Our Staff

EXECUTIVE

CEO/Director of Public Health – Michael A. Pascucilla, Ph.D., M.P.H., REHS, DAAS
Michael Pascucilla was appointed as the CEO/Director of Public Health for the East Shore Health District in 2010. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health/Nutrition from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master’s degree in public health from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. from Queen Margaret University. He is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center of Homeland Defense & Security, Executive Leaders Program, and is a Registered Environmental Health Specialist with over 30 years of experience as a public health official. Michael is a published researcher with a focused interest in climate change, water quality, and food allergens.

Michael is the past president of the Connecticut Environmental Health Association and the Connecticut Association of Directors of Health. In addition, Michael has a passion for higher education and is an Adjunct Professor at Southern Connecticut State University and a Lecturer at Yale University in the School of Public Health located in New Haven, Connecticut.

Email Michael: mpascucilla@esdhd.org

Deputy Director of Public Health – Amy Scholz, M.P.H., R.S
Amy has over 15 years of experience in the field of public health. She has BS in Nutrition/Dietetics from University of New Haven and a Masters Degree in Public Health from Southern CT State University. She is a Registered Sanitarian with various environmental health certifications. Amy enjoys spending time with family, running road races and playing tennis.

Email Amy: ascholz@esdhd.org

Administrative

Executive Assistant – Liz Early
Liz has been part of the administrative team since 2018. She leads the medical billing division of the district. Her passions include mental health advocacy, orphans in Nepal, helping those in need, and traveling. She is a member of several civic organizations in her community.

Email Liz: learly@esdhd.org

Office Manager – Melissa Trofatter

Melissa supports the day-to-day business operations of the East Shore Health District, including finance, purchasing, vendor coordination, and administrative systems that keep programs running smoothly. She brings a strong operations background with a focus on good controls, clear workflows, and responsive customer service for staff and the public. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and working in her vegetable garden.

Email: mtrofatter@esdhd.org

Administrative Assistant – Kaitlyn Mikulski

Katie comes to East Shore Health District with a strong customer service background and a genuine interest in public health. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Health and is currently exploring which area of the field she would like to pursue more deeply. Katie brings a thoughtful, service-oriented approach to her work and is excited to continue growing professionally. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time supporting her daughter in school and dance.

Email: kmikulski@esdhd.org

Project Coordinator – Kim Farrand

Kim is originally from upstate NY and graduated from Le Moyne College in Syracuse with a B.S. in Business Administration. She recently retired from her role as an insurance executive after 35 years in the industry, the last 25 in Las Vegas, NV. She now calls Branford home and joined ESHD in August 2024 as a part-time Administrative Assistant, leveraging her passion and track record for serving the public and delivering top-tier customer service. During her downtime Kim enjoys the beach, reading a good book, and spending time with family, friends and her Siamese cat “Bianca.”

Email Kim: kfarrand@esdhd.org

Administrative Support Staff Member – Adrienne Patrella
Email Adrienne: apatrella@esdhd.org

Environmental Health

Lead Registered Sanitarian – Brittany Nappi
Brittany has a Master’s degree in public health from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Science in Culinary nutrition from Johnson and Wales. She is a registered sanitarian through NEHA and the State of CT, and holds various environmental health certifications. Brittany loves being with her family, friends, and especially her puppy.

Email Brittany: bnappi@esdhd.org

Registered Sanitarian – Christian Silvernale
Christian graduated with a B.S. in Public Health from Southern Connecticut State University in May of 2021. He has been at ESHD since January 2021, first as an intern, then as Vaccine Equity Coordinator from May through December 2021, and now as a Sanitarian as of January 2022. Christian’s favorite sports team is the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer and online coach.

Email Christian: csilvernale@esdhd.org

Public Health Nursing

Public Health Nursing Manager – Theresa Heier RN

Theresa has been with East Shore Health District since 2022 as their Public Health Nurse Supervisor. She has been a nurse for 28 years, 11 as an LPN and the past 17 as an RN. In addition to her nursing degree’s, Theresa has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies Biology/Chemistry. Her nursing passion lies in harm reduction and providing compassionate care to individuals navigating complex health and social challenges. She enjoys facilitating patient education about health issues to empower individuals to achieve their highest level of wellness. Outside of work, Theresa has a variety of interests. She loves live music, traveling, spending time at the beach reading a good book, and hiking with her family and 2 dogs.

Email Theresa: theier@esdhd.org
ext. 576

Public Health Nurse – Stephanie Schillat, RN
Stephanie joined the ESHD in October 2023 as a part time Public Health Nurse. She graduated from Molloy College with a B.S. in Nursing and has been an RN for 30 years. Stephanie enjoys working in the community promoting health and wellness among its residents.

Email Stephanie: sschillat@esdhd.org
ext. 579

Overdose Prevention Navigator – Madison Wierzel, MS, MPH, CIC
Madison started working at ESHD in August 2020 as a Lead Contact Tracer and Data Associate after volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps in the months leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. She is now an Navigator at the District focused on protecting the district’s health through data-driven preventative measures. Madison graduated summa cum laude from Arcadia University with a BA in International Studies that focused on global public health. She graduated from Tufts University with a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Public Health. Before going to graduate school, Madison spent two years working with Wholesome Wave, the Green Village Initiative (GVI), the Bridgeport Health Department, and the Thomas E. Carroll Nutrition Center through a FoodCorps AmeriCorps service term centered around school nutrition education and introducing students to healthy, locally grown foods that tasted great. She enjoys a strong cup of coffee and a good book.

Email Madison: mwierzel@esdhd.org

Community health

Community Health and Preparedness Coordinator – Elisabeth Matuska, MPH, CHES
Elisabeth started working at ESHD in August 2021. In addition to working as the Community Health and Preparedness Coordinator, Elisabeth also serves as the Shoreline Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit Coordinator. She has worked in local health since June of 2020, supporting emergency preparedness and contact tracing efforts in her previous positions. Before entering local health, she worked in non-profit administration and fundraising. Elisabeth has a BA in Business Administration and School Health Education and has a Masters of Public Health focusing in Health Promotion from Southern Connecticut State University. Elisabeth currently serves as the Treasurer for the CT Chapter of the Society of Public Health Education. Elisabeth enjoys reading, going to the beach, baking, and spending time with her three cats.

Email Elisabeth: ematuska@esdhd.org
ext. 572

Nurturing Families

Program Manager and Clinical Supervisor – De Popkin, LCSW, CLC, IMH-E®
De joined the East Shore Health District in 2021. She received her MSW from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. De has been working with families and children in the New Haven area for over 25 years. In addition to De’s experience supporting parents around child development, she has worked as an advocate for incarcerated parents, truant teens and extensively with children and families in the foster care system. De is committed to building partnerships with agencies in the community to meet the unique needs of families participating in Nurturing Families.

Email De: dpopkin@esdhd.org

Supervising Family Support Provider – Karene Reid-Oriabor, MSHS Karene joined the East Shore Health District in 2013. She received her Masters in Human Services from Albertus Magnus and has been supporting children and families for over 25 years. Karene enjoys cooking, traveling, and sewing.

Email Karene: kreidoriabor@esdhd.org

Family Support Provider – Casandra Torres, BSW
Casandra joined the East Shore Health District in 2021. Casandra worked for Intensive In-home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services for 8 years and DCF for 4 years. She holds a BA in Social Work.

Email Casandra: ctorres@esdhd.org

Family Support Provider – Carolina Serna, BA
Carolina graduated with a BA in Child Developmental Psychology from Albertus Magnus. She joined the East Shore Health District in 2023. Carolina has provided home visiting services in the New Haven area for over 7 years.

Email Carolina: cserna@esdhd.org

Family Support Provider – Taneisha Humphrey, AS

Taneisha joined the East Shore Health District in 2026. She holds an associate degree in Human Services and plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Taneisha has over ten years of experience in the human services field, working with diverse populations including individuals in shelters, formerly incarcerated individuals reentering the community, and children/families in childcare settings. She has been dedicated to supporting families for more than a decade and is passionate about helping others. In her free time, Taneisha enjoys traveling and making a positive impact in her community.

Email Taneisha: thumphrey@esdhd.org

Family Support Provider – Leeanna Carter, BA

Leeanna Carter joined the East Shore Health District in 2026. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Leeanna has over 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and has worked with families from all over the world. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, hiking, foraging, and reading

Email Leeanna: lcarter@esdhd.org