CFLR In Action

Hello! I’m Nadine Zesky, I was born and raised in the Syracuse area and I am thrilled to be the new Part Time EAP Coordinator for the Syracuse area.

I spent 25 years in law enforcement, during that time I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Empire State College. My career was focused on how I best could serve my community. I spent the last half of my career as a family service officer, which allowed me to liaison with schools, service organizations and community advocates. I wanted to continue to serve my community after I retired so I decided to run for a position on my local school board. I was elected and served as a member for eight years. This solidified my knowledge that being involved in my community is my passion.

I have only been with CFLR for a short time and I have already learned so much. I love connecting people with services that will help them succeed and be the best they can be and this job is allowing me to do that!

I am married with two beautiful daughters and have the best dog ever! In my spare time I love to walk and spend time outdoors.

I am grateful for the opportunity CFLR has provided to me, allowing me to continue to serve my community. I look forward to growing with CFLR.

Crystal Faria joined the CFLR family in 2019 in the EAP department. She is the EAP coordinator for the Utica office. She has worked in the non-profit sector off and on for most of her career. Working for and within the community is very important to her. One of the things which drew her to working at CFLR is the agencies values of compassion, respect, learning and fun (at CFLR Crystal is known for her positive attitude, creativity and her vast array of obscure trivia so the fun part was significant). She appreciates CFLR’s the supportive atmosphere for personal and professional growth. This support was so welcomed, as Crystal recently earned her CASAC-T and certifications in Meditation, Mindfulness and Life Coaching.

When she is not at work Crystal is currently obsessed with learning the skills of needlepoint and cross stitch. During COVID she has discovered the joys of composting and spending ever day with her two youngest children, who she periodically forgets to feed.

Meet Kelly Wolfe, MSW - Virtual EAP Counselor!

Kelly’s graduate internship was with CFLR, so she is familiar with CFLR and the EAP! We warmly welcome her back. She has been in human services for over 17 years serving the community in a number of roles. She started her career working with victims of interpersonal violence as a community educator and running support groups. Kelly has also worked with at risk youth in several capacities and worked as a social worker in an adult home. She has a passion for helping people overcome their challenges and empowering them to better their lives. Her volunteer work includes working with run away and homeless youth, providing palliative care and fostering kittens and cats. She is currently working in animal welfare. Her other hobbies include gardening (mostly digging the in dirt), hiking and kayaking.

.Nai-Raysia Williams is a Binghamton university graduate of 2020 and a Licensed Master Social Worker. Nai-Raysia has recently joined the Center For Family Life and Recovery team as an EAP Counselor.  

Nai-Raysia was born and raised in Syracuse, NY. She finds enjoyment by spending time with family and her new Mal-Shi puppy Sky Rosé. Nai-Raysia's favorite holiday is Christmas, as this is the time family comes together and celebrates a year of accomplishments and gratitude. Nai-Raysia is a huge fan of traveling. She is happy to share stories of her traveling experiences and encourages other recommendations as well. 

Nai-Raysia has always been passionate about making connections with new people and helping others reach their full potential. With reference to the famous quote by William Butler Yeats, “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven't met”, Nai-Raysia has used this as a motivating factor to expand her personal and professional growth in the social work field. Nai-Raysia values diversity and encourages mutual learning relationships with clients, as she believes "there is always something to learn from someone else". 

My name is Caryn Schweinsberg and I am a Prevention Specialist at Center for Family Life Recovery. I am originally from Boonville, NY but graduated from Oriskany Jr. Sr. High School. I continued my education at SUNY Polytechnic Institute where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Behavioral Health. Before completing my education, I had the opportunity to gain experience in the areas of direct support, administration and grant writing. Soon after graduating, I was offered the Prevention Specialist position with CFLR. I have a great love for the field of psychology and for contributing in the community and for that reason, I am honored to begin my journey with the agency. I am grateful most for the wonderful team I have the privilege of collaborating with and for the opportunity to make a difference in an ever-changing world. In my free time, I enjoy being around close friends and family especially my husband our dog and two cats.

Joe Passalacqua - Ed. MVCC and Utica college, work history, started at Neighborhood Center as a Case Manager – 2 years.  Went on to Oneida Co. Dept of Mental Health, - 5 years.  Mohawk Valley Psych. Center Intensive Case Manager – 30 years retired.  Started teaching the Impaired driving program for the Council on Alcoholism and Addiction in the mid 80s – present.  That agency rolled into our current agency CFLR.  After retirement I assumed the roll of coodinator for the IDP program.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, and look forward to each season of Syracuse football.

My name is Ashley Miller.  I am 26 years old.  I joined the prevention team in July '21 and I oversee our Compeer program.  I live in Little Falls with my fiancé, Greg, and my spoiled rotten dog, Timber.  I am a dietetics and nutrition major at Mohawk Valley Community College.  In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, trying new recipes, running, and walking, watching football, and spending time with my family.  Joining CFLR team and running the Compeer program is allowing me to extend a hand and help those who are struggling with their mental health.  This is a cause near and dear to my heart as I have struggled with my own mental health since I was a teenager.  I was fortune enough to receive the help and treatments I needed throughout the years and now my goal is to help those not as fortunate get themselves on the path toward freedom from their mental health disorders."

David Garrett
Bachelors - SUNY Geneseo
Masters - Bowling Green State University, Ohio

Worked in universities for forty years.  Bowling Green, University of Wisconsin, SUNY Cortland, Wesley College, Delaware, SUNYIT (SUNY Polytechnic Institute) for the last 34 years.  Worked in Student Affairs as Director of Residence Life, Assistant Dean of Students, Director of Orientation, Director of Student Life, Director of Counseling, and Director of International Student Services.
Outside activities: American Pheasant and Waterfowl Association, Western New York Pheasant and Waterfowl Society, Adirondack Avicultural Society, Barneveld Horsemen's Association, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's - Ride for Missing Children and Community Outreach Speaker.

Hello!  My name is Fran Esposito and I joined the Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR) as a Prevention Service Coordinator in February 2021. From my previous service term with AmeriCorps, I am bringing experience in and passion for working within the community, especially with community members who face struggles with mental health, addiction, and housing insecurities. I graduated from the University of Albany in Summer of 2020 with a degree in Political Science.

I am very passionate about helping to inspire hope within our community and building lasting, meaningful connections. I am so excited for the opportunity to grow my passions here at CFLR and to create lasting bonds with everyone!

HI! My name is Janet Casadei and I am a Peer Advocate with Family Treatment Court. Helping people has been my lifelong journey. My education inside the classroom is in Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Substance Dependency. I have been working in these fields for the past 20 years. Experiencing substance dependence and mental health struggles in my own life and in my family has helped me gain knowledge and compassion for others with the same challenges. My life is full of kayak trips, pug hugs, and kitty antics. Being in nature is my happy place and a great way to engage in self-care. I hope to help others discover their passions and find the path to their best life!