - Director of Wilton Social Services
  • Kim Zemo, LCSW - Director of Climate, Community, Wellness and Belonging, Wilton Public Schools

The discussion aims to continue the dialogue, raise awareness,  and promote supportive conversations!  To register, please visit this link.

Before and after the event, you are welcome to visit various resource tables addressing different mental health fields.    Some of the organizations represented will include Wilton Social Services, NAMI, Yale Child Study Center, Silver Hill Hospital, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, LiftWell Health, Kids in Crisis/Lighthouse, Sped*net, Mobile Crisis Service of CT, Catalyst CT/The Hub, Riverbrook Regional YMCA/Northwell, and Wilton Youth Council.

Coffee and treats made by Wilton Kneads will be available during the conversation.

The Community Conversation on Mental Health is sponsored by NAMI Southwest CT, Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Town of Wilton, Wilton Police Department, Wilton Public School, Wilton Youth Council, and Yale Child Study Center.