David Melillo, Director Human Services: David has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University and a Bachelor’s Degree, (Psychology Major), from the University of Connecticut. He is a licensed professional counselor with over 25 years' experience. He is also a father, foster parent, and a husband.
Taffy Bowes, Assistant Director: Taffy received her B.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, an M.A. in Education from Goddard College, and a M.A. in Religion from Yale University Divinity School. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years experience.
Taffy is responsible for the Prevention work of Madison Youth and Family Services. “The best part of working with this age group is that they are searching for connection and meaning in their lives. They want the world to be better." I believe in the power of the human spirit and the reality of resilience. The work I do is based in the belief that young people have the intelligence and the soul to be powerful actors in this world. Teenagers help me stretch and grow – and they are entertaining.”
Before working at MYS, Taffy taught in Both Madison and New Haven. She also has been a potter and a painter, run a woman’s center, written for a newspaper, done clothing alterations, and cut hair. Taffy and her husband have lived in Madison for 30 years. They are the parents to three adult children whom they like a lot and admire greatly, and with whom they spend as much time as possible.
Scott Cochran, LCSW, Assistant Director of Clinical Services:
I am the supervisor responsible for the oversight of the MY&FS Clinical Department, which includes the Outpatient Clinic, Student Assistance Counseling and Parent Support Counseling programs. My responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the clinical department (including inquiries), supervising staff, and providing mental health evaluations and therapy to children, adolescents and their families, both as an outpatient therapist and Student Assistance Counselor at Polson Middle School (one day a week).
I started with Madison Youth Services as a part-time Clinical Coordinator in 2003 and assumed my current full-time role in March 2004. I have had a connection to this community almost all my life, including living in Madison through Middle School and High School (Graduated from DHHS in 1986). I also participated in Madison Youth Services programs such as Peer Advocates as a teenager.
Wendy Larson, Social Services Coordinator : Wendy attended Pace University in New York. Prior to becoming the Social Services Coordinator, Wendy was the Administrative Assistant to David Melillo. She lives in Clinton with her husband and children. Her life’s experiences have provided her with a valuable sensitivity and understanding to people who are experiencing a variety of difficulties that have affected their lives.
Marj Adler, Parent Support Counselor: Marj received her B.S. from Suffolk University and then her Masters Degree in family counseling from Central Connecticut State University. She is a parent of two grown sons; she has always stood on her belief that “Parenting does not come with a manual”. This belief has inspired her to form support groups to conduct education forums to give parents hands-on information for raising children today.
Melissa Balletto, Youth Development Coordinator: Melissa graduated from Gateway Community College with an Associates Degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. She received her BS in Psychology from Charter Oak State College. Melissa and her husband live in Madison with their growing family. Melissa enjoys working closely with children and their families.
Marcy Beatty, Youth Development Coordinator: Marcy received her B.A. in Government and completed coursework for teaching certification at St. Lawrence University. After a varied career in education, publishing, advertising and fundraising, she became an at-home mom for her two children and an active volunteer for community and school organizations. She now teaches the MY&FS “Who’s Got The Power?” program in sixth grade classes at Brown Middle School.
Erik Becker – Peer Advocate Group Leader. I run one Peer Advocate Training Group and the Woodsy Club for Madison Youth and Family Services. My favorite parts of my job are connecting with people and sharing things that bring me joy. I have a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts in a major I made up called Earth Living Education and Therapy. I have also taken numerous classes in tracking, nature, and primitive technology with Tom Brown, Everett Callahan, B.O.S.S., Earth Walk, and Hawks Circle. I am a 1996 Daniel Hand High School graduate and a former Peer Advocate.
Erin Corbett – Student Assistance Counselor: DHHS:
Erin, who grew up in Madison, received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Wheelock College and her Master of Social Work from UCONN. Previous to working for Youth and Family Services Erin had various jobs and volunteer experience with youth of various populations including assisting to manage a residential treatment facility for adolescent boys in Portland, Oregon.
Erin loves her job and working with teenagers, and is sometimes amazed that she gets paid for it.
Deborah Grove, Student Assistance Counselor at Polson Middle School: Debbie provides counseling services for students and their families, outreach and case management services. Debbie graduated from Albertus Magnus College with a B.A. in Psychology and childhood development. She is currently working on her Master’s Degree. Debbie is a Madison resident and the proud mother of an adolescent son. Her deep commitment and love for children is evident in her career choice.
Claire McIntyre –Family Counselor
Claire received her Masters Degree from Southern Connecticut State University in Marriage and Family Therapy. She provides part-time counseling services through our clinical program at the Lee Academy building. Before coming to Madison Youth and Family Services, she conducted therapy sessions in a variety of modalities involving families, couples, and individuals representing diverse populations, group programs for students, and parent education at both Guilford Youth & Family Services and The Bridge Family Center.
Claire resides in Madison with her loving husband and children. She brings both excellent education and experience to her position.
Christy Modine, MSW -Student Assistance Counselor at R.H. Brown Middle School
As an employee of Madison Youth and Family Services, I provide counseling services for students and their families, outreach and case management services.
I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. My undergraduate degree is also in social work and I have an Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts.
I am originally from Madison, having gone through the Madison Public School system, graduating from Daniel Hand in 1988. I have a supportive, loving husband and 2 beautiful children. I feel so lucky to have the best of both worlds; a wonderful, healthy family and a challenging and rewarding career working with my one of my favorite populations….children.
