About
Leadership
Meet Our Team & Board of Directors
About United Services
At United Services, leadership is rooted in a shared commitment to community well-being, compassionate care, and long-term impact. Our organization is guided by a team of experienced professionals, clinicians, and community leaders who believe behavioral health care should be accessible, person-centered, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
Our leadership team works to ensure that every aspect of the organization—from clinical care and crisis response to prevention, outreach, and community partnerships—reflects the values of dignity, collaboration, accountability, and hope. Together, they guide strategic planning, organizational growth, and service innovation while remaining responsive to the evolving needs of Northeastern Connecticut.
As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), United Services is committed to integrated care that recognizes the connection between mental health, substance use, physical health, trauma, family systems, housing, employment, and community support.
Leadership plays an active role in building partnerships and strengthening systems of care that improve outcomes not only for individuals, but for the region as a whole.
Equally important, our leadership recognizes that strong organizations are built through relationships. United Services values collaboration across staff, clients, community partners, funders, and local leaders—understanding that meaningful progress happens when people work together toward a shared purpose.
Through thoughtful stewardship, strategic vision, and a deep connection to the community, United Services’ leadership continues to guide the organization forward while remaining grounded in the mission that has shaped it from the beginning: helping people navigate challenges, build stability, and move toward healthier, more connected lives.
United Services is guided by a dedicated leadership team committed to excellence, accountability, and mission-driven service.
Diane Manning MBA, CBHE
President/CEO
President/CEO
Diane Manning has extensive administrative experience in program development, finance, strategic planning, facility development, contract negotiation and compliance, licensing and accreditation, and is well versed in the delivery of cost-effective behavioral health services in a managed care environment. She has been with United Services since 1983.
Melissa Demma, LCSW
Vice President, Chief Program Officer
Vice President, Chief Program Officer
Sarah J. De Asis Vargas, MD
Medical Director
Medical Director
Robert DeVerna
Senior Vice President, CFO
Senior Vice President, CFO
Susana Shymanik, LPC
Child & Family Services Division Director
Child & Family Services Division Director
Jenna Boulette, LCSW, MPH
Clinical Services Division Director
Clinical Services Division Director
Heather Victoria, LCSW
Intensive Services Division Director
Intensive Services Division Director
Holly Fish, MS
Comprehensive Services Division Director
Comprehensive Services Division Director
Sara Barber, LCSW, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Director
Human Resources Director
Cassie Mantoni, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Associate Director
Human Resources Associate Director
Josh Longiaru
Director of IT Systems
Director of IT Systems
Sandra Long
Director of Quality & Corporate Compliance
Director of Quality & Corporate Compliance
Cherie Poirier, MBA, MA Psych
Director of Development & Communication
Director of Development & Communication
Prescriber Team
Sarah J. De Asis Vargas, M.D.
Medical Director
Medical Director
Samer Ashour, APRN
Wioletta (Viola) Hryszan, APRN
Ibraham Sabri, MD
Salvatore Iacobello, MD
Kathleen MacKenzie, APRN
Christine Smiley, APRN
Joseph Padilla, APRN
Yuri Troshin, APRN
Jennifer Hardy, APRN
Marisa Landry
Mansfield AOS Program Manager
Mansfield AOS Program Manager
Cassandria Manger
Addiction Team Manager
Addiction Team Manager
Melissa Ladd
Crisis Team Manager
Crisis Team Manager
Shannon Michelson
YAS Clinic Team Manager
YAS Clinic Team Manager
Clinical Managers
Janay Gonzales, LCSW
COAST Manager
COAST Manager
Melissa Munger, LCSW
Northeast Adult Outpatient Services Program Manager
Northeast Adult Outpatient Services Program Manager
Melisa Roberson, LCSW
Employee Assistance Program Manager
Employee Assistance Program Manager
Hadiya Robinson, LCSW
Child Guidance Program Manager
Child Guidance Program Manager
Logan Smith, LCSW
Northeast Adult Outpatient Services Team Manager
Northeast Adult Outpatient Services Team Manager
Kristina Glaude, LPC
Director of Crisis Response Services
Director of Crisis Response Services
Our Board of Directors
Our volunteer Board members provide governance, fiduciary oversight, and community representation to ensure our mission remains strong.
Executive Committee
Jeanne Nuhfer
Chair
Roland Lupien DDS
Vice Chair
Christopher Dooley
Treasurer
Philip Gaudette
Secretary
Directors
Romeo Blackmar
Jane Bonaventura
Doria Daviau
Curt Hirsch
Dana-Marie Levine
Kimberly Low
Dr. Neil Moynihan
Terri Pearsall
Ann Rash
Dr. Jara Rijs
Diane Sauer
About United Services
