About Us
Leadership Team
John D’Eramo, RN, BSN, MHA
President and CEO
John D’Eramo brings a unique blend of administration and clinical experience in the behavioral health and substance abuse field to his role as MCCA’s CEO. Building on his experience and track record, John is looking forward to continuing to strengthen MCCA’s position as a leading, innovative substance abuse provider and a valuable resource to the communities it serves.
Previously to joining the team at MCCA, John served as Chief Operating Officer of Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH) for five years. As the senior hospital administrator, he was responsible for the operations of a 614-bed behavioral health facility with three divisions – Addiction Services, Forensic Services, and General Psychiatry Services. During his time at CVH, John was also responsible for promotion of recovery-based services that support customer satisfaction and organizational excellence, and ensured that all services exceeded the standards for the Joint Commission and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Additionally, he transformed the Addiction Services Division to meet the needs of anyone in the community requiring comprehensive treatment services. Prior to his position at CVH, John was the Director of Hospital and Nursing Services at the Southwest Connecticut Mental Health System (SWCMHS). During his time at SWCMHS, John initiated innovative changes, including the implementation of the Integrated Dual Disorders Treatment inpatient unit. A Registered Nurse, John holds a Bachelor of Science from Sacred Heart University and a Master of Health Care Administration from Western Connecticut State University. In 2008, he received the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) Distinguished Managerial Service Award and was also named as one of three State of Connecticut Distinguished Managers.
John and his wife reside in Monroe with their three children. In addition to a busy family life, John enjoys golfing with friends in his spare time.
Glenn Connan, MBA
Vice President and CFO
Glenn has extensive experience managing both the operations and financial affairs of organizations. He joined MCCA in 2008 and is responsible for the financial health and well-being of the agency. As a member of the company’s senior management team, Glenn directs all financial and accounting activities, is involved in strategic planning, as well as assisting in the management of day-to-day operations of the company. Glenn is committed to the success of MCCA and its clients recovery. Under his leadership and with a philosophy of “doing well by doing good” MCCA has substantially increased the number of clients served. In the ten years he has been with MCCA, the organization has experienced significant growth.
Prior to joining MCCA, Glenn spent nine years with Autotote Enterprises, Inc., directing the financial and accounting activities of the company. Prior to that he worked as a staff accountant for the firm McGladrey & Pullen LLP. Glenn earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting as well as his Master in Business Administration from Fairfield University.
Mohamed Elsamra, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Elsamra received his medical education and specialty training at the University of Connecticut. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in psychiatry. He spent four years as a staff supervisor at the APT Foundation and at the Yale Substance Abuse Fellowship program in New Haven, CT. His special areas of interest include addictions and trauma recovery. Dr. Elsamra believes strongly in the resilience of the human spirit and sees the role of the psychiatrist as assisting the person in removing obstacles to the natural healing and recovery process.
Steve Palma, MS, LPC
Vice President of Operations
Prior to stepping into the role of Outpatient Clinical Director, Steve was the Program Director for MCCA’s busy New Haven outpatient clinic. He brings a slate of experience to this role, which includes his work as a Clinician IV for the Men’s Intensive Outpatient Program as well as the Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Before joining the MCCA team, Steve was a Clinician for Rushford and FSW of Bridgeport. His diverse managerial experience includes Production and Creative Manager at Condé Nast Publishing, as well as Operations Director in Construction Contracting.
Steve received his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University, his Bachelors in Psychology from Albertus Magnus College, and an Associates in Business Management from St. John’s University. Steve’s education and experience make him an ideal candidate to lead our seven outpatient clinics.
Scott Nelson, MSW, LCSW, ICGC-II
Clinical Director, Outpatient Services
Scott steps into the role of Outpatient Clinical Director after spending the previous five years as Director of our Waterbury Clinic; bringing with him a great deal of clinical knowledge and experience to the outpatient leadership role. After more than a decade at MCCA, Scott feels a special connection to the MCCA staff and clients that we serve and is focused on continually improving treatment outcomes and care throughout all of our outpatient clinics. He started his career with MCCA in 2010 as a counselor in our Problem Gambling Services and Waterbury Outpatient Program. He also served in supervisory roles as Program Director of the Better Choice Program at The Connection Inc and Program Manager of Problem Gambling services at MCCA.
Recognized as a leader in the field of problem gambling and integration of awareness of gambling issues to outpatient treatment models, Scott has presented on several gambling related topics at local, regional, and national events. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Scott also holds an International Certification in Gambling Counseling and is a Board Approved Clinical Consultant for those seeking to further their clinical experience in the area of problem gambling treatment. He received his Master in Social Work from the UCONN School of Social Work and his Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Hamilton College. In his free time, Scott enjoys skiing, cooking and coaching youth soccer.
Victor Pittman, LMFT
Program Director, Residential Services
Victor joined MCCA in July 2013 and now serves as the Program Director in our Bridgeport outpatient clinic. Previously, Victor led the service expansion throughout the Greater Naugatuck Valley and New Haven region, and is looking forward to expanding services to those in need in Bridgeport. Services in the outpatient clinics are designed to promote health and wellness for adults faced with several life stressors. His teams include licensed professionals who specialize in assessment and treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues.
Victor obtained his Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles which prepared him to serve as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He has served as a community-based mental health provider for the past 25 years. His service in healthcare has included leadership roles in California, Wisconsin, and Connecticut. Specifically, Victor has worked with children and teens experiencing self-destructive and under performance behaviors. Finding that many of his young clients have dealt with ineffective fathering, he has also dedicated himself to assisting men in enhancing their roles within their households. Victor is always amazed to witness the powerful changes in men who better understand their own worth and impact on others. One of his favorite quotes is from Frederick Douglass, who said: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Victor is committed to helping both the building up of children and the repair of broken men.
MCCA is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c) 3 non-profit community-based organization.
MCCA
38 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury, CT 06810
877.874.6222