OUR TEAM AT CONNECTIONS PEER SUPPORT

At Connections Peer Support, our greatest strength is our people. Our Board, staff, peer specialists, and volunteers bring lived experience, professional passion, and deep commitment to building a safe, empowering, and compassionate community. They guide our direction, support members every day, and embody the values of dignity, choice, and mutual respect.

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GUIDING VOICES: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Board of Directors is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds — some of whom are members themselves — who guide Connections’ strategic vision, ensure accountability, and steward our mission.

Ardie Henry, Board President

Meryle S Zeoli
Dave Cosgrove
Brenna Fitzgibbon
Michael Brousseau
Bonnie Ward
John O’Brien 
Ben Lamothe
John Henry
Alison Sollee
Eliza Hobson
Brittany Williams

Their collective experience, care, and community ties help shape the policies, growth, and sustainability of Connections Peer Support.

LEADING THE WAY: STAFF & PROGRAM LEADERSHIP

Our staff are more than administrators — they are peer-centered leaders and collaborators. Each brings unique skills, lived experience, and a deep commitment to supporting the mission.

 

Executive & Core Leadership

Fred P.
Fred Poisson

Executive Director 

fred@connectionspeersupport.org

Fred Poisson serves as the Executive Director of Connections Peer Support, bringing a strong background in coaching, leadership, and behavioral health. He holds a B.A. in English from Keene State College and is a Certified Agile Facilitator, Advanced Certified Scrum Master, Certified Scrum Product Owner, Certified Agile HR Learning and Development Professional, Certified Health and Wellbeing Coach, and Certified Peer Support Specialist.

Fred has been coaching since 2015 and working in mental health since 2017. Before joining Connections, he served as Program Director at Cornerstones of Maine, where he helped shape systems and professional development for young adult recovery programs. His personal experience with mental health and deep belief in accessible care fuel his commitment to breaking barriers in behavioral health.

Outside of work, Fred is an avid forager, runner, swimmer, reader, cook, and horror movie enthusiast. He lives in Eliot, Maine, and values the chance to give back to the community he calls home.

Gannon M.
Gannon McCarthy

Program Director

gannon@connectionspeersupport.org

Gannon McCarthy is the Program Director at Connections Peer Support, where he oversees programming and daily operations with creativity and care. A Portsmouth native now living in Eliot, Maine, Gannon holds an A.A. from NYU and a B.F.A. from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada.

Gannon first joined Connections as a part-time peer support worker and quickly advanced into leadership due to his dedication and lived experience with mental health challenges. He finds meaning in helping others discover stability, purpose, and community through peer support.

When he’s not at The Center, Gannon enjoys making art, writing letters, watching films, and spending time in nature.

Tina D.
Tina Dulac

Operations Director

tina@connectionspeersupport.org

As Director of Operations at Connections Peer Support, Tina Dulac brings extensive experience in administrative management, executive support, and bookkeeping across both nonprofit and for-profit organizations.

Originally from the Midwest and Deep South, Tina settled in New Hampshire more than 20 years ago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida and completed postgraduate studies in Accounting at the University of Central Florida.

Tina was drawn to Connections for its mission and community-centered approach, combining her professional expertise with her passion for meaningful, service-driven work. She values both the individuals Connections serves and the colleagues who share her dedication to making a difference.

Outside of work, Tina enjoys golfing, reading, and spending time with her loved ones and pets.

Carley C.
Carley Crain

Community Outreach & Engagement Director

carley@connectionspeersupport.org

As the Community Outreach & Engagement Director, Carley Crain brings creativity, energy, and compassion to her role at Connections Peer Support. A NH Certified Peer Support Specialist, Carley earned her B.A. in Journalism and Sociology from Springfield College and began her journey with Connections in 2023.

Carley previously worked with the New Hampshire Youth Movement as a summer field organizer, focusing on LGBTQIA+ rights and housing access. Her passion for helping others and strengthening community ties has guided her career in the nonprofit world.

Carley grew up in Hooksett and now lives in Dover, NH. Outside of work, she enjoys spin classes, hiking, skiing, and collecting vinyl records — often while listening to her favorite artist, Taylor Swift.

Nina J.
Nina Jenssen

Director of Community & Practical Support

nina@connectionspeersupport.org

TJ M.
TJ Maher

Peer Support Specialist

tj@connectionspeersupport.org

TJ Maher is a Peer Support Specialist at Connections Peer Support, where he helps members build meaningful connections and feel supported on their recovery journeys. Originally from Stratham and now living in Portsmouth, NH, TJ holds a B.S. in Physical Education and previously worked at the YMCA.

Driven by a desire to give back to his community, TJ approaches his work with empathy, humor, and heart. His favorite part of the job is building genuine relationships with members and seeing people grow in confidence and connection.

Outside of work, TJ enjoys writing, walking, and spending time with family and friends.

Step-Up Step-Down (SUSD) Residential Team

James B.
James Boisrond

SUSD Program Director

susd@connectionspeersupport.org

James Boisrond serves as the Residential Director at Connections Peer Support, leading the Step-Up Step-Down (SUSD) program with empathy and professionalism. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology with a minor in Family and Substance Abuse Counseling (CADC) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology.

James’s extensive certifications include Lifestyle and Wellness Coaching, Addiction Treatment and Clinical Skills, Peer Leadership Supervision, Suicide Prevention, Certified Peer Support Specialist (IPS), Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP), and Whole Health Action Management (WHAM), among many others.

Born in Haiti and now living in the U.S., James brings a global perspective and a deep respect for the power of peer connection. He is passionate about holistic approaches to recovery and the transformative potential of community. In his free time, he enjoys writing, sports, travel, astronomy, and spending time with family and friends.

Jessica Williams

Assistant Manager

jessica@connectionspeersupport.org

Peer Support Specialists

Those working within SUSD provide 24/7 peer-driven support, coordination, and recovery facilitation in our residential settings.

THE WARM LINE

Our Warm Line staff—peer support specialists Jesse Perkins, Beth Flaherty, Bree Whalon, Maureen Cummings, Samantha Goodwin, and Nicole McAnern—are specially trained to listen, hold space, and provide emotional support via phone each evening.

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HOW OUR TEAM SERVES YOU

Peer-Led Support: Many in our team share lived experience as part of their role, creating genuine empathy, authenticity, and trust.

Trauma-Informed & Peer Support: All staff, especially those working on the Warm Line and in direct support roles, are trained in Peer Support methods, ensuring every interaction honors dignity and choice.

Collaboration & Growth: Our leadership actively engages members in program development and peer staff training to keep the organization responsive and evolving.

Diverse Roles, One Mission: From outreach and operations to direct peer support and residential care, everyone contributes toward creating a safe, stigma-free environment for mental health recovery.

CONNECT WITH OUR TEAM

We’re a community of people working side by side, members, staff, and leaders, united by shared experience, compassion, and hope. If you'd like to connect with a staff member, propose a collaboration, or learn more about volunteer or job openings, we invite you to reach out.