Counselors
Andy Buccaro
PROJECT COURAGE was created by Andy Buccaro, LCSW, LADC. Andy holds a Master’s of Social Work Degree and Licensure in Drug and Alcohol Counseling. Before launching PROJECT COURAGE Andy worked in public schools for eight years. Andy has worked as a clinician for Yale's Forensic Psychology Department in their research comparing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Twelve Step Facilitation models for treating alcoholism and addiction. During this time Andy also provided clinical services for Yale's adolescent substance abuse prevention program for students re-entering New Haven Public Schools. Currently Andy provides intervention services students who have violated the school substance abuse policy at Daniel Hand High School for Madison Youth and Family Services. With credentials in both the mental health and substance abuse fields, combined with over a decade of experience, Andy provides clinical services that include thoughtful, compassionate and confidential interventions.
Mike Regan
Mike Regan has over 25 years experience in the mental health field. Mike began his career working in residential treatment facilities for children, adolescents and adults. His next position would see him as a high school substance abuse counselor. After several years directing a Guilford's Youth and Family Services Mike settled into his current position where he has been a high school social worker for over fifteen years. His ability to work with multiple populations, his extensive school-based experience, and his superior ability to connect with his clients are just some of the qualities that have earned Mike a strong reputation as a therapist throughout the shoreline. Mike holds Masters Degrees in both clinical psychology and social work.
Ryan Hocking
Ryan Hocking earned his BA in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire and his Masters in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University. Ryan started his career working at the Rushford Center, Inc. where he provided services to adolescents with mental health and addiction issues. His work there included biopsychosocial assessments, individual, family and group therapy. From Rushford, Ryan continued his social work career in his current position at the APT Foundation where he offers individual and group therapy to patients receiving opioid replacement treatment. Ryan’s other professional experiences include his work at The Strong House, an adult day center, where he provided counseling to patients and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other geriatric disorders as well as his time spent monitoring adolescents involved in the Connecticut juvenile judicial system. Ryan brings his dedicated work in the social work field to Project Courage and feels passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their treatment goals.
Lisa Uihlein
Lisa Uihlein brings more than 20 years of experience working with adolescents and their families in area schools, and youth service bureaus to Project Courage. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), her personal/professional evolution includes practicing yoga, becoming a Kripalu yoga teacher, and owner/operator of Turning Point Yoga, a Kripalu affiliated studio, in Madison Ct. www.turningpointyoga.com. Lisa combines the skills of a licensed family therapist, with cutting edge practices in the field of meditation and brain science to access the potential for growth and life enhancing change with the kids and families she serves.
Marlene Popeo Nickerson
Marlene Nickerson has been a CT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 1995. She works with individuals, couples and families using brief, solution- focused therapy that emphasizes quality of life. Although she treats a diversity of clients with a wide range of issues, she has extensive knowledge in addiction, anxiety/depression, loss/grief, eating disorders, parenting and divorce. Her goal is to help her clients to achieve a healthier sense of self and better communication within a marriage, family and other significant relationships. Prior to private practice, some of her clinical work experiences included The Wheeler Clinic, West Haven Youth Services and The Connection Inc./ Women's Services of Groton. She is currently serving a second term as an East Lyme Board of Education member.
Larry Freundlich
Larry Freundlich MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 35 years of experience in working with adolescents and their families. His extensive experience includes being the Executive Director of Old Saybrook Youth & Family Services where he developed and supervised numerous prevention, intervention and treatment programs, many of which were recognized as models in the State. Larry has vast experience as a clinician and has successfully provided counseling services in schools, residential programs and within the community. He continues to specialize in the treatment of adolescents and their families. Larry also continues to work developing resources and support systems for young people in the community. He is an active member of the Middlesex United Way, President of the Youth and Family Services Foundation and a Prevention Consultant for the Rushford Center, Inc.
