Who We Are
Building Healthier Communities Together
The Prevention Training & Technical Assistance Service Center (TTASC) is your trusted partner in fostering a robust and educated prevention workforce in Connecticut. At TTASC, we are committed to enhancing the capabilities of prevention professionals through high-quality training, technical assistance, and professional development. Our mission is to equip the prevention workforce with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to create healthier communities and reduce the impact of substance use and mental health disorders.
We’re Passionate About Fostering Healthier Communities by Empowering Prevention Professionals & Coalitions
We’re Passionate About Fostering Healthier Communities by Empowering Prevention Professionals & Coalitions
Our Mission
Our mission is to create a robust, well-informed, and educated prevention workforce in Connecticut. By enhancing accessibility and quality of training and technical assistance, we aim to elevate prevention competencies across all critical segments of the workforce. Our consultants bring high-quality knowledge and expertise in prevention competencies, research and data analysis, professional development, and community building.
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower prevention professionals and coalitions across Connecticut with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to foster a healthier, safer, and more equitable future. We strive to be one of the leading force in prevention training and support, driving impactful change through innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based practices.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind our mission, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive impactful change.
David Reyes
Associate Consultant
David Reyes
Associate Consultant
David holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a Master’s in Social Work with expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, website development, and data management, he excels in survey development, administration, analysis, and communication. Before joining the team, David served as a Youth Peer Advocate with a local substance abuse prevention council. His experience enriches his role in providing technical assistance, developing training programs, and delivering research-informed policy and program recommendations.
Jennifer Jacobsen
Associate Consultant
Jennifer Jacobsen
Associate Consultant
Jennifer Jacobsen brings 8 years of experience in the field to her role as an Associate Consultant. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on Counselor Education. Additionally, she is a Certified Prevention Specialist.
Jennifer’s professional background includes 4 years at Cross Sector Consulting, where she has made significant contributions. Before joining Cross Sector Consulting, she served as the CSC Grant Coordinator for the Fairfield CARES Coalition for 3 years, and she was a volunteer member of the coalition prior to that. Outside of her professional work, Jennifer is actively involved in her community as a member and Chair of the Fairfield Board of Education.
Kathleen Mierkiewicz
Associate Consultant
Kathleen Mierkiewicz
Associate Consultant
Kathleen Mierkiewicz, also known as Kate, joins our team as an Associate Consultant with 10 years of experience in the field. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous role as a community and long-term care social worker. Kate has dedicated her career to promoting preventative care and wellness among the senior population, specializing in engaging with adults to identify their needs, provide resources, and foster community connections.
Kate is excited to apply her extensive experience in preventative health and community well-being to our team, where she will focus on proactive solutions. In her personal time, Kate enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.
Ken Plourd
Associate Consultant
Ken Plourd
Associate Consultant
Ken Plourd is an Associate Consultant with a strong background in prevention and community support. He holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Ethnographic Research Methods. With experience as a prevention coalition coordinator, Ken’s expertise encompasses product development, training, and technical assistance. His deep understanding of community dynamics and prevention strategies allows him to effectively contribute to our team’s mission by offering valuable insights and support.
Lisa Mason
Associate Consultant
Lisa Mason
Associate Consultant
Lisa Mason is an Associate Consultant with a Masters in Counseling and certification as a Prevention Specialist. Her expertise is centered on providing development training and support to prevention workforce and communities implementing various prevention programs. Lisa specializes in coordinating group and individual technical assistance for community coalitions utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). She is dedicated to continuously assessing coalition needs and crafting tailored training and support to effectively meet those needs.
Morgan Jacobsen
Intern
Morgan Jacobsen
Intern
Morgan Jacobsen is an Intern at TTASC, where they have been gaining valuable experience over the past two summers. As a rising junior at the University of Connecticut, Morgan has utilized their time at TTASC to explore various learning opportunities and career paths within the prevention field. Outside of their internship, Morgan serves as a chemistry tutor and student teacher at UConn, and is involved in research on flow chemistry under Dr. Kerry Gilmore.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the dedicated professionals behind our mission, each bringing unique skills and experiences to drive impactful change.
David Reyes
Associate Consultant
David Reyes
Associate Consultant
David holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a Master’s in Social Work with expertise in qualitative and quantitative research, website development, and data management, he excels in survey development, administration, analysis, and communication. Before joining the team, David served as a Youth Peer Advocate with a local substance abuse prevention council. His experience enriches his role in providing technical assistance, developing training programs, and delivering research-informed policy and program recommendations.
Jennifer Jacobsen
Associate Consultant
Jennifer Jacobsen
Associate Consultant
Jennifer Jacobsen brings 8 years of experience in the field to her role as an Associate Consultant. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on Counselor Education. Additionally, she is a Certified Prevention Specialist.
Jennifer’s professional background includes 4 years at Cross Sector Consulting, where she has made significant contributions. Before joining Cross Sector Consulting, she served as the CSC Grant Coordinator for the Fairfield CARES Coalition for 3 years, and she was a volunteer member of the coalition prior to that. Outside of her professional work, Jennifer is actively involved in her community as a member and Chair of the Fairfield Board of Education.
Kathleen Mierkiewicz
Associate Consultant
Kathleen Mierkiewicz
Associate Consultant
Kathleen Mierkiewicz, also known as Kate, joins our team as an Associate Consultant with 10 years of experience in the field. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous role as a community and long-term care social worker. Kate has dedicated her career to promoting preventative care and wellness among the senior population, specializing in engaging with adults to identify their needs, provide resources, and foster community connections.
Kate is excited to apply her extensive experience in preventative health and community well-being to our team, where she will focus on proactive solutions. In her personal time, Kate enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.
Ken Plourd
Associate Consultant
Ken Plourd
Associate Consultant
Ken Plourd is an Associate Consultant with a strong background in prevention and community support. He holds a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and Ethnographic Research Methods. With experience as a prevention coalition coordinator, Ken’s expertise encompasses product development, training, and technical assistance. His deep understanding of community dynamics and prevention strategies allows him to effectively contribute to our team’s mission by offering valuable insights and support.
Lisa Mason
Associate Consultant
Lisa Mason
Associate Consultant
Lisa Mason is an Associate Consultant with a Masters in Counseling and certification as a Prevention Specialist. Her expertise is centered on providing development training and support to prevention workforce and communities implementing various prevention programs. Lisa specializes in coordinating group and individual technical assistance for community coalitions utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF). She is dedicated to continuously assessing coalition needs and crafting tailored training and support to effectively meet those needs.
Morgan Jacobsen
Intern
Morgan Jacobsen
Intern
Morgan Jacobsen is an Intern at TTASC, where they have been gaining valuable experience over the past two summers. As a rising junior at the University of Connecticut, Morgan has utilized their time at TTASC to explore various learning opportunities and career paths within the prevention field. Outside of their internship, Morgan serves as a chemistry tutor and student teacher at UConn, and is involved in research on flow chemistry under Dr. Kerry Gilmore.
Our Connecticut Partners
Professional Development
Our professional development services offer tailored training, online modules, and certification support to help prevention professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers in prevention.
Technical Assistance
Our technical assistance services offer expert guidance and support to address specific challenges and needs. We help organizations and coalitions navigate complex issues, develop effective solutions, and enhance their impact.
Coalition Services & Support
Our coalition services provide essential support, resources, and guidance to help prevention coalitions build capacity, implement effective strategies, and achieve their community goals.
Education
We provide on demand learning opportunities and training materials to help professionals and communities stay informed. Our educational offerings cover a range of topics essential for effective prevention and support practices.
WHAT WE DO
Our Services
At Prevention Training & Technical Assistance Service Center we provide comprehensive support to professionals and organizations dedicated to substance use prevention and mental health promotion. Our services are designed to empower individuals and coalitions with the tools, knowledge, and strategies they need to create healthier communities. Whether you’re seeking professional development, coalition-building expertise, technical assistance, or educational resources, our team is here to guide and support your efforts. Explore our offerings to find the solutions that best meet your needs.