Staff

Mark Irons

Executive Director

Mark assumed the position of Executive Director in September of 2024. Prior to his current role, he served as the agency’s first Suicide Prevention Program Lead. He is a servant leader who believes strongly in the agency’s mission and staff. Mark is proud to be a lifelong Eastern Connecticut resident.

Jennifer Buckley

Assistant Director

Jennifer has worked in the prevention field for over 10 years. She is married, has an adult son and has lived in Eastern Connecticut her entire life. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human service and business from ECSU and is a Certified Prevention Specialist . She enjoys collaborating with our 41 communities to implement healthier and safer environments.

Deborah Walker

Regional Prevention Manager

Deborah has worked on SERAC initiatives including the State Opioid Response Grant, the Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative, the Problem Gambling Awareness Grant, and the RBHAO grant. She is proud of the good work SERAC does and looks forward to continuing to reduce the impact behavioral health issues have on the community and its residents.

Megan Erdman

Cannabis Program Coordinator

Megan received her masters in Psychology in 2023 and has run and developed 3 programs to support youth and the communities of Eastern Connecticut during her time with SERAC. Megan’s passion for community work stems from her family's experiences. She hopes to support a healthier future for her children and the community.

Eric Reynolds

Recovery Friendly Workplace Program Director

Eric started working in community outreach when he was 18, then spent the next 15 years in retail management. He came back to community outreach when his son was born and wants to make the world a better place for him to grow up in.

Dani Amaral

Suicide Prevention Program Lead

Dani spent about ten years working in the area of substance misuse and mental health treatment before transitioning into the suicide prevention space to focus more directly on areas of passion.  She approaches this work with gratitude and fulfillment as her personal life experiences and professional ambitions find common ground.

Jessica Garcia

JUUL Program Coordinator

Jessica graduated from Springfield College with her BA in Human Services. She has been working with youth and their families, connecting them with community resources within Eastern CT for over 20 years. She looks forward to her role in providing general intervention around our community. She has one adult daughter, one teenage daughter and a dog. In her spare time she love going to the beach and traveling to enrich her experiences whenever possible.

Katie Wilt

Gambling Prevention Coordinator

Katie Wilt joined SERAC in 2024, bringing experience in municipal social services, workforce development, and supporting veterans during their career transitions. A central focus of her work has been to bridge individuals and communities to resources, empowering them to reach their full potential and improve their overall well-being. Katie values providing assistance grounded in empathy, complemented by practical tools and educational resources. In her spare time, Katie enjoys running, appreciating its benefits for both physical fitness and mental health.

Emmalyn Walenda

PDO/GLS Program Coordinator

Emmalyn received her masters in Social Work and Public Health in 2024.  She brings experience from various internships focused on child welfare, public policy, and mental health.  Emmalyn looks forward to her role in connecting with communities and assisting in creating positive change.  In her spare time, Emmalyn enjoys reading and spending quality time with her family.

Rayallen Bergman

STOP Grant Program Coordinator

Rayallen Bergman is an accomplished public health leader with extensive experience in behavioral health, social services, and community education on various levels. He has rejoined SERAC as a Program Coordinator, demonstrating a strong dedication to the enhancement of Eastern Connecticut communities. He has a strong track record in substance use prevention, mental health advocacy, and nonprofit grant management and development. Rayallen has a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and is actively advancing his expertise through ongoing studies in Nursing and Biology. His passion for elevating public health standards is evident in his dedication to community leadership, coalition-building, community resource development, and evidence-based strategies, with a strong emphasis on youth education and leadership development. 

Kelsey Binnie

SOR Program Coordinator/JUUL Coordinator

Kelsey joined the SERAC team in 2025 and has worked in a variety of sectors including higher education, non-profit organizations and healthcare. Kelsey’s many years of administrative and educational experience, coupled with her dynamic personality and desire to help others, have allowed her to successfully support and serve whomever she encounters along this journey of life. As a newcomer to the Eastern Connecticut region, she is excited to immerse herself in the community and engage and support the people and organizations that make this area so special. She believes in the power of collaboration and is committed to making a positive impact through her work.