Our Team – PACT – Partnering in Action and Change for Tomorrow

Rachael Neglia, MPH, CPH

Program Coordinator, YES Community Counseling Center

Meet Rachael Neglia, MPH, CPH, a dedicated Certified in Public Health Professional contributing her expertise to the YES Community Counseling Center since 2023. Rachael is an alumna of the University at Albany (SUNY) and The University of South Florida, where she cultivated a comprehensive understanding of the public health landscape, with a particular focus on health disparities and diseases. Having ventured into the heart of public health crises, Rachael served on the front lines during the pandemic as part of the esteemed Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Her role as a Public Health Advisor at the CDC Station at JFK involved active surveillance and epidemiologic casework, showcasing her commitment to mitigating the impact of health crises. Before joining YES, Rachael made impactful contributions in Brooklyn, where she assisted Ukrainian Asylum Seekers and Community Members. In this capacity, she addressed social service needs and tackled health disparities, underscoring her commitment to fostering community well-being. Rachael Neglia brings a wealth of experience and a passion for public health to our team, making her an invaluable asset in our shared mission to promote health and wellness within the community.

Valeria Rosales, MPH

Community Prevention Worker, YES Community Counseling Center

Valeria Rosales, a devoted community prevention worker from Nassau County, brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. Holding both a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from SUNY Old Westbury and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Southern New Hampshire University, her academic prowess provides a sturdy foundation in the field. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Valeria’s bilingual skills enrich her ability to connect with and serve diverse populations. With half a decade of experience in the healthcare sector, Valeria has finely tuned her skills to effectively address the needs of her community. Her unwavering passion for public health fuels her mission to raise awareness about prevalent health issues in New York’s multicultural communities. Through tireless advocacy and education, she endeavors to instigate positive change and foster healthier lifestyles for all residents.

Alyson DeStefano

Prevention Worker, YES Community Counseling Center

Alyson is a Prevention Worker at YES Community Counseling Center. Alyson’s role as part of the Prevention Staff at YES is multifaceted and impactful. Working closely with the PACT and the OASAS programs, she plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about substance misuse topics within the community. Through educational programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives, Alyson aims to educate individuals, families, and communities about the risks associated with substance abuse and empower them with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. Alyson is passionate about incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles into her work, ensuring that prevention initiatives are accessible and inclusive. Currently pursuing her Masters in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Hofstra University, Alyson combines academic knowledge with practical experience to make a lasting impact in community empowerment and prevention efforts.

Kathleen Coletta, LCSW-R

Director of Training and Education , YES Community Counseling Center

Kathleen Coletta, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been working at YES Community Counseling Center since 2008. A graduate of Adelphi University with her Masters in Social Work, she is certified to perform evidenced-based programs including Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, BASICS and Active Parenting. Kathleen has over 12 years clinical experience working with individuals, families and groups impacted by addiction. In 2020 Kathleen joined the YES Community Counseling Center’s prevention team to train professionals in evidenced-based prevention programs. Prior to working at YES, Kathleen provided counseling and case management services to families and veterans facing homelessness in a community-based housing program. In addition, she has helped families cope with grief and loss through her work at the Hospice Care Network.

Marguerite Grabarek, Ph.D.

Lead Epidemiologist

Since 2009, Marguerite Grabarek, Ph.D. is affiliated with the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) in its Chapel Hill, NC office. She is currently working as lead evaluator for PACT’s Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF) and Partnerships for Success (PFS) PFS grant funded by SAMHSA. In addition, she is lead evaluator for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) SPF-PFS Rx Grant. Marguerite is also part of a team with Al Stein Seroussi and Dave Currey for the State of Idaho’s PFS grant and with Al on the SafeVoice NIJ funded project with the state of Nevada. She previously worked with PIRE teams on the LTBB, SPF, TIG and PFS grants, the State of Nevada on their PFS and Safe Schools Healthy Students grants, and New York’s SPF and PFS grants. Prior to her work with PIRE, Marguerite served as the evaluator on several federally funded domestic violence prevention grants, and taught community organizing and evaluation at the Universities of Michigan and Indiana.