Open Hearts.
Healthy Minds.
We are a beacon of hope and confidence.
Our programming and clinical support services are run by experts in their fields, and we approach our work with unwavering positivity. Our reputation is built on 50 years of advocating for local youth. We listen, we observe, we act … and show our community that they can put their faith in us.
Our mission is to promote social-emotional learning, strengthen resilience, and support mental well-being in our youth through best-in-class, accessible programs and services. Our vision is to ensure that every child develops the social and emotional skills to successfully navigate the challenges and life experiences that impact their mental health and well-being.
We Value….
Excellence
Our programming and clinical services are run by experts in their fields. We are committed to setting a high bar.
Inclusivity
We take an unbiased approach to both education and treatment. Our programs and clinical services are accessible to all youth, regardless of background or experience.
Optimism
We are a beacon of hope and confidence in our words and actions for local youth and their families. We approach our work with unwavering positivity.
Community
We are a resource for families, schools, healthcare providers, businesses and government … collaborating to support the mental well-being of our local youth.
Trust
Our reputation is built on more than 50 years of advocating for local youth. We listen, we observe, we act … and show our community that they can put their faith in us.
Staff
Lisa Dominici, Executive Director
Lisa is a former RYC Board member and president, and has been the executive director since 2018. A strategic leader and marketing professional, Lisa’s 22-year career in the health information industry included 10 years at WebMD, most recently as Director of Consumer Integrated Marketing. She holds a B.A. from Miami University (OH), a Certificate from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in Digital Marketing Strategies, and is a certified instructor in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Mental Health First Aid.
Linda Tillmon, LCSW, Clinical Director
Linda is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has worked in this field for more than 20 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from St. John’s University and a Master in Social Work from Fordham University. Her professional background includes geriatric care in a nursing home, dual diagnoses in an inpatient psychiatric setting, crisis intervention in emergency rooms, medical social work & case management in an ambulatory care setting, and clinical and administrative work in an outpatient mental health setting, which includes the modalities of individual, group, family and couple’s therapies.
Sangeeta Bansal, Ph.D., Director of Wellness & Youth Empowerment
Sangeeta has over 10 years of experience bringing wellness practices to academic institutions, corporate organizations and women’s groups. She is a certified mindfulness and meditation coach (MiSP, MBSR, KORU), and a certified breathwork coach (YOGABODY). She has taught mindfulness courses at Rye Country Day School, Princeton University, Hong Kong International School - and other community-based centers, such as Wainwright House, the Osborn Retirement Community, the Bronxville Adult School, and Carver Center.
Prior to her journey into wellness, Sangeeta taught graduate students courses in International Business and Planetary Sustainability at the Graduate School of Management at Manhattanville College.
Sangeeta has an MBA from IESE, Barcelona, and a Ph.D. from Rutgers University. She practices yoga, breathwork and mindfulness daily and gets away to do a silent retreat as often as she can.
Lisa Weinman, M.Ed., Director, Programming
Lisa has more than two decades of experience working with young people in academic settings, most recently as a Middle School Dean of Students at Sacred Heart Greenwich. She has provided group and individual counseling sessions and developed a wide variety of programming, including working in concert with parents, faculty, and administrators. Most recently, Lisa co-authored a book to help girls ages 10-14 learn life skills for success at home, at school, and in their larger communities, encouraging them to learn skills required to develop confidence and greater self-awareness. She also is a co-founder of Middle Years Matter, a small business that offers workshops for students, parents, and faculties on a variety of topics related to well-being, social and emotional learning, and executive function. She holds a Master of Arts from the University of Vermont, a Masters degree in Education/School Counseling from Hunter College, and is permanently certified as a School Counselor.
Laura Witman, LCSW,
Clinical Supervisor
Laura is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who graduated with her MSW from Boston University in 2010. She has worked with youth aged 5-18 in various settings including an outpatient mental health clinic, a residential treatment center, an inpatient community-based acute treatment center, and multiple therapeutic day and public school programs.
Laura has extensive experience with crisis management, behavior management techniques, and working with children with complex diagnostic profiles. She has provided individual, group and family therapies, as well as advocacy and case management to help clients’ get their needs met in other settings.
Laura has been supervising clinical interns and clinicians for more than 10 years, and is passionate about teaching clinical skills to those new to the field.
Regina Venditto, Development & Communications
Regina joins RYC as Development and Communications Assistant.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Liza Bainbridge, MSW, Co-President
Monica Brenner, Co-President
Pixie Brokaw
Erin Buckley, Co-President
Jason Feinberg
Rammy Harwood Arielle Jachman, Psy.D.
Sally Joyce
Meghann Kelly
Willie Gould, M.Ed.
Elyssa Gray
Laura Kovacs, M.Ed
Alissa Osier
Rachel Spice, Treasurer Autumn Terrill, LCAT
Marnie White, LCSW
Tracy Wydra
Ex Officio Advisors
Sharon Cammisa
Allison Chader
Lisa Ruderman Chen
Susan Reid-Dullea, M.Ed.
Kristin Jautz
Jackie Mazzilli
M. Kim O’Connor, LCSW
Andrea Silviotti, M.Ed.
Daryl Woolsey
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
What is SEL?
SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
Learn the Fundamentals of SEL
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) can help all young people and adults thrive personally and academically, develop and maintain positive relationships, become lifelong learners, and contribute to a more caring, just world.
The Five SEL Core Competencies
All Rye Youth Council programs address the five broad, interrelated areas of social-emotional learning competence, which are:
self-awareness
self-management,
social awareness
relationship skills
responsible decision-making