Chhanda Som, BA

Executive Director

Chhanda Som earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a research concentration and Neuroscience in 2011 at the University of Connecticut. During her time there, she worked in various labs which included the clinical psychology lab that focused on the effectiveness of brief stress management techniques. She then worked at Franciscan's Hospital for Children as a Residential Counselor in the Community Based Acute Treatment Unit in Boston, MA. In 2013, she joined BlueSky as a Life Skills Coach and earned her Life Coach Certification. In 2016 she became the Program Director and is currently the Executive Director of BlueSky.

David Moore, Ph.D.

Clinical Director

Dr. Moore graduated with his doctorate in psychology from Lehigh University and has spent over 10 years in the role of assistant director or director of behavioral health at residential and day treatment facilities. He has expertise in a range of mental health disorders and has extensive experience with clients identified with dual diagnoses. Prior to his director positions Dr. Moore worked as a psychologist at a residential treatment facility, adjunct professor of psychology, and published work on impulse control disorders. In addition, Dr. Moore has worked as a private practice psychologist in New York and Connecticut.

Oreste Arcuni, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Arcuni is a graduate of Cornell University College of Medicine, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He completed his psychiatric residency training at the Payne Whitney Psychiatric Clinic in New York, N.Y., following which he became the Director at the Mental Health Clinic of Danbury Hospital and served as the Chairman of Psychiatry at Danbury Hospital for 25 years. Following this he became the Director of Addiction Medicine at High Watch Recovery Center in Kent, Conn. Dr. Arcuni is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine.

Jaclyn Vitkovsky, APRN

Jaclyn Vitkovsky is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, board certified by ANCC, with clinical experience across the lifespan. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at
Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Jackie's nursing career started in skilled nursing facilities where she worked as a registered nurse supervisor, staff educator, infection preventionist, and wound care nurse.

Jaime DelGrosso, LCSW

Assistant Clinical Director

Ms. DelGrosso is a Connecticut and New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with a diversified client base. Her experience includes clients with Borderline Personality Disorder and other personality disorders, psychotic disorders, as well as a range of mood disorders. Ms. DelGrosso specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

Donna Gleissner, MS, LPC, LADC

Director of Addiction Services

Donna Gleissner is the Director of Addiction Services and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), She earned a BA in Psychology and a BA in English and an MS in Counseling from Western CT State University. She has been working in the field of mental health and addiction for several years and has worked in residential and outpatient settings as well as facilitating group, individual, family and couples therapy sessions and has facilitated children's bereavement and divorce support groups at Healing Hearts. She has also facilitated NAMI Family to Family educational groups. Trained through the Institute for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSD) she has specialized training in trauma and dissociative disorders. She has a diversified skill set including working with those with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, and substance dependence. She is also active in the Greater Danbury Community as a member of Danbury's Suicide Postvention Team and the Greater Danbury Opioid Task Force.

Dan Grady, Ph.D.

Dr. Grady is a clinical psychologist in a private practice in New York City and Westchester, New York. He sees a cross section of patients with psychiatric, interpersonal, and substance abuse issues. He is part of the Personality Studies Institute in New York City, headed by Dr. Otto Kernberg, and supervises trainees on Transference Focused Psychotherapy. He is a graduate of Hunter College and received his doctorate from the Graduate Center of the City of New York. Before opening a private practice, he worked in the Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Room at Bellevue/NYU Medical Center

Jacqueline Sherling, LCSW

Jacqueline Sherling, LCSW, received her undergraduate degree in Philosophy from Skidmore college and her Masters in Clinical Social Work and a certificate in Urban Leadership from Simmons College. Mrs. Sherling meets with clients for individual therapy, conducts family therapy and facilitates the women's trauma, family relations and DBT weekend groups at Blue Sky. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and EMDR. Prior to working at Blue Sky, Mrs. Sherling was the supervising social worker at a domestic violence shelter, facilitated a men's Intensive Outpatient Program and worked at a private practice.

Krystal Antoniuk, LPC

Krystal Antoniuk received her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Marist College and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Justice Studies with a minor in Spanish from the University of New Hampshire. Through her course of studies she gained experience interning in a county jail and an outpatient psychiatric mental health clinic where she facilitated groups focusing on self-esteem, anxiety management and DBT skills. Prior to coming to BlueSky Krystal was working as a therapist at an outpatient substance abuse treatment facility in Danbury, Conn., where she worked primarily with clients involved in the criminal justice system. During her time there she facilitated the Intensive Outpatient Program, REBT problem-solving groups and women's recovery groups. Krystal has experience working with substance use, mood disorders, PTSD, chronic/severe mental illness and criminal justice system involved clients.

Amanda Bachman, LCSW

Amanda Bachman received her Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work through Southern Connecticut State University and her Undergraduate Degree in Social Work through Western Connecticut State University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has been working in the mental health field for several years in residential, outpatient, hospital, and clinical settings including facilitating individual, group, and family therapy. Areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, co- dependency, substance use disorders, self- esteem/confidence building and is LGBTQIA+ affirming. She is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). In her free time, she enjoys hiking, cooking, spending time with her two cats, Nala and Roo and traveling. She is a passionate social worker who takes a person -centered approach to help clients safely manage, gain insight and work through their mental health and substance abuse challenges.

Dave Monroe, MS

Dave earned his Masters of Science in Addiction Studies at Western Connecticut State University. To best serve clients, Dave uses an integrative approach and draws on multiple evidence-based disciplines including ACT, CBT, DBT, Relapse Prevention Skills, and Schema Therapy. Dave is a passionate recovery advocate and has been involved in local recovery communities for over 10 years. Dave is the father of four children and is an avid blues musician.

Jonathan Russell CASAC T, MHC

Jonathan Russell is a graduate of Manhattanville College and obtained his OASAS CASAC certification from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in 2019. He is currently enrolled in the Masters of Mental Health Counseling program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Prior to Blue Sky, Jonathan worked as a Clinical Case Manager at Arms Acres, an inpatient substance abuse facility in Carmel, NY. Originally pursuing a career in graphic design and working for Stanley Black & Decker, Jonathan discovered his passion for helping others and has since devoted himself to the care and treatment of those struggling with substance abuse and mental health. His hobbies include art, snowboarding, and spending time with his favorite four-legged friend.

Sandra Cascone, LMSW

Sandra Cascone received her Master's degree in Social Work from Fordham University and her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Western Connecticut State University. Through her course of studies, she gained experience interning in several locations focusing on dual-diagnosis in both inpatient and outpatient treatment centers where she facilitated groups focusing on co-occurring disorders, substance abuse, anxiety/depression management and CBT skills. Prior to coming to BlueSky, Sandra was working as a intensive outpatient therapist in New Milford, CT where she primarily worked with children/adolescents and families with mental health and/or substance use issues which she utilized DBT skills to aid clients within individual, group, and family therapy.

Catherine Failla, MSW

Catherine received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University and her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University. Catherine has interned at a local hospitals Intensive Outpatient Program teaching DBT skills, as well as at a substance abuse clinic. Catherine has experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders and specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Catherine is passionate and values the quality of her therapeutic relationships.

Ashley Ripperger

Enhanced Treatment Program Director

Ashley Ripperger is the Program Manager of the Enhanced Treatment Program at BlueSky Behavioral Health. She has been working at BlueSky since 2016 after she graduated with her Bachelor's in Psychology; Human Services at Liberty University. She has a passion to serve others and has been a part of many community service projects throughout the years.

Cooper

Therapy Dog

Cooper is a registered therapy dog who loves his job. He was rescued by his handler, Jaime, over two years ago and loves meeting new people and both giving and receiving love. Cooper is a total mush and will spend time with anyone willing to spend time with him.

Cooper lives with his baby brother, whom he thinks is just the best when food falls from the highchair. After a hard day of work, Cooper loves to relax with a swim in the pool and a nap in the sun.

Macy

Therapy Dog

Macy is a 14-month-old chocolate lab who was rescued by her handler, Jaime DelGrosso. Macy is a fun loving spunky little pup who loves to hug her human friends. Like her older brother Cooper, Macy is a certified therapy dog and AKC good citizen. Macy lives at home with handler, older brother Cooper, and two human siblings.