Date: Fri 25-Oct-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Newtown-Youth-Services-

Full Text:

New Assistant Director At Newtown Youth Services

B Y A NDREA Z IMMERMANN

After a lengthy search and interview process, Newtown Youth Services found its

new assistant director right under its own nose. Jane Todorski, who began as a

family therapy intern at the agency more than two years ago, has been chosen

to fill the position held by Susan Costa, who left to work as a guidance

counselor for Fairfield Middle School.

"Apart from the clinical work, there's a lot of positive community pro-active

involvement [by NYS]," said Mrs Todorski. The youth don't have to be in

counselling for the family to benefit from services offered by NYS, she said.

"I like that positive emphasis. I think it's reassuring to parents, that we

can be used as a resource when there's not a problem. I think that's something

unique to this agency," she said.

In her new role, Mrs Todorski will assist NYS Director Deborah Richardson in

the coordination of services to youth through existing programs, and establish

new programs to meet the changing needs of the community. She will offer

individual, group, and family therapy under the clinical supervision of the

director. Her responsibilities will also include providing information,

educational and therapeutic services in the school and community.

Mrs Todorski will continue to serve as coordinator for Newtown Youth Creating

AIDS Awareness for Peers (NYCAAP), as coordinator for the agency's program

speaker and activity series, and as facilitator of the NYS parents' book

discussion group. Right now she is creating a monthly newsletter through the

book group called Parent's Idea Exchange (PIE) Monthly which will include

parent-to-parent tips and small pieces focusing on various age groups

(preschool, primary, middle school, high school). The book group reading list

will follow along with a developmental overview of milestones and issues

created by NYS Program Coordinator Tracy Riccio.

It is easier to see how a baby and parent regulate each other's behavior than

to identify it in the relationship of older children and parents, said Mrs

Todorski. As children age, they don't need you less, they need you in

different ways, she said.

"There's so much bad press about adolescence. I really like working with [that

age group]," said Mrs Todorski. "They are really creative. And even in

rebellion, they are just full of energy. I think it's a wonderful time of life

- so full of potential...So many kids, given the opportunity, can accomplish

so much during that time."

Newtown Youth Services received 57 resumes in response to the advertisement

for the assistant director position. "Because we're such a small agency, and

we all wear a lot of different hats... what we were looking for and found was

a person with a blend of strong clinical skills who was honest and ethical and

had a sense of community," said NYS Director Deborah Richardson. "Jane is

bright and she's funny and she's wonderfully perceptive. And she has the

ability to assimilate what is going on around her in all different

directions... and make it work for her."

"It's a real collaboration here. We all work together," said Mrs Todorski. "I

am surrounded by people who are really supportive."

Mrs Todorski holds a MA in marriage and family therapy from Fairfield

University and has her paper on "Attachment and Divorce" published in Journal

of Divorce and Remarriage . She completed three concurrent internships - one

at NYS, one at Berkshire Woods at Fairfield Hills Hospital, and one at Kawduka

Youth Center in Bridgeport. She was a clinical counselor at

Southbury-Middlebury Youth and Family Services in Southbury.

Prior to that, Mrs Todorski was managing editor of Infant Mental Health

Journal and Journal of Community Psychology , and was project editor for

textbooks, tests, and test manuals. She said she is very happy to be part of

the NYS team and looks forward to working with youth and families in the

community.

"One of the greatest priviledges as a family counselor is being privvy to

traditions and stories unique to each family. And to join them in the process

of their lives for a short time," said Mrs Todorski. "It certainly enriches my

life tremendously, and I learn a lot."