Management staff

Interlude's Management staff is composed of highly qualified professionals who have experience in the field and are dedicated to improving the lives of men and women with mental illness.

Administrative Management Staff

• Kathleen Deschenes, LMSW Executive Director
  kathleen.deschenes@interludeinc.org
  Kathleen has 20 years of experience in the mental health field working with men and women diagnosed with mental illness and substance use disorders.  After receiving her MSW from NYU, she worked in New York City on homeless outreach teams as well as in inpatient, out patient and residential settings.  Kathleen has been the Executive Director for Interlude in Connecticut since 1998.
  
  
• Karin Krupinksy, BA Director of Operations
  karin.krupinksy@interludeinc.org
  Karin Krupinksy joined Interlude in 2006 after 6 years of management experience. She holds a BA in Economics and Computer Science from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. Upon completion of her degrees, she was the Director of Member Relations for a Non-Profit organization in Tarrytown, NY and for the previous 4 years was the Operations Director for a childcare company. Karin is responsible for the financial operations of Interlude.
  
  
• Robin Riemersma, BA Marketing and Development Manager
  robin.riemersma@interludeinc.org
  Robin joined Interlude in 2001 after working previously in the business world as a Marketing Communications Assistant. She holds a BA in English from the University of Connecticut and became interested in switching from corporate work to the non-profit arena several years after graduating. Robin assists the Executive Director with the fundraising and development efforts of the agency, and helps to promote Interlude's mission in the community.
  
  
• Cynthia McLaughlin, MA, LADC, LMHC Clinical Director
  cynthia.mclaughlin@interludeinc.org
  Cynthia McLaughlin has over 18 years of experience specializing in the treatment of adults with co morbid psychiatric and substance use disorders. She holds a Masters in Counseling from Boston College and obtained much of her early training at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA. After moving to NYC In 1994 she became certified as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. She has held numerous positions of progressively increasing responsibility in a variety of treatment settings in Boston, NYC, and Connecticut. From 2001 to 2008 she was the Program Director at Interlude’s Intensive Residential Recovery Program, and most recently became the Clinical Director for the agency, helping ensure Interlude's clients received the best possible treatment.
  
  
• Rachel Bond Torpey, BA Director Program Development 
  rachel.bond.torpey@interludeinc.org
  Rachel has worked in the mental health field for 26 years. After receiving her BA in psychology she spent 6 years @ Danbury Hospital where she was a member of the staff on the psychiatric inpatient unit. Hired in 1986 by Interlude to open the Outreach Program in New Milford, Rachel helped grow that program over the years. Rachel is now is Director of Human Resources & Program Development, helping to ensure Interlude's staffing needs are met and helping improve & grow Interlude's programs overall.
  
  Program Management Staff
  
  
• Gina Reynolds Intensive Residential Support Program - Program Director
  georgina.reynolds@interludeinc.org
  Gina Reynolds serves as Program Director at our Intensive Residential Support Program, having many years of experience working with the mentally ill and with Interlude clients. Gina has exceptional skills in working with people and handling both staff and client issues with sensitivity and a personal touch. She continues to hone her mental health knowledge through experience and trainings, and has facilitated many groups and activities at the Condo program that have aided in our clients' recovery. Her compassion, dedication, and skills make her an asset to Interlude's team and an encouragement to our clients.
  
  
• Mark Draxdorf, LMSW - Intensive Residential Recovery Program - Program Director
  Mark joined Interlude's team in March 2010 as Recovery Program Director. Mark has numerous years of experience in the mental health field and also experience in a residential program environment, and was a perfect fit to join the staff of the Recovery program. He holds a BA from WCSU and an MSW from Columbia University School of Social work in New York. In his most recent position before joining us at Interlude, Mark helped develop programs to focus on principles of recovery from illness, including self-advocacy and emphasis on the connection between physical and  mental health, and the role of spirituality.
  
  
• Chris Spalding Intensive Residential Recovery Program - Assistant Program Director
  (formerly our Outreach Program Director)
  christine.spalding@interludeinc.org
  Chris brings many years of mental health experience and a passion for helping people, to her career at Interlude. In addition to years of working in the field of mental health, Chris has also fostered children with mental health issues. Her calm and confident manner, enthusiasm, and sense of humor are some of the gifts she brings to Interlude. 
  

 
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