Wende Cooper, Center Manager

Wende has called the North Central Region of Connecticut home for over thirty-seven years. Her rich background in substance misuse prevention has proactively empowered many communities to develop resources necessary for healthy living.

Having lived and worked within the field of prevention and recovery, Wende brings a unique perspective to her position at Pathfinders. She incorporates her commitment to community well-being to those she connects with at the Pathfinders center. Her passion for serving others fuels her excitement as she integrates her life and work experience into what she does as the Center Manager.

In her free time, Wende takes to her love of gardening, cultural cooking, painting and connecting with nature. Her greatest joy lies in spending time with her kids and two adorable grandchildren.

Zach Girouard, Recovery Coach (Full-time)

Zach is a dedicated Recovery Coach with a passion for helping others. Growing up in various places, Zach brings a unique perspective to his work and personal life. He has made a positive impact by guiding those seeking recovery to explore recovery pathways to help them achieve a better way of life. 

Through regular meeting attendance and engagement in various activities, Zach has fostered meaningful relationships at the Pathfinders Center, allowing him to build valuable connections.

Outside of work, Zach finds joy in cooking, being outdoors and fishing - while recharging in nature’s quiet moments.

Celine Dieppa, Recovery Coach (Part-time)

Celine serves as a part time Recovery Coach at the Pathfinders Center, where her recovery journey began. Since joining Pathfinders staff, she has felt an undeniable sense of belonging to Pathfinders. Her supportive role in working with others has created an environment that truly makes others feel at home. Celine feels being part of the Pathfinders community is both exciting and immensely rewarding.

Celine is deeply passionate about supporting others who are grappling with various forms of addiction and mental health disorders. Her journey through recovery has been one of the most fulfilling and transformative experiences of her life. She feels genuinely blessed and honored to be a part of the Pathfinders family.

When not helping others, Celine enjoys cooking, reading, visiting art galleries and jazz and blues music.

Barry Richardson, Recovery Coach (Part-time)

Barry is a dedicated Recovery Coach and a person in long-term recovery since November 13, 2005. With a strong belief in the power of change and the potential for recovery in everyone, Barry brings deep personal insight and professional experience to his work. Barry began his career in the recovery field in 2018 as an Emergency Department Recovery Coach.

Now a proud member of the Pathfinders team, Barry uses his lived experience and coaching expertise to support individuals on their unique recovery journeys. He is passionate about meeting people where they are and helping them discover the recovery path that works best for them.

Outside of work, Barry enjoys spending quality time with his family and is an avid sports fan. His life’s mission is grounded in service, hope, and empowering others to achieve lasting recovery.