Program Directors

Over the past 25 years, Tomy has worked with diverse populations as well as individuals, families, and veterans in a supervisory capacity. In addition to his extensive clinical experience, he is also a Medicaid and insurance regulations consultant. 

A Fordham graduate, Tomy completed his internship at New York Hospital in Queens before going on to the Center for Family Life in Brooklyn. After a brief stint at Homes for the Brave, he took on the role of Clinical Supervisor at Life Bridge Community Services in Bridgeport where he advanced to Clinical Program Manager. As an adjunct faculty at the University of Bridgeport and Fairfield University, Tomy teaches graduate level courses in Clinical Mental Health focusing on Trauma and Crisis Intervention, Multi-cultural Issues, and Treating Children and Adolescents.

Courtney attended the University of Connecticut for her undergraduate education before attending The State University of NY in Albany for her graduate degree. Courtney double majored in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in African American studies while attending UCONN. Courtney graduated with her Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from UAlbany before retuning to Connecticut. Once in Connecticut, Courtney worked in a multitude of programs that include, Multidimensional family therapy (MDFT), Multisystemic therapy (MST), 211 crisis intervention, group home and residential services, management of programs, substance abuse and mental health counseling services.   

Courtney joined MCCA Waterbury’s clinical team in 2020.  She was soon promoted to MCCA’s Treatment Pathways Program (TPP), housed in the Waterbury courthouse, as the supervisor of both Waterbury and Torrington TPP teams. While in TPP she assisted with providing inmates with an opportunity for treatment as a diversionary opportunity from incarceration. Courtney’s hard work, dedication and expertise have made her the perfect candidate to step into the role of Waterbury Program Director. In her free time, Courtney enjoys sports activities, cooking, reading, day trips, and spending time with loved ones.

Carolyn Carlson, MEd, LADC, AADC

Facility Director, Trinity Glen

Carolyn began her undergraduate studies at the University of Massachusetts.  Upon completion of her BA she was accepted into the graduate program and earned a Master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in Rehabilitation Counseling. 

In 1993, she joined MCCA as a counselor at its long term rehabilitation program, Trinity Glen.  Over the years she has played an integral role in the development and expansion of Trinity Glen Men’s and Women’s programs.  Recognizing her dedication and expertise, she was promoted to Clinical Supervisor in 2006 and Facility Director in 2020.  Beyond her formal schooling, Carolyn also holds specialty certificates in Co-occurring Disorders, Problem Gambling, Acudetox and specialized training in Tobacco Cessation.

Carolyn’s other interests are in yoga as a Yoga Instructor and is Certified in Yoga of 12 Step Recovery (Y12SR).

Ray brings extensive experience to his role as our Derby Outpatient Clinic Director.  With over 30 years experience in behavioral health with a primary focus on substance use treatment, he has managed outpatient and residential programs for some of Connecticut’s largest providers.

Ray has overseen programs in multiple locations throughout central and southwestern parts of the state, including Adolescent & Adult Outpatient & Intensive Outpatient programs, Older Adults Treatment & Outreach, Latino Outreach, Prison Re-Entry Case Management & Treatment, and 28-Day Residential Treatment.  He has also been involved in several research projects including Rapid HIV Testing in Outpatient Treatment Settings, and Motivational Interviewing Supervision (MIA Step).  Ray is trained as an EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) for clients dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. Ray received his Master’s Degree from Southern CT State University with an emphasis on community mental health.  Ray has been a guest lecturer at the University of CT, local schools and community organizations, and has taught on the college level at Central CT State University.

Program Director, Sobering Center, Sunrise Terrace, Recovery Support Services/Region V Case Management, and Vet House

Peter began as a volunteer at the Sobering Center before officially starting his career with MCCA in March of 2000; being hired on as a Substance Disorder Technician and working his way up the ranks. He has continued to work in the mental health field since 2006, gaining invaluable experience working with this very challenging population.

Prior to entering the field, Peter lived in Manhattan and worked in a family owned produce brokerage business in the South Bronx where he gained valuable business competencies that serve him well in managing multiple residential programs and case management. Peter received his Bachelors degree in Psychology from Boston University. In his free time, he enjoys reading, running and working out.

Program Manager, Problem Gambling Services

After 35 years as a United Methodist pastor, Earle Sanford began a second career as a substance abuse clinician. As a pastor, he saw how prevalent addiction was in his congregation; he knew his work was not done. In 2006, Earle took on a full-time position at the APT Foundation and added a second part-time position in 2011 at The Connection. In 2017, Earle’s focus changed, when he began providing gambling specific treatment for the Bettor Choice Program under the auspices of the Connection.

As MCCA’s Problem Gambling Manager, Earle oversees all aspects of Program Gambling treatment in our Waterbury, Danbury, Torrington, and New Milford clinics. Targeting those with problem gambling in Region five and liaising with the state Problem Gambling Services are additional functions of Earle’s role.