Tri-Town Youth Services https://ttysb.org/2625-2/ About Us

TTYSB

As proud members of the Connecticut Youth Services Association (CYSA), we uphold professional standards in advocacy and support. Our work goes beyond education—it strengthens the networks that help youth thrive at Tri-Town Youth Services.

Furthermore, whether you’re seeking youth programs, parent resources, or volunteer opportunities, we’re here for you. Together, we can create a healthier, stronger community for everyone.

About US

Youth Service Bureaus began in the U.S. in 1972, using federal Juvenile Justice funds to prevent juvenile delinquency. In Connecticut, they were established by state law in 1975 to support youth and families. Founded in 1984, the Tri‑Town Youth Services Bureau serves Deep River, Essex, and Chester, CT. Our mission is to help young people build strong relationships with family, school, peers, and community.

What We Offer

Each year, we reach about 1,300 children and youth through prevention education, life‑skill building, and support programs. In FY 2024, more than 500 participants engaged directly in our workshops, trainings, and community events.

Our Core Values

Respectful: We honor every youth, family, and community member.
Strength-Based: We focus on each individual’s assets and potential.
Accessible: Everyone deserves quality resources, no matter their ability to pay.
Ethical & Welcoming: We uphold high integrity while remaining approachable and friendly.

Staff

Rob Bibbiani- Executive Director

I am a lifelong resident of the tri-towns, mostly and currently in Chester.  I have worked professionally in various youth development capacities for over 30 years, including a 20-year career with a state agency where I provided direct service to youth and families for the first 12 years, and then served as a staff and program development specialist the last 8 years.  Following my state service, I continued to provide training and coaching services on a freelance basis, including coaching people recovering from substance use disorders.  In 2022 I also began working as a job coach for developmentally delayed students in the Region 4 Transition Academy, before becoming the Tri-Town YSB director in December 2023. I have had a long association with Tri-Town Youth Services, predominantly as a member of both the Local Prevention Coalition and the Youth Diversion Board, and was instrumental in transitioning the latter to a Restorative Practices model.  I have also previously served on the Tri-Town YSB Board of Directors and the Chester Board of Education.

Board Members

Megan Giard- Program Manager

Megan is a Program Manager at Tri-Town Youth Services, where she is dedicated to promoting public health education and prevention initiatives in the community. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Brigham Young University–Idaho and is a certified Tobacco Cessation Specialist through the University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine. Her work focuses on adolescent health behaviors, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and prevention strategies in areas such as mental health, suicide prevention, and substance misuse. She is passionate about ensuring that individuals, families, and communities have access to the education and resources needed to thrive. A Connecticut native, Megan grew up in Niantic and now resides in South Windsor with her husband. She is the proud mother of two adult children, both of whom are currently pursuing their education. She is excited to be part of a team that provides vital services to the Tri-Town area and beyond.

Abby Roccapriore- Program Manager

Abby is a born and raised Tri-Town kid. Her family has been imbedded in Chesters development and culture since it’s inception. She has a lot of pride when it comes to our Region. Abby has spent the last 30 years working primarily with children. Daycares, nannying, camp programs, and in the last 10 years as a paraprofessional in CPS and RSD17. Working with kids who have behavioral, emotional and learning needs is her specialty. She is also an employee of Shell & Bee studios in Deep RIver, where she has been a leader and instructor since 2020. Abby has a degree in Human Services, and is working on her BA in Social Work at Charter Oak State College. Her focus is learning about and nurturing the whole child. Meeting them where they are at and fostering long term relationships. Being an ally in the LGTBQIA+ community, and advocating for students has been her passion. She set her roots permanently in Clinton with her 3 children and her husband. She regularly fosters dogs, and has failed only twice!

Gail Stanton- President

Gail Stanton is a retired English professor and Learning Disabilities Specialist who spent the last 25 years of her career at Manchester Community College. She is committed to developing programs that support underserved populations. In addition to designing and teaching courses in developmental education for nontraditional learners, she worked with students who had learning, physical and psychiatric disabilities. While at MCC, she developed a comprehensive program to support students with Autism Spectrum Disorders, which included parent outreach and training. She also created a mentoring program for college students with learning disabilities as well as an internship program through the Office of Disability Services. Gail received her B.A in Special Education and M.A. in Human Resource Technology from American International College. She has worked with youth from kindergarten through college level. She served on the board for Valley Shore YMCA in Westbrook. Currently she is a member of Chester’s Sustainability Committee. Gail has been on the board of Tri-Town since 2022 and has served as co-chair of the Personnel Committee and a member of the Suicide Prevention Committee. Rebecca joined the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau in 2025 and is excited to contribute her time and energy to support the organization’s mission of serving youth and families throughout the region.

Tiffany Zwart- Secretary

Tiffany Zwart brings a wealth of expertise from a background in the event planning industry. With a career orchestrating seamless events and meticulously coordinating logistics, Tiffany has honed her skills in the art of organization and precision. Her dedication to creating memorable moments and ensuring every detail is perfect has been the hallmark of her professional journey. Most recently, she’s taken her skills to a digital audience, as the owner and CEO of Lovespun Creative LLC, providing online business management services. Lovespun Creative offers virtual support to professionals and organizations, streamlining daily projects and processes, with a dedication to making businesses more productive, and assisting business owners in being fully present and intentional in their services. Her deeply-rooted commitment to family, community, and service is exemplified in her volunteer work. A true advocate of the community, Ms. Zwart wears multiple hats to make a positive impact. She is a dedicated Rotarian, living by the Rotary motto, “Service before Self,” serving as the Club Membership Chair for the Rotary E-Club of Global Diversity and Environment in Southern CT, USA, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the club. Committed to promoting mental health awareness, Ms. Zwart also plays a vital role on the Mental Health Committee for the Rotary, working to reduce stigma and support those in need. Since Fall 2022, Tiffany has been a valuable member of the Tri-Town Youth Services Board, where she contributes to shaping a better future for the younger generation. As the board representative for Friends of Tri-Town, she orchestrates various activities and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. Further demonstrating her commitment to the community’s well-being, she is actively involved in the Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, understanding the importance of tackling such issues to create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous environment for all. In addition to her professional and community endeavors, Ms. Zwart is a dedicated volunteer with the Hartford Habitat Women Build project, lending a hand to create safe and affordable housing for those in need. She also devotes her time to the East Coast Canine Rescue. A resident of Deep River, she and her husband are the proud parents of two sons who currently/ recently graduated from the Region 4 school district.

Beebe Miller

I am a retired IT system analyst who lives in Essex. I have been treasurer for many non-profits both in Essex and Greenwich. I was chair of the Greenwich Library Friends board as well as being on the Library Board. I believe in giving back to my community. A math major graduate from Tulane University who came to NYC from New Orleans in 1969 to work for IBM. Once I retired from IBM in 1974 I started my own business of writing software for smaller companies. I retired in 2010. My first husband passed away and I remarried in 1992. Between us we have 4 grown children and 8 grandchildren. I have lived in Essex since 2007 and have been a member of Tri-Town board since March of 2023.

Ruby Sponsors: F. Curtis and Susan B. Thrall Foundation • Essex Savings Bank • Town Fair Foundation | Gold Sponsor: United Church of Chester | Supporters: Adam and Alina Schwartzman • Adriana Cerrato and Ajit Gopalakrishnan • Alex Johnson • All Saints' Episcopal Church • Alfred and Marylou Starr • Andrew and Monica Mitchel • Andrew and Terry Konefal • Anna Pollack • Arlene Pressman • Arthur and Carol Nedobity • Audrey Jacobson • Barbara Gould • Barbara Prendergast • Barbara Sorrentino • Bettie Perreault • Boone Associates • Brad Galiette • Bruce and Beverly Watrous • Calice Sterling • Caroline and David Miller • Catherine and Len Miller • Centerbrook Architects and Planners LLC • Charles Demorest • Charles Doane • Charles Tracy • Chet and Suzanne Kitchings • Christian and Lillian Lorello • Christopher Kearns • Coral and James Rawn • Deep River Family Dental • DEMCO LLC • Diane Phillips • Dogtown Investment Group • Doha Khoury • Don and Kathy Paulson • Edward and Debra Calamari • Edward Sypher • Elaine Erdman • Elizabeth Shafer • Ellen Shortz and Family • Essex Veterans Memorial Hall, Inc • Evelyn Grohs • Frank and Karen Hubbard • George and Ann Bardenheier • George and Ann Penniman • George and Dianne Sexton • Gray Family Foundation, Inc • Hally's Corner Café LLC • Jack and Jill White • James and Marie Ready • James Kern and Helen Miller • James Scala • Jane Cavanaugh and Frank Santoro • Jane Haeni • Jane Siris and Peter Coombs • Jayne Mather • Jean Morrow • Jeffrey Woods and Julie O'Shaughnessy • Joann and Bruce Hourigan • John and Billie Hayner • John and Marla Bogaert • John Ford • John Rogers • John Schroeder • John and Sherrill Proctor • Jonathan Moorhouse • Joseph's Photography, Inc • Judith Duran • Keith and Sandy Dauer • Kenneth and Laurie Burke • King Insurance Partners LLC • Laurence and Charlene Fearon • Lawrence Grab and Brian Fay • Lenore Grunko and Thorton McGlamery • Lesley Rowe • Linda and James Kiaffas • Madaline Meyer • Margaret and Edmund Meehan • Margaret Patricia Eagan Charitable Foundation Trust • Margo's Beauty Center • Marialina Dominguez • Marjorie Warner • Marian and Peter Staye • Martin and Lois Nadel • Martin White and Mary Colburn • Mary Miller • Melissa Jacobsen • Mike and Annie Tomlinson • Norwich Financial • Nutmeg Pharmacy • Pamela Stoddard (Stoddard Family Foundation) • Patricia Harper • Patricia McCarthy • Patricia Morico • Paul and Maureen Butler • Paul Mikulak • Paulson Training Programs, Inc • Paula Roughny • Peter and Alison Charbonnier • Peter Marshall • Philip and Clio Coles • Richard and Heidi Lee • Richard and Jennifer Kollmer • Richard and Joan Anderson • Richard Dalterio • Rob Bibbiani and Mary Walsh • Robert and Susan Grillo • Robert Malchiodi • Robert Nussbaum • Roberta Pool • Rowman and Littlefield Publishing • Russell and Jacquelyn Calamari • Sally Crowell • Scott and Cheryl Harger • Sharon Lincoln • Squared Circle Studio • Susan Bird • Terence Korndoerfer • The Valley Railroad Company • The Wheatmarket • Theodore and Jan Taigen • Thomas and Kathleen Archambault • Thomas and Sally Crawford • Town Fair Foundation • West Main Street Service • William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty • Winthrop Baptist Church

Jan Taigen

Jan is a retired educator with diverse experience ranging from pre-school to college. Jan’s work in education began at UConn where she served as the Assistant Director of the Honors Programs advising students and overseeing requirements, followed by Associate Director of the Museum of Natural History planning events and writing texts for exhibits. Her work with students at Museum programs inspired her decision mid-career to pursue her original career goal of classroom teaching and she became a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at a K-8 charter school. As the lead teacher at her school, she also guided the schools’ anti-bullying, kindness, and diversity initiatives, and coordinated the buddy program between older and younger students. That work led to her first project after retirement, writing a handbook of 100+ activities for integrating kindness into the school climate. Jan was an active volunteer when her children were young, serving as a preschool substitute teacher, Girl Scout leader, and PTO leader in numerous roles. She now serves as a member of the Chester Elementary Board of Education and is active in Chester Rotary where she serves as the representative to Valley Interact Club and has spearheaded several projects in the community, including the renovation of Tri-Town Youth Services Hub and Haven rooms in 2018. Jan is the mother of three and the Grammy of seven, so is deeply invested in all ways our actions today matter to our youth and our future. Jan has been on the Board of Tri-Town Youth Services since 2019 and Co-President since December 2022.

Mary Boone

Mary Boone is an entrepreneur who runs her leadership communication consulting business, Boone Associates, from Essex CT. Her award-winning research includes four books and numerous articles for the trade and business press, including The New York Times, National Public Radio and Harvard Business Review. Mary serves on the boards of Essex Savings Bank and Essex Financial, has volunteered for Public Art for Racial Justice Education, and served as a substitute Sunday School teacher at her church. A strong advocate for mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and inclusive school environments, Mary is deeply dedicated to advancing the goals of Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau. Her son Alex attended Region 4 schools from K-12 and over those 13 years Mary frequently volunteered in the schools in a variety of capacities. Mary’s degrees, an M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. from Wake Forest University, are both in Communication Theory and she received the designation of Senior Fellow from the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute. Mary has been on the Board of Tri-Town since 2019 and has served as co-president since December of 2022.

Peter H. Charbonnier

Peter has lived in Essex nearly his entire life, except when away at school. He went through Essex Elementary School as did his wife and two kids, one of whom graduated from Valley in 2023 and the other is a Freshman there now. After graduating from law school and a brief stint in the legal realm, he took a seven-year sabbatical, during which he created and ran Ken’s Coffeehouse and Village Provision Company in Essex. After selling the businesses he has been operating a solo legal practice in Chester since 2001.

Keegan Bauman

A Connecticut native, Keegan has deep roots in the tri-town area, having lived in Deep River, Chester, and Essex. A proud graduate of Valley Regional High School and the University of Tampa, Keegan has built a career in sales and currently works as a licensed realtor with Keller Williams in Connecticut. Now residing in Deep River, Keegan brings a strong connection to the local community and a passion for supporting youth and families across the region.

Alex Learned

Alex is a lifelong resident of Chester, graduating from Valley Regional in the class of 2006. After attending college at the George Washington University, he returned to Chester to take on a full-time position at Camp Hazen YMCA. Alex is currently the Assistant Director there overseeing all year-round retreats and conferences, in addition to planning summer camp for the 1000+ annual campers! Alex joined the Tri Town Youth Services board in the Fall of 2024 after being a partner for years co-hosting Valley Regional’s Freshman Orientation and Peer Advocates at Hazen. He and his wife are happily raising their three year old and newborn sons as well as a 6 year old hound-mix in Chester.

Stacia Johnson

Stacia was born and raised in the tri-town area and attended Region 4 schools K-12. After attending college and living in Boston for 15 years she returned to Deep River with her family, and her three children also attended Region 4 schools K-12. She worked for 24 years as a social worker and clinical therapist in her private practice in Essex. Prior to that she worked as a primary therapist on an inpatient adolescent mental health hospital unit. Stacia has also worked as a facilitator in an after-school adolescent leadership program and as a counselor in an adolescent detention facility. She currently works in the service industry at a local restaurant and continues to work alongside her mother at Celebrations in Deep River. Stacia received her B.A. in Psychology from Bates College and her MSW from Boston University. She is currently a co-superintendent of the Photography Exhibit at the Chester Fair and is a yearly volunteer for Valley Regional Musical Productions.

Rebecca Mead

Rebecca Mead is the owner and director of INQ Creative, a bespoke marketing consultancy serving small businesses, non-profits, and honorific organizations. In addition to her role with INQ, Rebecca is an adjunct staff member at the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, where she is the administrator for the Middlesex County Revitalization Commission and the coordinator of “down county” division activities. A member of the Chester Economic Development Commission since 2023, Rebecca also serves on the Planning & Zoning Commission and represents Chester on the RiverCOG Regional Planning Committee. Rebecca joined the Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau in 2025 and is excited to contribute her time and energy to support the organization’s mission of serving youth and families throughout the region.

Get Involved

Your support helps us provide vital services to youth and families in our community. Learn how you can donate, volunteer, or join our programs today.