Stamford Jan/Feb 2025

The Fight of His Life

experts weigh in on how to stay fit in your golden years through boxing, CHORDALE

“The Gift” BOOKER overcame his misspent youth to rank sixth in the world—and now champions kids here at home

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editor’s letter

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 / MELINDA ANDERSON

HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

The first time I met boxer Chordale Booker he introduced himself as “Otis,” straight-faced and convincing. About 20 minutes later, only after being outed by a fellow member at Revolution Training, did he cop to the joke.

The second time I met Booker, he was filling in as the instructor for Boxing-Yoga, my favorite class at the gym. The boxing half of the class was intense. The yoga part was … hilarious. Booker is no yogi. Instead of familiar poses, he improvised stretches that he dubbed names like “rep your block” in a flow he called “’hood yoga.” It was the most fun I’ve ever had working out in my whole life.

I came to know Booker through his warmth and good humor. And then next by his focus on and care for the kids he trains at RF Youth Boxing. He himself was once a member of the same program, which he credits with turning around his life. In “Fighting Chance,” Scott Thomas helps tell Booker's story, from facing

narcotics and gun charges as a young man in Stamford to becoming a role model in the same city.

On the surface, attorney, consultant and UCONN professor Lauren Bruzzone has little in common with Booker. But as we learn in “Golden Opportunity” by Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick, the 79-year-old athlete shares the same grit and determination to transform herself through fitness. After learning about Bruzzone and reading the guidance of local experts to getting fit in middle age and beyond, I’m left with no excuses.

I’m using Booker and Bruzzone as inspiration, and this issue—filled with ideas for healthful choices—as my jumping off point to a great year. Cheers to resolutions you can keep and the rewards you’ll reap.

Melinda.Anderson@moffly.com

above: My son called Chordale Booker “the best athlete I’ve ever met” at a 2023 celebration for his win. In turn, Chordale made Anderson feel like he could become just that himself.

THE WORLD’S #1 IN ORTHOPEDICS IS LOCAL IN CONNECTICUT.

HSS Orthopedics with Stamford Health means the world’s leading orthopedic care is right here in Connecticut. With top specialists in spine and joint care, sports medicine, pediatric orthopedics, and more, experience orthopedic excellence like nowhere else.

Make an appointment today or learn more at HSS.edu/StamfordHealth

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“One moonless night we decided to skinny-dip in the pool and spent the whole time trying not to bump into each other.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 / DONNA MOFFLY

OF KEEPING YOUR COOL

A…nd taking the heat—down south someplace, of course, now that winter is upon us. Florida is always an option, unless your house down there has been flooded or your condo building collapsed under pressure from the latest hurricane.

Just one or two restorative weeks in the sun is enough to make for lasting memories.

One of mine was in Nassau, witnessing folksinger Burl Ives, slightly gone to pot, waddle down the dock not realizing that his pants were totally split up the back.

Another was in Man-O-War Cay where, pulling a dingy up to our waists in water, Kay Wert and I felt for conches with our toes and threw them up to our husbands sitting in the boat. Then we had to open them (a mean and messy trick) and cook them for the Gallup Poll Gallups when they came for cocktails.

Many were in Jamaica, like in a bar in Montego Bay where a native contortionist we dubbed Fred Spread turned himself upside down and stared at us from between his legs. At Dragon Bay near Port Antonio, I tore ligaments in my leg playing tennis and ended up under the world’s oldest X-ray machine in a hospital right out of Albert Schweitzer’s deepest darkest Africa with chickens running around the room. Jack’s mother, with her ever-curious mind, hunkered down by the river to chat with the ladies pounding their clothes on the rocks. She also smuggled home snippets of plants in her suitcase in the toes of her shoes, while her granddaughter, our little Audrey, smuggled home tiny frogs in her toothbrush holder. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Then there was a stop at the Tryall Club. After a pretty pathetic round of golf, we headed for the pool which featured a sunken bar where you could sit on a half-submerged barstool and

order a drink. Unfortunately for the bartender, his phone rang while he was off getting some ice. Jack answered it, “Yah, maan” and took the order—Room 22 wanted three beers. When the man returned, Jack reported that Room 3 wanted 22 beers, and we left in a hurry.

On Harbor Island with friends, we lived high on the hog in a fancy house inappropriately named the Blue Ruin. It boasted a cook, maid, yard boy and fishing boat with Captain. But it turned out that none of us was employed—Jack and Ding Koehler being between jobs, and Pan Am on strike so Jim Vaughn wasn’t getting paid. To cheer ourselves up, one moonless night we decided to skinny-dip in the pool and spent the whole time trying not to bump into each other.

Then there was Bermuda, where I got stuck in the caves with a friend who had agoraphobia and where I was carried off the beach into a waterskiing show by Jack’s Bermuda Race skipper Jim Briggs dressed as an English Bobbie—my purse with our plane tickets held high above my head. And the spa at Cambridge Beaches where I was left alone in a bathtub so deep I couldn’t get out, water so hot my skin burned and walls so thick they couldn’t hear me screaming for help.

And Florida. I’ll never forget the noisy airboat ride in the Everglades where we kept circling back to the same flamingo standing like a statue (which he was). Or getting off the plane in Fort Lauderdale pretending we didn’t know the guy (Ding) whose entire pancake breakfast (with lots of syrup) had flipped into his lap when we hit an air pocket. Or the needlepoint I left on the plane in Orlando, so absorbed was I with the medics off-loading on a stretcher a lady with what turned out to be indigestion.

Sometimes it’s tempting to forget about the sun and just to stay home by the fire to keep warm, but that wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.

JAN 23 - 26

Come on, admit it! The villains get all the good songs.

Featuring three talented Broadway performers, Broadway’s Bad Boys gives audiences a chance to spend some time with the Phantom from The Phantom of the Opera, the Beast from Beauty and the Beast, and a little Harold Hill in between!

FEB 18 - MAR 8

Good fences make good neighbors... or do they?

In this outrageous comedy, cultures clash and bad behavior reigns as two sets of well-intentioned neighbors become feuding enemies in a backyard battle for the ages.

Production Supporter: Cherie Flom Quain

MAR 25 - APR 12

BY

A mix of irresistible charm and backstage antics certain to leave you breathless with laughter.

It’s 1948, and the brightest names on Broadway have descended upon a glamorous Newport mansion for a weekend of romance, chaos, and more than a few misunderstandings.

2024/2025 Season and Programming Sponsor: Barbara Streicker

Media Sponsors:

Scan for a full list of events!

KAREN ZACARÍAS

BY PAUL SLADE SMITH DIRECTED BY MARK SHANAHAN adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle.”

GAME PLANS

With an expanded track, new experiences and a revamped menu, the recently relaunched RPM RACEWAY is worth the pit stop.

by melinda anderson

above: The expanded multilevel racetrack at RPM Raceway is just one highlight among a series of revamps that debuted in November and December.

Birthday parties, corporate events and rainy afternoons just got a little extra vroom, vroom, vroom. In November, RPM Raceway Stamford reopened to a crowd of game-loving kids and grownups, including Mayor Caroline Simmons. Guests enjoyed the results of the months-long, extensive reno that includes the star of the venue—a new supercharged, multilevel 1,800foot mega-track (one of the longest in the US) converted from the two pre-existing flat tracks and with new LED lighting. The discerning tween set

thinks the 100,000-square-foot entertainment center scored a win.

“I like how the racetrack is bigger, and that they added ramps. I think the cars got faster, too,” says Jude Gagnon, 8.

Teddy Chute, 10, no stranger to racing at the previous RPM, agrees, “I thought it was really cool that they designed the second floor for the racetrack. It’s a longer ride, which was really fun.”

Upon entering the party he and friend Anderson Moore, 9, took two spins in a row on the megatrack, which can accommodate

I like how the racetrack is bigger, and that they added ramps. I think the cars got faster, too.

Jude Gagnon, 8

25 racers. “The racetrack was good because you actually felt like you were racing in real life. The lights, the up and down, all of it,” he says.

In addition to the expanded speedway and hairpin turns, RPM also premiered new arcade games, a Gel Blaster arena and augmented reality darts. The Bar & Grill also unveiled its new food and beverage menu, which includes gluten-free and vegan options along with a slate of specialty cocktails.

Will speed hounds and gamers flock to the upgraded West Ave. mainstay? The younger set thinks so.

“I like that the track was longer. The variety of the arcade games is great. I can’t wait to go back,” says Theo Gagnon, 10.

photos 1,3,5: LED lights get racers in the zone. photo 2: The upgraded grill menu features bar favorites like wings, nachos and pizza. photo 4: Mayor Caroline Simmons attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on November 7.

by georgette yacoub

TRAIN TO TRANSFORM

THE RISE OF FITNESS RETREATS

Liz Pitassi just got out of a nine-year relationship. and her travel bug was back. She was into CrossFit and saw Lauren Fisher, a professional CrossFit athlete, post about a fitness retreat she was hosting in Bali— one with a $2,600 price tag.

She called her oldest brother, Ryan, in hopes he’d justify her spending that type of money on a fitness retreat. “I didn’t grow up in a stable financial home, so from the time I could work, I did all the things I had to to make sure I was good, and financially independent,” she said. By 32, she had paid her way through college, bought two homes and had a healthy savings account—in fact, she had only ever written one check larger than $1,000 prior to that, and it was for her home.

Ryan let her finish before his voice came through on the other line. “I have three questions,” he said. “One, do you really want to go?”

“Yes,” she said.

“Two, can you afford it?”

“Yes.”

“Three, what are you waiting for?”

So she signed up.

That week, she got in sweaty workout sessions at CrossFit Wanderlust, but she also took a surfing lesson, hung out on the beach with Balinese dogs, rented a scooter to poke around the island and woke up at 3:00 AM to hike up Mount Batur and watch the sunrise over an active volcano.

When asked what part of the retreat was most impactful, she replied, “Just going.”

above: A yoga session overlooking the Aegean Sea at Helios’ Mykonos retreat.

right: Vin Miceli (center) has attended 15 retreats, including the HPLT Experience in Antigua (below).

VIN MICELI

has attended more than 15 fitness retreats as a speaker, sponsor and attendee with the mindset that some of the most special things

that come out of these types of events are what happens in between the workouts.

“You find two types of people at these events—those who are successful looking to network or tap into something they lost, like their fitness or doing something hard,” Miceli says. “The other side of that spectrum are the people who spend their last $2,000 and are at the end of their rope—trying to connect, to grow, to heal a thing.”

One of the most impactful summits that Miceli has ever been to was the Action Cultivates Excellence (ACE) Summit, a

“ a well-executed retreat can fill your cup in a way other things can’t.”

— vin miceli

weekend designed to redefine masculinity. In between the wellness and fitness activities, Miceli experienced something he never quite experienced before.

“I found a level of emotional growth that happens around a group of men when they don’t feel the need to be manly,” he said. “When there were only men in the room, these guys were sharing things they’d normally never say out loud. Even for me, it was immensely impactful.”

KATY INGULLI

is the Wellness and Fitness Director at Round Hill Club in Greenwich. When she’s not there, she’s in places like the Maldives and Tuscany teaching yoga for Helios Retreats. At these retreats, there is typically a fitness class at 8 a.m., yoga at 9 and then a big brunch at 10. The afternoon is spent just hanging out or doing an excursion—like

camel rides in Morocco or a wine tasting and picnic on the hilltops of Tuscany. The late afternoon usually has another fitness class, another yoga class, dinner and then an opportunity to leisurely hang out, maybe watch a movie on the beach or hang at the hotel pool.

“It’s an opportunity to escape, to put your phone down and just enjoy an entire day that is sort of planned out for you—not in a super structured way,” says Ingulli.

From her perspective, people sign up for these types of fitness retreats to mark a new beginning— the commitment to a healthier lifestyle, a divorce or even just a way to travel alone without quite being alone.

“They are so happy by the end because not only have they made new friends, but they spent a good amount of time working out, being outside, getting fresh air,” says Ingulli. “I’ve had a bunch of people come back for other retreats.”

Retreats are transformative. In fact, the fitness aspects seem to take a backseat to the other impact that people like Miceli and Ingulli experience. Miceli says, “The network of people you find yourself with for that time have always yielded me a friendship, a client, a vendor, a business partner— something that lasted far more than just the week or weekend.”

If price point is an issue, Miceli

encourages you to evaluate the way you think about the retreats. He encourages those around him to try to make it work, within reason, if everything else about the retreat aligns with what they are looking for. “A well-executed retreat can fill your cup in a way other things can’t,” he says.

above: Guests often leave these retreats not only with a sense of personal growth, but also having made deep connections with new friends.

below: Retreat attendees enjoying the outdoors on a hike in Greece.

below: In addition to fitness sessions, the retreats also offer excursions—like a quad bike tour of Mykonos and a sunset camel ride in the Sahara.

A HAYVN FOR WORKING WOMEN

THE LOCAL SHARED WORKSPACE INTRODUCES COMMUNITY EVENTS FOCUSED ON SUPPORTING AND INSPIRING ENTREPRENEURS

by julie o’brien deasy

In 2020, the last time Moffly Media checked in with HAVYN, the Darien coworking space was celebrating its one-year anniversary. Like many other businesses at the time, HAYVN was trying to find a way to operate under new Covid restrictions. Fortunately for local entrepreneurs, HAYVN survived the pandemic and the company has spent the last few years building its community and launching exciting new events.

LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE

This fall, HAYVN debuted its newest event series called HerStory. The goal of the interview-style presentation is to inspire local female innovators, offering attendees an opportunity to learn directly from the featured speakers’ experiences.

The first HerStory event took place in September. Moderated by marketing and commmunications consultant Nancy Sheed, speakers included HAYVN founder Felicia

Rubinstein and life and business strategist Kristen Rzasa. Both women shared their past work experiences and challenges, and the path they took to founding their own businesses.

At the most recent HerStory, Rowayton resident and bestselling author Georgia Hunter described her decade-long journey of writing her debut novel “We Were the Lucky Ones”. Hunter used HAYVN’s Darien office when she needed a quiet place to work on the 2024 Hulu adaptation of her book, for

which she served as co-executive producer. (See the article “Counting Her Blessings” online from the May/June 2024 issue of our sister publication New Canaan, Darien + Rowayton.)

This January HAYVN HerStory features Fran Houser, a women’s leadership coach and author of “The Myth of the Nice Girl” February’s speaker is scheduled to be Sherri West, the founder and CEO of women’s leadership organization LiveGirl and author of “Confidence Unleashed”

PITCH PERFECT

The Hatch series is another program intended to drum up support and feedback for HAYVN members. During the Shark Tank-style event, five business founders present their company plans to an audience of community members and judges. It is an opportunity for all participants to gain valuable experience by either practicing their pitch or by learning from watching others. The winner of each HAYVN Hatch event is awarded a prize package that often includes opportunities

to grow their business. “Women only get two percent of the funding from private equity, so this is an opportunity to help and support them,” says Rubinstein. “Usually, we are one of the first stops on the way to grow their businesses.”

Kara Mac, CEO and founder of Kara Mac Shoes, says of her experience: “Winning first place at the HAYVN Hatch opened many doors for me and my business. I took advantage of one-on-one sessions in legal, strategy and finance, marketing, a social media review and branding. Each session is generously donated by the owner.”

Other past winners have included female founders from a variety of industries, including textile recycling, food and beverage, healthcare, advanced ceramics and personal care products.

HATCHING A NEW LOCATION

With the original location in Darien meeting HAYVN’s mission of providing workspace, camaraderie and resources to the local business community, Rubinstein felt it was the perfect time to start looking for an additional location.

HAYVN members traveling from Greenwich, Stamford and Westchester County would tell Rubinstein how they wished there was a location closer to their home. After three years of searching, Rubinstein found the perfect spot and HAYVN’s second location opened at 1700 Post Road in Old Greenwich this fall.

Both HAYVN offices offer not only flexible coworking spaces and offices for rent, but a range of additional amenities, including meeting rooms, a podcast studio and event space.

While HAYVN’s programming is often female-focused, events are open to everyone, including non-members. Each month, the calendar is packed with offerings— from casual coffee networking sessions to a HAYVN podcast to professional development symposiums and more.

Now, with HAYVN offices in both Darien and Greenwich, Fairfield County has two hubs dedicated to celebrating and inspiring business leaders and entrepreneurs in our community.

For more information visit hayvn.com.

“ women only get two percent of the funding from private equity, so this is an opportunity to help and support them. ”

— hayvn founder felicia rubinstein

Above: HAYVN founder Felicia Rubinstein (left) and author Georgia Hunter (right) both talked about their career paths at recent HerStory events at the Darien location. Below: Presenters and judges at the HAYVN Hatch event in October 2024.

WINTER WINS

Keep busy (and warm) this January and February with A LIST OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES from Stamford Moms sure to brighten even the shortest days by stefanie horn

No. 1

IN WITH THE OLD

Be sure to kick off the new year by checking out Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center’s Bendel Mansion. But hurry, the exhibit is only there until January 5! Young paleontologists will enjoy seeing the Twin Protoceratops models, a T. Rex leg cast and much more. The exhibition highlights ongoing, cutting-edge dinosaur research by American Museum of Natural History paleontologists and other leading scientists from around the world!

No. 2 HIT THE ICE

Skating is the perennial favorite activity for the whole family during coldweather months. Kids learn a new skill while getting some energy out. And a rich hot chocolate is the well-deserved (and welcome) prize to endless laps. Head to Twin Rinks Stamford for open skate on weekends or for School’s Out Skate when the kids are off from school. Stay for dinner by grabbing a meal at Leo’s Pizza Cafe. stamfordtwinrinks.

com

For outdoor winter fun, nothing beats the Cohen Skating Center at Mill River Park, open seven days a week, mid-November through mid-March millriverpark.org

No. 3 FIVE TOASTY TO-DOS

Three options to stay warm with little ones are always within easy reach. Angel Land (angellandstc.com) on level 4 at Stamford Town Center is teeming with ball pits, slides, obstacle courses and more. Honey Joe’s Family Coffeehouse (honeyjoesco ee.com) makes the perfect pit stop for a warming cup of Joe and a bite to eat. Kids can frolic in play spaces Cub Run or the Den while you catch

up on the ’gram. The David and Marian Nissen Carousel at Mill River Park (millriverpark.org ) is open for a warm spin from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Refreshments from The Rich Pantry are also at hand. For the bigs, head to the recently revamped RPM Stamford (rpmraceway. com) for a day at the arcade, lanes and racing. Get the whole family throwing strikes in a

No. 4 COOL ART

game of bowling for a fun weekend afternoon. Grab lunch or dinner from the new menu at RPM Bar & Grill. Another stay-inside favorite is kitting up and heading to Soccer Fun Zone (soccerfunzone.com) on level 7 at Stamford Town Center, where kids put their skills to the test at the ultimate technologyled soccer facility with games for players of all ages and ability levels.

While away the hours creating at Lucky Penny Pottery on Hope Street. Budding artists choose a piece of pottery—from serving ware to fun figurines—to decorate and take home. Valentine’s gifts galore, this is a great activity for all ages. luckypennyct.com

Stefanie Horn, Stamford mom of three and head of Stamford Moms, shares some of her favorite things to do—from seasonal activities to can’t-miss events. Follow @stamfordmoms on Instagram, sign up for the newsletter and check out the calendar for more family-friendly activities at stamfordmoms.com.

drink Grape Expectations

AT THEIR VINEYARD IN OREGON, BELLIVADUM , LUKE AND LINDSAY WARFORD OF SHIPPAN BLEND THEIR TIES TO THE LAND WITH THEIR LOVE OF FAMILY FOR THE PERFECT FINISH

by elizabeth keyser

When most couples take on a passion project outside of work and normal day-to-day responsibilities, they turn to a hobby like pickleball or golf or, for the more financially adventurous, maybe flipping houses. It’s a fair bet, then, that Luke and Lindsay Warford, residents of Shippan since 2009, are the only Stamfordites whose side hustle is harvesting grapes from their vineyard in Oregon and turning them into tasty pinot noir, rosé and chardonnay offerings that are gaining in popularity throughout Fairfield County.

Lindsay originally hails from Oregon and her parents still live there. That’s how the couple came to discover and buy an abandoned hazelnut orchard on 32 acres in the Willamette Valley and begin a decade-and-ahalf-long process to transform it into a vineyard. It makes even more sense when you learn that Luke, who works in investment management, spent lots of weekends and summers on his family’s cattle ranch outside of Bismarck, where he grew up. They named the property in the Chehalem Mountains BelliVadum Vineyards, a nod to

above: In 2024 BelliVadum's popular pinot noir was joined by a chardonnay and rosé. This year will see the launch of a sparkling wine.

Luke’s grandfather, who earned the Latin moniker for “Warford” as a nickname while studying at NYU.

A vineyard, like a family, is a slow-growth enterprise. It took eight years to clear dead trees and crumbling buildings, and plot out the property and prepare the soil. Along the way, the couple studied viticulture and oenology, and received certificates from Washington State University. All of this while growing their careers—and their family. They became parents to three children along the way, to twin sons Luke and Aidan and daughter Josephine (JoJo).

In 2016, the couple planted their first vines, blocks of pinot noir 777 and Pommard clones. Four years later in 2020, what would have been the first harvest was affected by smoke from regional wildfires. Reluctantly, the Warfords dropped the smoke-tainted grapes. “A vineyard is not for the faint of heart,” says Luke.

After a successful 2021 harvest, the couple worked with a vintner (wine producer) to create BelliVadum’s estate pinot noir. “It’s a bold pinot with flavors of dark cherry,” says Lindsay. It was an instant hit with friends and neighbors—a coveted hostess gift for those lucky enough to land a bottle. For the 2022 harvest, Luke

and Lindsay purchased grapes from a neighboring vineyard, and produced a blend of the two, along with BelliVadum’s estate pinot.

In 2023, they added a rosé of pinot noir and a chardonnay. “We’ve gotten a lot of compliments on our chardonnay,” says Lindsay, “It’s a lot crisper and fresher than a California chardonnay. We use a more neutral oak, twice-used barrels, that don’t impart a lot of that oaky, buttery flavor.” The wines can be ordered from their website bellivadum.com and are shipped from a temperaturecontrolled warehouse direct to consumers.

Like its name, BelliVadum’s whole brand centers on the Warford family. The logo—a shield with a sun, a flame and

a dove—reflects the symbols associated with each child’s names. Each section of land is named for them as well: a northern portion is the Luke block, a southern plot is named for Aidan and the soon-to-beplanted section beside them bears Josephine’s name.

Luke and Lindsay met while attending the University of Notre Dame. The elite Catholic school in Indiana has many family vintners among its alumni, including members of the Gallo family and Louis Luca of Lucas and Lewellen, but “we only learned about the wine program at the school after we bought the property and started making wine,” says Lindsay. Which makes Luke feel “humbled and honored” that BelliVadum’s 2022 Estate Pinot has been included in Notre Dame Family Wine’s 2024 limited-edition “Etched Collection,” commemorating the 100th anniversary of a legendary football game the Fighting Irish won over Army. Only 24 wooden boxes with three etched bottles of choice wines are offered.

While the family is rooted in Stamford and Greenwich most of the year for living, working and studying, they spend Thanksgivings, spring vacations and swaths of summers in Oregon. For the kids, it’s a different world than their

activity-filled, structured life here. From riding the tractor with Dad, to playing hideand-seek among the grape vines or picking blackberries, “even walking a quarter mile down the driveway to get the mail is an adventure,” says Lindsay. They are making plans for a tasting room on the property, “with the intimate, family feel of Oregon vineyards,” says Lindsay. Back home, the Warfords have been hosting popular wine tastings and plan to do add more pop-up events in the coming months (follow them @bellivadum for the latest).

This year they’ll introduce a sparkling wine and continue to grow the vineyard. Thirteen acres remain to be planted, but over the next five years, the Warfords plan to cultivate slowly to produce between 4,500 to 5,000 cases a year, Luke says. “That’s a sweet spot for a family vineyard.” The real sweet spot, however, may be the thing the Warfords hope for most: A family legacy planted today but harvested over multiple generations to come.

above: The view of the Willamette Valley from the BelliVadum Vineyard where Shippan residents Luke and Lindsay Warford cultivate and bottle pinot varietals.

above: The Warfords' passion project was 13 years in the making from the initial land purchase to first decant.

people&PLACES

Rebuilding Lives

Supporting the 23rd annual Pacific House Gala, guests raised more than $400,000 to help end homelessness in Fairfield County. The event’s theme, “Building Futures: The Hands and Hearts Behind Every Home,” captured the “collaborative spirit” of the organization as well as the evening’s honorees. Proceeds from the fundraiser will enable Pacific House to run an emergency shelter, provide housing for former homeless families and individuals, and serve approximately 275 people in need on a daily basis. pacifichouse.org

1 Leroy Jordan, Eileen Kardos, Staci Peete 2 Sheila Content, Bill Catanzaro 3 Maggie Young, Gloria Jackson, Elizabeth King 4 John Bonczek, President and CEO Carmen Colón, Board Chair Justin Maccarone 5 Liz Evans, Tracy Cramer, Todd Lindvall, Lisa and Grant Silver 6 Chris Tate, Colin Ng, Kwan Ng 7 Tina Bartels, Carmen Colón 8 Chief Marketing Officer Elsi Lyons, Leroy Jordan

1 FCA President & CEO Rob Cashel, Event Co-Chairs Jennifer Toll, Sean McMurtry and Rita Olson

2 Auctioneer Lydia Fenet, Rob Cashel 3 FCA staff member

Andrea Prevost and guests 4 Jamie Delcid 5 Front row: Livingston and Rebecca Thran, Mary Ellen Hass

Back row: Rita and Buzz Olson, Bill Hass 6 Alana Selkowitz, Lauren Kosdon 7 Rachel Lieberman, Steven Berney 8 Mike and Erin Daly, John and Averi Dudek, Michele and Brian Vendig, Nicole and Tom Opalinski, Blaire Meck and Eddie Zamora, Clarissa and John Cannavino 9 Katrell Clay 10 Rita Olson, Rob Cashel

Sense of Community I

MAGINE reflected the optimistic theme at the Family & Children’s Agency’s (FCA) annual fundraiser, held at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich. In addition to dinner and dancing, guests enjoyed live music by Tangled Vine and bid on auction items. Coveted packages included Taylor Swift tickets, an on-ice experience with the New York Rangers and a chance to play “HORSE” against NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Proceeds from the benefit help the Norwalk-based nonprofit serve vulnerable residents in Fairfield County through programs that build families through adoption, educate students, house the homeless and prevent child abuse and neglect. familyandchildrensagency.org. »

FAMILY & CHILDREN’S AGENCY / Hyatt Regency Greenwich

Guiding Light

Empowering women and families for more than 30 years, the Women’s Mentoring Network hosted its annual benefit to support career and educational programs that propel clients to success. Guests were treated to sunset cocktails, gourmet food, reggae music and waterfront views of Greenwich’s Captain Harbor. Celebrating volunteer mentors and honorees, the event featured keynote speaker Illana Raia, founder and CEO of Être, a global mentorship organization for girls. wmninc.org

1 Women’s Networking Board and special guests 2 Jola Monka, Andrew Martinez, Arisleyda Riehl 3 Chanel Ramirez 4 Rebecca Wilson, Colleen Wood, Angie Scraders-Murphy, Brittany Netherton 5 Music by Mesha Steele 6 Executive Director Lana Gifas, Dr. Patty Ann Tublin, Gwen Edwards

7 Nicole Barros, Evelyn Cueva

8 Guests listen to event speakers. 9 Michael and Michelle Sabino, Hillary JeanBart, Kristen Hemann

10 Paula Callari, Mia Schipani

11 Lana Gifas, Giselle McCann

WOMEN’S MENTORING NETWORK / Indian Harbor Yacht Club

BY SCOTT THOMAS

FIGHTING CHANCE

STAMFORD’S SON CHORDALE BOOKER TRIUMPHED OVER HARDSHIP THROUGH LESSONS LEARNED IN THE BOXING RING—AND RANKS SIXTH IN THE WORLD IN THE JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION NOW

PORTRAIT BY KYLE NORTON

Booker in the ring at Revolution Training on Elmcroft Road.

Eveyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.

– Mike Tyson

Chordale Booker can relate. About a decade ago, the up-and-coming young boxer stood in the ring for a sparring session against David Telesco, a veteran who once fought Roy Jones and several other well-known fighters. “I started touching him up,’’ Booker says. Telesco retaliated and smashed a powerful right bomb to his chin. “I remember almost falling asleep in my corner. It was a perfect shot.”

Booker’s trainer, Ahmad Mickens, immediately stopped the session. “I told Chordale when you get into the ring with somebody with more experience, and they hit you like that, it shows you did something right,’’ he recalls. “It shows you impressed him

with your skill.”

Booker returned to the ring the next day, demonstrating the resilience that has defined his career—and life. At just 18 years old, Booker faced narcotics and gun charges and 13 years in jail. Judge Gary White offered him three years’ probation and implored him to focus on boxing. “It was such a relief,’’ Booker says. “My mother and grandmother were crying. I ran out of the courtroom, and I had my freedom. I never want to go back to that.”

Booker, whose nickname is “The Gift,” made the most of his opportunity. He is 23-1 as a professional boxer and ranked sixth in the Junior Middleweight Division by the World Boxing Organization. He is also transforming the lives of young people as a trainer working with Mickens at RF Youth Boxing and through his Go the Distance Foundation, which serves as a bridge between local law enforcement and at-risk youth. The rebellious boy who fought his way around Stamford 15 years ago is now counseling youngsters on finding a productive life path.

“It’s truly a blessing to watch how his life has turned around,’’ Booker’s mother, Sheryl Morrison, says. “Now he has such direction and focus. He’s become someone that I look up to and motivates me. He’s got a natural gift with kids. He’s loving and he cares about them. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”

Guiding Light

Booker’s guide throughout his personal evolution has been Mickens, who started training him around the time his legal troubles began. He saw boxing skills, but he also saw through Booker’s rough-and-tumble veneer.

It’s truly a blessing to watch how his life has turned around. Now he has such direction and focus. He’s become someone that I look up to and motivates me .

Sheryl Morrison, Booker’s Mother

“All he needed was guidance,’’ Mickens says. “I saw a lot of things that are coming to fruition right now. Otherwise, I would not have invested so much in him.”

Mickens trained Booker as a fighter, but there was more. When he escaped jail time and found himself in the ring, Booker and Mickens would spend hours together discussing subjects far more

consequential than boxing.

“Without Ahmad, this wouldn’t be possible,’’ Booker says. “I was 18 turning 19, and I couldn’t afford to go to the gym. I could no longer be in the youth program. He said ‘you’ll become the head coach, and I’ll train you.’”

Booker soon discovered many young men drifting toward the path that landed him in trouble. “I found these juvenile kids who were similar to me,’’ he says. “I told them, ‘You don’t want to go down that road. You’ll land in a situation you may not get out of.’ ”

So, while he worked his way up the boxing rankings, Booker also found a talent for connecting with people who faced the same life hurdles he had endured. He reached them at important junctures in their lives, but also related to them in ways many others cannot. Booker had walked a mile in their same troubled shoes and faced similar trauma.

“It took time,’’ Booker says. “I think I got better as the years went on. I started to understand the impact I was having on them. The more experience I got, the more confidence I had to say what was in my heart and on my mind. I didn’t feel like I was able to open up as a kid and be vulnerable in that way, to tell someone I love you.”

Booker says seeing his students pivot away from the indiscretions that marred his teenage years into a more productive life is rewarding in his role as a trainer. “I can’t explain the feeling that I get, knowing when they make a better decision,’’ he said. “It’s worth more than any material gain.”

For those who knew Booker as a young man, seeing him find and develop a sensitive, caring side is a life U-turn that seems as unlikely as it is profound.

Street Tough

As a boy, Booker split his time between Stamford and Bridgeport. Sheryl worked in Stamford but lived in Bridgeport, and her son spent a lot of time with his grandmother, growing up around the former Southfield Village 256-unit housing project near Interstate 95 and the Greenwich border. Closed in 1993, it was dubbed the “most dangerous housing project in Stamford” by the police department in a 1986 article in The New York Times. While it may have been razed, the same societal issues—drugs, guns, unsafe streets—plagued the neighborhood

Sheryl Morrison, and 9-year-old brother Dale

HOME TEAM

Every boxer needs good people in his or her corner.

Chordale Booker has two of the best.

Throughout his amateur and professional career

Sheryl Morrison and Ahmad Mickens have been the stabilizing forces in keeping Booker focused, grounded and inspired. “Boxing is a very lonely sport,” Booker says. “I’m pretty sure every boxer will say you can’t make it on your own in this sport. You have to have a great team behind you, because you’re not doing it by yourself.”

Morrison and Mickens support Booker in ways that are similar but also different. Both have been with him throughout his travels.

Whether it’s a quick whisk up to the Mohegan Sun via I-95 or plane ride to Mississippi or the Dominican Republic, they have been the linchpins to his primary support network.

Mickens has been coaching Booker for 15 years out of

his gym Revolution Training and has been his ring mentor from the outset. “One of his biggest lessons he taught me is ‘How you do anything is how you do everything,’” Booker says. “I first learned that from him. I didn’t know what it meant at first, but it really applies to boxing. There are no shortcuts.”

Booker remembers when he dropped to the canvas after a hard shot to the stomach during a sparring session very early in his career. He remained on there long after the punch. “Ahmad waited for everybody to leave,” Booker says. “He said, don’t let anybody ever do that to you. You never want to show anybody weakness like that. I still tell my students that story. I don’t want them to think that things are going to be easy for them.”

While Mickens is the driving force in the ring, Morrison is one of the main motivators outside it. “I’ve seen her work, her love and her overall drive,’’

he says. “I saw her come out of a tough situation when she was raising my brother and me. She took care of us pretty much on her own.”

Booker and his mother have inspired each other. After Sheryl endured two business layoffs, she asked her son his thoughts on whether she should pursue a real estate license. “I said, with your work ethic, you’re going to get it done,’’ Booker says. “She says she was inspired by me. That was a proud moment for me.”

When self-doubt creeps in, Booker reminds himself of how his boxing journey started, how Mickens helped him find a path and how Morrison stood firm in her devotion to her son. The dedication they’ve showed toward him has helped him stay focused and determined. It’s a long climb to the top of the boxing mountain. Reaching the summit doesn’t occur without encouragement, training and love from the outset.

“I can’t quit,” Booker says. “When people tell me how proud they are to watch my fights, it reminds me how

many eyes are on me and how many people I affect in a positive way that I may not know. To hear things like that—that I’m an inspiration— especially from my mother, it is surreal.”

Booker’s boxing career has not been a steady upward flight. There have been injuries and setbacks, including a torn Achilles that required surgery and kept him out of competition for more than a year in 2019. It would’ve been easy for Booker to consider another line of work.

“Without Mom and Ahmad always being there, reminding me of all the things that I’ve overcome, I don’t know if I’d still be boxing,” Booker says. “They remind me of all the kids I’ve affected, how much they look up to me. Without them reminding me of who I am and where I’ve come from, maybe I would’ve given up or wouldn’t have kept going. There are days I second guess myself. But they are always pushing me to do my best, push my limits and make the most of this career.”

Morrison celebrates her son’s victories.

Mickens owns Revolution Training, home of RF Youth Boxing, where Booker got his start and now coaches.

1 Booker and campers on “Art Day” at RFYouth Boxing camp last summer. 2 - 4 Booker trains campers at the 2023 fitness-focused program for youth ages 8-18 that teaches the core principles of boxing: discipline, focus, respect, work ethic, confidence and persistence. 5 The 2023 campers pose with coaches at Revolution Training. 1 2 3 4 5

I started to understand the impact I was having on [the youth]. The more experience I got, the more confidence I had to say what was in my heart and on my mind. I didn’t feel like I was able to open up as a kid and be vulnerable in that way, to tell someone I love you. Booker

years after its demise.

“That was my upbringing,’’ Booker says. “That’s what made me the guy I am today. You had to be tough to come outside and have fun. Even the softest of women were very hard.”

Morrison remembers an incident in Bridgeport when another kid tried to steal her son’s bike. “The other kids were older, and one of the guys pulled him off and tried to take it,’’ Morrison says. “He didn’t let go and started fighting. I think it was a survival instinct. He was always so mature, but he gravitated to kids who weren’t the greatest role models.”

Morrison struggled to steer her son away from trouble. He spoke with his fists, ready to join any neighborhood fracas at a moment’s notice. Booker played youth basketball and football and eventually earned a spot on the Stamford High basketball team. While hardly a star, Booker exhibited the physical and mental toughness that has served him well in his boxing career. At 5 feet, 9 inches, he was undersized but played with intensity. He was his team’s enforcer.

“He was a firecracker,’’ says Jimmy Jordan, an assistant coach to Jim Moriarty and Booker’s confidant. “He played with passion. When he was out there, he did what he had to do. He took everything seriously. He grew up on the streets, so nothing phased him.”

The relationship between Booker and Moriarty was sometimes volatile and frequently contentious. Jordan remembers a game when Booker got ejected and ripped his jersey off in frustration. Booker earned a technical foul, and the official asked Moriarty for the player’s jersey number. “Jim said, ‘How would I know? He took off his shirt,’’’ Jordan recalls.

Moriarty, a taskmaster with little patience for silly mistakes, guided Stamford to some of its most successful seasons ever. In Booker’s senior year, the Black Knights reached the Class LL semifinals and won the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Association championship with an overtime victory over archrival Trinity Catholic. Booker played an important role on the team, which was led by Chris Evans and Mark Ellis.

“Mo wanted the best for Chordale,’’ Jordan says. “They would argue sometimes. I’d say, ‘Chordale, let’s take a walk.’ The first thing he wanted to do at the first sign of trouble was use his fists. Then he’d be ready to talk about it like nothing ever happened.”

In one game, Booker and Jordan found

1

3 Working up a sweat on the bag. 4 Mickens and Booker doing mitt work. 2 3 4 1

themselves surrounded by multiple police officers after an in-game altercation. Booker’s temper erupted frequently, and Jordan found himself thrust in the middle, trying to reduce the young athlete’s rage and keeping law enforcement from escalating the scene.

“He respected the street law,’’ Jordan says. “If you were one of his friends, he was a ride-or-die guy. He didn’t wait to handle the problem. He took care of the problem right there on the spot. He had a lot of anger in him. If you disrespected him, you could get the worst out of Chordale.”

Booker found difficulty channeling his teenage angst off the basketball court, which led to an escalation of legal troubles shortly after graduation. In a film Booker made with photographer Craig Cutler, Booker said he started selling drugs as a teenager. “Once I got to high school, it was easy at that point. Everybody was doing drugs. I was selling drugs in school, out of school, after school, during basketball practice. I knew it was

wrong, but I wanted what I wanted.”

“It was a trying time,’’ Morrison says as she watched her son face Judge White. “He was looking at doing some serious jail time. We had people from the church. A lot of mentors and family members show up at every court session. We wanted to do anything we could to help him. The judge saw that he had a good support system. It turned out the judge was also into boxing, and it was like divine intervention. It helped him focus, helped build his character.”

Stepping in

The Ring

Booker escaped jail time and found a boxing home under the tutelage of Mickens, who saw evidence early on that the teenager possessed serious skills.

“I definitely saw the work ethic,’’ Mickens says. “He was coming into the gym every day.

Booker poses against a mural of himself at Revolution Training. 2 Wrapping hands ahead of a workout.

LEAD RIGHT

When he’s not training for a marquee matchup or mentoring youth, Chordale Booker is developing fighters on the rise.

It is common for boxers to coach when their competitive days are done. One of the most widely acclaimed was Emanuel Steward, the “Godfather of Detroit Boxing,” who trained Thomas Hearns, Lennox Lewis and a deep stable of other well-known boxers.

Booker is still at the top of his game. Simultaneously, he is training his own legion of young fighters at Revolution Training. In June, Booker won by technical knockout after

dropping Brian Chavez three times in just three rounds.

Prior to the fight, Booker worked the corner for two fighters prior to stepping in the ring.

“It’s a pretty demanding schedule,” Booker says. “I was down there the whole time with them. I wasn’t able to take a midday nap like I usually do, and I didn’t fight until midnight. But it comes with the job. When I took on this responsibility as a trainer for them, that’s what I signed up for.”

Booker trains three fighters—Kameron Flynn, Gary Charles and Nate Jump—who have shown particular promise in their dedication and determination.

Jump won Golden Gloves titles in New England and Western New England earlier this year. Middleweights Charles, a former Westhill High School football star, and Flynn have also been ascending through the ranks.

Having Booker in their corner has helped the up-andcoming fighters. He knows the challenges facing each of his boxers as they try to carve out their own careers.

“It can be tough,” Booker says. “But I know how bad I wanted it when I was in their place. I know this means more to them than money or anything like that. I don’t do it for the money. They have the opportunity to be great. I want to be there to support them.”

Booker’s career is now going full throttle. His dual role as athlete and coach

is reminiscent of Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell, who served as a player/coach for three years in the late 1960s. Other NBA players, however, weren’t regularly throwing fists at Russell.

“I’m loving the mentorship part of it,” Booker says.

“Those three guys take it seriously; I can tell they are paying attention and they want it. It makes you want to do more for them.

You get guys who say, ‘I want to be a champion, I want to work,’ but they put in the bare minimum effort.

These guys are always working. A lot of times I have to tell Gary to go home. They’re always working, and when you get boxers who are dedicated, I want to give them everything I have and share what I’ve learned with them.”

this photo: Booker coached Kam Flynn last February 3 at Mohegan Sun just hours before he stepped in the same ring to fight Greg Vendetti in the night’s marquee matchup. right: The day before, fellow Revolution Training coach Victor James and Booker celebrated Gary Charles, Flynn and Nate Jump who won the Western New England Golden Gloves in Springfield, Massachusetts.

He would be there for hours. I’d give him a task and he’d stay with it. I tested him early to see how he would react, and it was definitely to my liking.”

Mickens said Booker showed early boxing instinct and also liked his southpaw stance. Some of boxing’s best fighters—Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Pernell Whitaker and Hector Camacho, for instance—fought as southpaws.

Booker lost his first fight but gained vast experience and helped propel him on the journey that would make him one of the world’s top professional boxers.

“The first round he whupped me,’’ Booker says. “I remember feeling down on myself. I made a decision; I can’t stop and be a loser. I won my second fight. The high I got off the crowd, I fell in love with it right there and never looked back.”

He achieved notoriety as an amateur, eventually reaching the finals of the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2016. He lost by a point to Charles Conwell in the final, but shortly thereafter turned professional and won his debut as a pro with a second-round TKO against Albert Allen.

Booker has continued to climb and believes he could still capture a world crown. Just as important, he is directing young people away from the self-destructive path that could have waylaid his life if not for the ruling from a friendly judge.

For many young men especially, the challenges associated with growing up in inner-city environments sooner or later come to a boiling point. There aren’t always guideposts when they have to eventually choose between mayhem and maturation, only instinct and experience. Booker’s wisdom gives them a chance to hear, learn, and make better life choices. Maybe they won’t end up becoming champion boxers. Maybe they will, however, become excellent sons, fathers, role models and citizens.

“I try to let kids know that life is more important than whatever we’re going through today,’’ Booker says. “It will soon pass. I remember those days when a kid made me feel like a punk and now I gotta fight him after school. It’s not going to matter the next day, the next week or the next year. What matters is how you handle it. Kids get so worked up on what other kids think of them. It’s not worth it. Make smart choices, and don’t go down the same path that I did.”

Success will follow.

I remember feeling down on myself. I made a decision; I can’t stop and be a loser. I won my second fight. The high I got off the crowd, I fell in love with it right there and never looked back.

2

3

most important

5

1 Portrait of Booker painted by artist and boxer Cal Bocicault.

2010 plaque honoring coaches Mickens and Booker.

The “three

women of my upbringing,” Booker says of his cousin Joy, grandma Sherly and mom Morrison on Mother’s Day in 2023. 4 A picture of Mickens with Booker when he won Nationals in 2015 at age 24.

A torn Achilles tendon in 2019 from playing basketball

Through inspiration and expert advice, Stamford locals outline why and how to stay fit in your midlife and beyond.

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

by

BETH COONEY FITZPATRICK

photography by KATHARINE CALDERWOOD

PANEL OF EXPERTS

Wendi Becker Hoak Beyond Fitness

Dr. Stephen J. Masimi Hospital for Special Surgery

Aimee Eisner Connecticut Power Yoga

Carolyn Brown Indigo Wellness

LLauren Bruzzone moves with quiet determination through the gym at Chelsea Piers Connecticut. First, she effortlessly executes some box jumps; an advanced move that involves leaping from the ground onto an elevated padded platform. Then, it’s on to abdominal work. She lays flat on a mat holding a plated weight over her head, and moves from her prone position to an upright one. She makes it look easy, but that’s a move even some seriously fit folks find impossible. Last month, the Stamford resident celebrated her 79th birthday. When I meet her in October, she is on her second workout of the day. At 6 a.m. she started her morning, as she often does, at Stamford’s Crossfit Affinity.

The still-working attorney, IBM consultant and part-time UConn/Stamford professor’s grueling workouts have made her a viral social media sensation thanks to the Instagram reels personal trainer Wesley James began posting of her age-defying feats (the top post has received more than one million views). Their collaboration (and friendship) began when Bruzzone was 71 and frustrated with an elusive goal: “I couldn’t do a pullup. And all I wanted to do was one stupid pullup.”

Lauren Bruzzone, 79, works out with trainer Wesley James five to six times per week at Chelsea Piers.

Stronger than athletes half her age, she defies gravity— and age.

BALANCING ACT

Hex bar squats tap into core muscles, abs, hip flexors, quads and obliques.

“I couldn’t do a pullup. And all I wanted to do was one stupid pullup.”

LAUREN BRUZZONE, 79, Attorney,

Consultant and Professor

“I had clients half her age who can’t do what she does. They won’t even try.”

WESLEY

JAMES, Fitness

Trainer

LEAP OF FAITH Bruzzone’s box jumps prove that age really is just a number.

James overheard her lament and invited her to join a group of women he was training. “First, I said, ‘How old are you?’” recalls the trainer, now based at Chelsea Piers, where he and Lauren work out together as partners because they like their state-of-the-art facilities. “I had clients half her age who can’t do what she does. They won’t even try.”

When James posted a reel of Bruzzone completing 15 sets of a modified pullup using anchors he fastened on her feet for upward momentum, he was trying to inspire older clients (and maybe gets some new ones, too).  But the world took notice. Comedian Chelsea Handler’s personal trainer reposted James’ reel and so did former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah and then, “Good Morning America”. James continued posting Bruzzone’s workouts and they kept going viral, making her an unintentional global senior fitness influencer.

“I know almost nothing about Instagram,” she says during a workout, adding her devotion to strength-training is rooted in her overall commitment to healthy aging. “I don’t do this so I can go out and win the Crossfit games. I do this so I can pee on my own when I’m 90,” she laughs. “But if it inspires people to get out and try something that makes them feel better, I’m perfectly okay with it.”

Bruzzone began taking fitness more seriously at 59. “I was starting to have trouble with little things, like picking stuff up the floor,” she explains. She found Crossfit Affinity and began training. “I was always the oldest and the weakest, but I really didn’t care. I just wanted to get stronger.”

As this New Year begins, many wellintentioned people will venture to the gym or fitness studio hoping to make good on their resolutions. “But most of the people you see here in January will be gone by February,” James says.

Hoping to buck that prediction, we asked several local fitness for their stick-with-it tips. Whether you want to lose weight, master that tricky yoga pose, or just walk around the block, here’s their advice for adopting a growth mindset to accomplish your goals.

Wendi Hoak, a personal trainer and owner of Stamford-based Beyond Fitness, says understanding someone’s underlying personal motivation

Comedian Chelsea Handler’s personal trainer reposted James’ reel and so did former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah and then, “Good Morning America”.

is the critical foundation to any fitness transformation. A client may enter her Long Ridge Road studio with a weight loss agenda, but she will gently reframe that goal.

“The conversation about weight loss for the sake of weight loss is changing. Even if someone comes to me saying, ‘I want to lose 30 pounds,’ I may completely support that, but I want to have a deeper conversation about the reasons behind it,” she says. “Is it because you want to play with your grandkids? Is it because you have health issues that you want to address? Having tangible reasons attached to your goal is ultimately more motivating than seeking a specific number on the scale.”

Carolyn Brown, a registered dietician and co-founder of Indigo Wellness in Stamford and Westport, also stresses the goal of overall health and wellbeing. “It’s not just about ‘I want to be thin,’ because for an older adult, thin is not necessarily a good fitness goal,” she says. “To me, fitness is not about your jeans size. It’s more about building muscle mass, keeping your bones healthy and being strong men and women.”

Clarifying the “why” behind health and wellness goals also makes it easier to get back on track if things go astray. “Everyone has a bad day,” Brown says. “But when you look at the bigger picture, sometimes a setback can seem less insurmountable if your ultimate goal is just to be a fitter, healthier person.”

Focusing on personal goals also guards against unhealthy comparisons. Take power yoga, a fast-paced practice focused on flow. All those bendy, twisty postures can seem intimidating. “But you’ll find very few yoga people who can actually contort themselves into a pretzel,” laughs Aimee Eisner, an occupational therapist and co-founder of Connecticut Power Yoga. Instead, Eisner urges building on small, attainable goals to move her clients’ practices forward at their own pace.

“The philosophy behind yoga is the perfect way to think about fitness in general. It’s about looking within. If you consider that just being on the mat and breathing is doing yoga, you always have something to build on and a new challenge to take on.”

Much like Bruzzone, Hoak and Eisner are examples of Stamford women whose personal “why” motivated them to commit to a fitnessfocused lifestyle.

Eisner was a recreational runner who morphed into a triathlete, but her fitness journey took a devastating detour when she

“Is it because you want to play with your grandkids? Is it because you have health issues that you want to address? Having tangible reasons attached to your goal is ultimately more motivating than seeking a specific number on the scale.”

WENDI BECKER HOAK, B eyond Fitness

was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38. The mother of two young children had a radical mastectomy followed by radiation and chemotherapy. She turned to yoga, eventually training intensively with power guru Baron Baptiste, as part of her recovery wellness journey. She and her husband Tim opened their Summer Street studio in 2016, intent on creating a supportive community of fellow power yogis.

Hoak’s mother died of breast cancer at 51 and her sister suffered from lupus. When the trainer’s two adult sons were young, she developed four bulging discs in her back, which required intensive physical therapy and limited her mobility. She also has Hashimoto’s Disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder that attacks the thyroid gland and can cause lethargy and weight gain.  Getting serious about fitness and becoming a trainer “was a way to honor my mother and sister and the vitality of my own body.  I just have a profound gratitude for what it can do when you nurture it to be healthy and strong.”

STEP 2 Have a Game Plan

When Brown begins nutrition counseling, her clients’ food journals are an integral part of her coaching process. These diaries often reveal busy days that lead to frequent nighttime overeating because a client has skipped meals. Sometimes, they’ll illuminate more subtle patterns that can derail fitness goals but just need a tweak. “Writing things down gives you a roadmap to what you need to work on as well as the progress you are making.”

Hoak offers new clients a detailed fitness assessment which includes body scans that analyze everything from weight and muscle mass to metabolic rates. Hoak uses this to work toward tangible goals. “If your goal is to lift up a grandchild, then we have to get you to the point where you can pick up a 25-pound weight,” she says.

Lofty fitness goals—like training for a marathon—may require a more tailored planning approach. “It’s not just about adding more miles to your routine,” James says. “If I’m working with someone who has a big goal like that, I’m also thinking about the wear and tear on their body. So, I’m doing things like core work; building strength in their legs and, in general, I’m thinking about more resistance workouts to keep them strong.”

“Time management is [also] actually a part of every good fitness plan,” says Hoak. “If you are not making time for fitness, it is not going to happen. I always tell my clients who are parents that one of the things they are doing is setting a really positive example. Making that time for fitness is also teaching your kids that your personal health and wellbeing matter. I tell people to put it in their schedules the way they would a doctor’s appointment or a work meeting.”

“My mantra is that you can’t out-train a bad diet,” says Brown. “Probably the biggest thing I see consistently in my female clients who are fitness-minded is that they are not eating enough. They tend to restrict food throughout the day when they really need it and then, they almost have these mini binges at night because they’re starving. And then they are going to bed with the heaviest meal of the day in their stomachs.”

Another goal killer? Avoiding post-workout refueling. “It’s a huge issue,” Brown says. While downing a bowl of Greek yogurt topped with berries and nuts may seem counterintuitive after burning up some calories at the gym, Brown advises that replenishment is critical in the hour after a workout. She recommends combining protein and carbohydrates to replenish. “A smoothie with some added protein can be a great fast way to do this,” she says. Other options include that yogurt bowl; a salad topped with a protein or some eggs and sourdough toast. “Eating after a workout is a tough thing for a lot of my clients to swallow, and it goes back to our old diet culture mentality. But I really try to work on ending this restrictive mindset.”

The most important ingredient in our experts’ nutritional training arsenal is protein. “Most people are under eating it while eating too much of the wrong stuff,” says Brown. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone eat too much salmon, but a lot of us consume way too much sugar.”

Brown recommends starting your day with protein. “If breakfast is just carbs, you are playing catch-up all day,” she says. Strive to have about four to five ounces of good quality protein at each meal, and include it in snacks, too.

Some of Brown’s clients also partake in

“My mantra is that you can’t out train a bad diet.”

CAROLYN

BROWN, Indigo

a WOW week which calls for seven days of no sugar, dairy or gluten to jumpstart their nutritional tune-ups. “It’s impossible to lead a sugar-free life,” she says. “And I don’t avoid sugar in things like fruit, but I look for it on all my packages. And I really try to avoid it at breakfast. If it’s the first thing that hits your stomach in the morning is a blast of sugar, it can set you up for a day of highs and lows and eating all the wrong things.”

Clients at Beyond Fitness have access

Wellness to community partner Dr. Katie Takaysu, an integrative medicine specialist, head of Wellness Insights in Darien and author of Plants First, on a “diet detox.” “We have had several clients lose 20 to 40 pounds in a year by rethinking what they eat,” says Hoak. She now follows a “plant-forward” diet that, while not completely vegan, minimizes her consumption of animal proteins. “In the summer, I almost never go to the grocery store because most of my food comes from the

STEP 3 Fitness Starts in the Kitchen

farmer’s market.”

Brown also recommends limiting alcohol consumption; suggesting no more than four alcoholic beverages a week for women, no more than seven for men. “That can be tough if you like wine,” she says. “But I do urge people to get as close to none as possible for their overall health.”

Brown’s also big on advance meal planning and preparation for her time-crunched clients. “Map out your week and cook for those days you are crazy busy,” she says. “Have the food ready to take on the go.” Too busy to cook? Her go-to local resource for healthy, ready-made meal deliveries is New Canaanbased Kinney Lane. “All meal delivery services are not created equal,” she says. “But they do a great job of creating nutritious and really delicious food.”

As far as indulgences go, these fit folks enjoy them in moderation. “I love pizza, ice cream and cookies, but I don’t have them more than once a week,” says Bruzzone, whose workaday meals include lots of chicken, fruit, Greek yogurt and nuts.

Eisner, who went vegan after her breast cancer diagnosis, has gradually added animal protein back into her meals. “I would probably have a six pack if I didn’t have a greasy Chinese or Thai takeout meal every Sunday night, but that’s a joyful ritual for me and my family,” she says. “If you are too restrictive about anything, you are going to set yourself up for failure.”

Dr. Stephen J. Massimi, a sports medicine specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery, says the key to creating a successful fitness routine really comes down to “finding the things you can do, things you enjoy doing and then, doing them.” His top picks for mature exercisers include swimming, walking, dance, Pilates and Tai Chi, a great choice for the balance challenges many older adults face.

Eisner advocates for a well-rounded approach that incorporates elements of cardio, stretching and strength training. “Fitness doesn’t have to be doing box jumps or running marathons,” she says.

How you find that balance is personal. Bruzzone, for example, relies on advanced callisthenic moves like repetitive burpees for her cardio workouts. Hoak does two to

three strength training workouts a week, takes Pilates and walks. To push herself, she sometimes joins her outdoors-loving sons for more rigorous hikes.

Our experts voiced a collective enthusiasm for walking as a great starting point for anyone

currently sedentary. Dr. Masimo suggests dance training as a great way to engage in a cardio workout that has real cognitive benefits. “Learning those patterns also works your brain,” he says.

“I’m a fan of walking for my yoga clients

“I would probably have a six pack if I didn’t have a greasy Chinese or Thai takeout meal every Sunday night, but that’s a joyful ritual for me and my family. If you are too restrictive about anything, you are going to set yourself up for failure.”

AIMEE EISNER, Connecticut Power Yoga

because it’s as simple as having a pair of sneakers and heading outside,” says Eisner, who says running was her initial entrée into fitness. “I was a young, broke professional in New York City. It was something I could do to get fit that didn’t cost any money. But if you are older or can’t take all that pounding, walking is just a great way to go.”

Now comes the hard part. “At just about every gym out there, you look around and you see people who have been coming for years doing the same thing every single day,” James says. “Their bodies don’t change because they haven’t changed anything they are doing.”

STEP 5 Then Push Yourself

Bruzzone’s quest to master that elusive pullup is James’ masterclass in the kind of boundary pushing that takes fitness to the next level. “Everything she did to get there has made her a little stronger,” says James, who now considers Bruzzone a training partner and friend rather than client.

Kicking things up a notch doesn’t have to mean mastering pullups. “If you are a walker, it can be as simple as going from a flat path to a hilly one,” suggests Hoak. “If you are strength training, add more weight or try some new, more challenging moves It can just be trying something new.”

Because of her background in occupational therapy, Eisner knows firsthand that there is real value in “mixing things up.” “Every exercise challenges your body in new ways,” she says. “If you only lift weights, you are going to have an imbalance. If you only run, the same thing is true.”

And be mindful to strive for personal bests. “I spin next to someone who is much better than I am, but that doesn’t matter,” says Eisner. “If you compare yourself to others, you are kind of destined to fail, but it also can’t stop me from pushing myself to do hard things.”

Bruzzone suggests committing to a “just try it” period when trying something new. “Anyone can do something for 60 days,” she says. “By then, it may become a habit.”

Celebrating her 80th birthday this year, Bruzzone is thinking about what’s next to keep her body and mind in top form. She’s started learning French. “And I keep talking about taking up running.”

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

Slow and Steady (But Do It)

”Our bodies are essentially like big, biological machines,” says Dr. Stephen J. Massimi, a sports medicine specialist affiliated with HSS who sees patients in Connecticut through its partnership with Stamford Health. “If you want to become stronger and do more, exposing the body to the stimulus (of exercise) helps us to become stronger and improve our function.”

Yet older bodies are, well, a lot like older machines. “The parts have their limits,” Massimi says. “And if we exceed their limits, we can end up injured.”

How do you challenge yourself without being sidelined by injury? The doctor says it’s about calculating risks for the long haul.

“The biggest risk

1

for anyone at any age is doing too much too soon,” he says. “People get excited and then, they go all in and the next thing you know, they are in my office. So I often caution people that the older you are, the longer it’s going to take you to get from point A to point B, and that slow and steady is the way to go.”

As a specialist who treats issues impacting the hip and spine, Dr. Massimi sees lots of disc injuries from movements involving lifting and bending (think squats and leg lifts) as well as hip injuries sometimes exacerbated by overstretching. “You’ll have someone with hip or back pain and they think, ‘I need to stretch it out, so I’ll do some yoga,’” he says. “And the reality is, they can end up making things even worse.”

Checking in with your doctor before beginning a fitness regimen if you have any underlying health conditions, prior injuries or reasons for concern.

2

Strength-train at least twice a week. “There are so many benefits as you age, and it’s not just about increasing muscle mass. It also helps so much with maintaining bone density and long-term mobility, a benefit that is too frequently overlooked.”

3

Work with trainers with excellent credentials who ask about your health history and honor your physical limitations before beginning any new program.

4

The key to keeping things safe is learning the subtle difference between the discomfort that can come from pushing yourself and the pain of injury. “It’s imperative that you always listen to your body,” he says. “It will give you the best clues. If the pain goes away after a couple of days, that means you pushed yourself. But if it keeps coming back or you are feeling these ‘little twinges’ pay attention.” When in doubt, he adds, it’s fine to push back against an overzealous trainer with a “doctor’s orders” excuse. “I say, “Go ahead and blame me,” Massimi says. “My doctor told me not to do it is a perfectly reasonable response.” His seven tips for older adults include the following.

Strive to do some kind of cardiovascular activity 30 minutes a day, at least five times a week. The doctor’s picks include low-impact choices including swimming, walking and dance, for its cognitive benefits.

5

Pilates and Tai Chi are great options for flexibility and balance work.

6

Build rest days into your plans. “Everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors need it.”

7

Know you can do it. “A person can make physical strides at any age.”

by Georgette Yacoub

are therapies like magic mushrooms a medical privilege or a personal right?

typography and photo illustrations by venera alexandrova

“ PROMISE ME, IF YOU EVER FEEL LIKE DOING SOMETHING TO HURT YOURSELF, YOU ’ LL COME FIND ME

FIRST,

”

JERRY SAID TO HIS FRIEND REED.

It was a request made during an evening in the quiet corners of Culver Military Academy, where Jerry and Reed had met. The two were 17 years old and had been close since joining the wrestling team, sharing endless hours between the mat and the barracks.

One Saturday, Jerry wrapped up his ACTs and headed back to his dorm to find out that Reed had come by looking for him. That afternoon, he got a call that Reed passed away in a car accident.

Later, Jimmy found a goodbye note. Reed had taken his own life.

Reed was everything on the outside that might suggest he was “ok”—an athlete, a good student and someone with friends who cared deeply about him. But behind the scenes, he struggled. There had been pressures, compounded by a clinical depression diagnosis that left him trapped in a system offering few answers outside of pharmaceuticals. He’d been prescribed antidepressants, but Jerry knew that Reed was struggling to find any real relief.

“It’s heartbreaking what happened, and I wonder how things might have been different if he’d had access to options like psychedelics,” says Jerry.

Reed’s story is tragically common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates have steadily increased, particularly among young adults facing untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions. Could there have been an alternative route for Reed—a therapeutic experience beyond pharmaceuticals, something capable of unlocking a more profound and sustaining connection to life?

Following Jerry’s own discovery of and journey with psychedelics, he started asking questions that many others are beginning to ask: Can psychedelics offer an alternative to those struggling with depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety? Can they serve as a lifeline when conventional medicine fails?

Fourteen years after Reed's death, those questions sparked Jerry to found Psychedelic Passage, an advocacy organization based in Denver, that helps the psychedelic-curious find vetted psilocybin guides, treatments and psychedelic-assisted therapies across the United States.

Today, psychedelics like psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) and MDMA (ecstasy) are making waves as potential therapies for mental health conditions by facilitating deep emotional processing that may not be accessible through traditional therapies alone.

Though once relegated to the fringes of both science and law, psychedelic-assisted therapy is gradually entering the mainstream, carried by a growing body of research and compelling personal stories of transformation.

A Second Coming for Psychedelics

Psychedelic substances such as LSD and psilocybin have been in and out of favor since the 1950s, when early research showed promise for their potential in treating mental health conditions.

But by the late 1960s, these substances were pushed into the shadows.

Michael Pollan, the bestselling author of

“How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence,” notes in a 2018 interview with Time magazine: “The drugs kind of escaped the laboratory and were embraced by the counterculture,” leading to a “full-scale moral panic” and the cessation of scientific exploration.

Psychedelics became symbols of the antiestablishment movement, fueling fears among politicians and conservative groups that they threatened public order and traditional values. Media coverage amplified these anxieties, portraying psychedelics as dangerously mindaltering. By 1970, the Controlled Substances Act classified them as Schedule I drugs, which are defined by the National Institutes of Health as substances with “high abuse potential with no accepted medical use.”

The legislation, which banned nearly all clinical research on psychedelics, marked the beginning of a decades-long stigma.

By the early 2010s, the United States was facing a mental health crisis that spanned every age group. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults now lives with a mental illness, and the rate of major depressive episodes has risen significantly in recent years. Among adolescents, the picture is even more alarming: Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide have more than

Can psychedelics offer an alternative to those struggling with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety?

Can they serve as a lifeline when conventional medicine fails?

The idea with psychedelics is that They affect the brain in a way that allows it to reorganize and reprioritize the way different parts of the brain work together.

- DR. CRAIG ALLEN MEDICAL DIRECTOR AT RUSHFORD

doubled, with theories pointing to factors like social media use, high-pressure lives and poor lifestyle habits.

All the while, the field of mental health has seen few significant breakthroughs in more than half a century. For decades, mental health care has relied primarily on pharmaceuticals like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and other antidepressants, which were introduced in the 1980s and remain among the most commonly prescribed treatments today.

While these medications can offer help, they often come with limitations, such as delayed efficacy, side effects and a primary focus on symptom management rather than addressing underlying trauma or structural changes in the brain.

Dr. Craig Allen is the medical director at Rushford, a Hartford HeatlhCare Center and one of Connecticut’s leading providers of addiction and mental-health services. Dr. Allen has served as a subject matter expert in Connecticut’s Psilocybin Study Workgroup. He emphasizes the need for more than just symptom management in order to focus on getting back to work, back to school and back to the regular cadence of life. “The idea with psychedelics is that they affect the brain in a

way that allows it to reorganize and reprioritize the way different parts of the brain work together,” he says.

The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, based in Stamford, recognizes the limitations of current mental health treatment approaches and is committed to advancing more effective solutions. In fact, the foundation (led by hedge fund manager and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen and his wife, Alexandra) has given more than $46 million to psychedelic projects and is one of the largest private funders of psychedelic research in the country.

“Research on these psychedelic compounds has been postponed for decades while millions of Americans have profoundly suffered,” reads a statement on the foundation’s website. “It’s time to unlock the potential of psychedelic medicine and improve the lives of patients and their families.”

Paradigm Shift: New Hope for Veterans With PTSD

Dr. Lynnette Averill is a clinical research psychologist who spent nine years at Yale’s National Center for PTSD before being recruited to serve as the subject matter expert for Texas House Bill 1802, which supports a clinical trial and extensive literature review of psychedelic medicine for the treatment of PTSD in U.S. veterans. She also worked alongside Dr. Allen as a subject matter expert for Connecticut’s Psilocybin Study Workgroup.

Dr. Averill’s entire career has been dedicated to exploring alternative mental health treatments for veterans and other survivors of trauma. The course of her life was largely impacted by her father, who served as an enlisted infantryman with the Marine Corps in Vietnam and struggled to cope with his experiences. He developed PTSD and died by suicide after struggling with ineffective treatments and self-medication. Lynette was only three years old when he died.

Many of these folks had tried everything, from the Va’s polypharmacy approach to intensive therapy, and nothing worked. For some, a single psychedelic experience was the difference between life and death.

- DR. LYNNETTE AVERILL CLINICAL RESEARCH PSYCHOLOGIST

In her work, she recalls the transformative impact psychedelics have had on military veterans in particular: “Many of these folks had tried everything, from the VA’s polypharmacy approach to intensive therapy, and nothing worked,” she says. “For some, a single psychedelic experience was the difference between life and death.”

Dr. Averill’s research has highlighted a distinct neurobiological pathway through which psychedelics operate, one that differs markedly from the SSRIs (like Zoloft and Lexapro) prescribed to millions of Americans each year.

SSRIs aim to stabilize neurochemical levels over time, but they often require weeks or months to take effect, if they work at all. By contrast, Dr. Averill explains, psychedelics like psilocybin seem to “rapidly increase neuroplasticity” (the brain’s ability to reorganize itself).

This, she notes, opens a window of opportunity for patients to untangle deeply embedded trauma and emotional patterns. “The SSRIs can save lives, no doubt,” she says. “But psychedelics give people a shot at lives they actually want to live.”

Dr. Averill has collaborated with fellow researchers on observation studies of veterans of Special Operations Forces who are “wildly

traumatized, complex cases.” These people, she describes, have been to the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs, and tried every possible intervention—some even taking 20 different prescriptions at a time.

Dr. Averill explains that, for some patients, they saw this treatment as their last hope.

Patients who participated in this three-day program reported transdiagnostic shifts in PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance use. They had an increased sense of meaning and purpose and a decreased sense of moral injury, guilt and shame.

According to Dr. Averill, some patients described the process as one of the most meaningful experiences they’ve ever had. “Challenging, difficult experiences, but very meaningful,” she adds. “I have never heard anyone say that about starting Prozac.”

In recent years, these limitations of pharmaceuticals have fueled a renewed interest in exploring more innovative strategies (including psychedelics) that might address root causes rather than just mitigating symptoms.

This represents a paradigm shift in the way we treat mental health—moving from symptom management to exploring deeper, more transformative healing processes.

Inside the Brain: How Psychedelics Work Differently

So, what exactly happens in the brain when someone takes psychedelics? Dr. Allen explains that psychedelics act on the 5-HT2A receptor in the brain, part of the serotonin system.

But unlike SSRIs, psychedelics don’t just boost serotonin levels; they reshape neural pathways, loosening rigid thought patterns and encouraging new perspectives.

Dr. Allen highlights that “hardwiring” occurs in the brain during adolescence. This period is marked by an intense phase of neural development, where the brain rapidly forms countless new connections in response to learning and experiences. As adolescents encounter new situations, challenges and

relationships, their brains are busy creating pathways that reflect these experiences.

However, to maintain efficiency, the brain then undergoes a process known as synaptic pruning. During pruning, weaker or less frequently used pathways are trimmed away, allowing the brain to consolidate its most essential and frequently used connections. This process sharpens focus and strengthens patterns that help individuals navigate daily life.

With that said, “some of these pathways have developed in a way that is maladaptive and becomes hardwired,” Dr. Allen explains. “Trying to change that can take a really long time, if you can do it at all.”

Synaptic pruning can reinforce habitual thoughts or behaviors, including those that can contribute to anxiety or depression. “The idea

around these psychedelics is that, somehow, they release the brain for a period of time from these tracks—these pathways—and allow for someone to consider alternative strategies,” says Dr. Allen

Another way to think about it is like a well-worn hiking trail in the mind. Over years, that path gets worn down and deeply familiar, even if it doesn’t lead to a good place. Psychedelics create a momentary shift in the brain, giving people the chance to forge a new trail—a new way of experiencing their lives.

This process allows individuals to access new perspectives and habitual thought patterns that may have previously been obscured. This “reset” effect, Dr. Allen suggests, is one reason why psychedelics can offer transformative potential, especially for those whose hardwired thought patterns have become sources of struggle.

The Psychedelic Experience

A psilocybin journey typically involves a threephase process: preparatory, administration and integration. Each phase is guided by trained facilitators—often a pair, ideally one male and one female—who stay with the patient through the entire process to provide balance and support.

In the preparatory phase, the facilitators focus on building a trusting connection with the patient. They explore the patient’s medical and personal history, discuss their goals and set the framework for how the experience may unfold. This groundwork is essential for creating a sense of safety and openness.

The administration phase can last between six and eight hours. Patients are given the

a single psilocybin session can have effects that last for months, and ketamine treatments can offer relief for days to weeks.

psilocybin (sometimes in the form of dried mushrooms) in a comfortable, carefully designed room, often with personal touches like familiar blankets, comfortable seating and soft lighting. They might wear eye shades and listen to music they’ve chosen. This helps guide the journey inward. The facilitators don’t direct the experience, but provide a calming presence ready to support only if needed.

Patients often find it difficult to put their experience into words. Patients in studies reported the “mystical” qualities that you’d expect out of a psychedelic trip (encounters with transcendent insights or visions) but what many found just as impactful were moments that felt deeply personal: intense catharsis, a newfound ability to forgive, a sense of selfcompassion and waves of love.

The experience differs deeply from person to person, and can vary depending on the psychedelic substance. Patients who take 5-MeO-DMT, a compound primarily found in plants native to South America, report a significant shift in time and awareness alongside auditory and visual hallucinations. This can be accompanied by physiological symptoms, like increases in heart rate and blood pressure, and nausea and vomiting. Ibogaine (found in the root bark of a West African shrub) can create similar effects, alongside a fascinating common thread: a review of a person’s history and ancestry.

“I think that’s such an interesting piece of Ibogaine—that’s often such a meaningful experience to go back and evaluate your own life and your lineage,” says Dr. Averill. “For so many people, there are sort of generational aspects of stress and trauma that are passed down. People get a lot of insights from that, feeling like they have some sense of forgiveness or a better sense of their own place in the world and where they fit.”

These lasting emotional shifts give patients the opportunity to continue healing as they enter the integration phase.

In the integration phase, facilitators work with the patient to process and unpack the experience—teasing out any insights or revelations and helping to shape how they might be applied to daily life. This phase often involves several follow-up meetings, giving patients a chance to

explore the significance of their journey and the ways it may inform their choices, relationships and sense of self going forward. This phase is key to making the experience take root as a catalyst for lasting change.

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which are taken daily, psychedelic therapy is episodic. For example, a single psilocybin session can have effects that last for months, and ketamine treatments can offer relief for days to weeks. The difference is, you take what you’ve gained and carry it forward, rather than relying on daily medication to keep you afloat.

Hope Amid Caution: The Safety Debate

It was in 2021 that Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill into law that called for a research committee that developed into the aforementioned Psilocybin Study Workgroup. Its mandate was to study the effects of psilocybin on mental and emotional health under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

As subject matter experts in that workgroup, both Dr. Averill and Dr. Allen came to the same conclusion: The potential of psychedelics to transform mental health treatment is undeniable, but it’s a path that requires caution.

Dr. Allen is intent on avoiding the mistakes made with medical cannabis, especially when it comes to commercialization. Early research on marijuana legalization, he points out, was limited and flawed, mostly focusing on a narrow demographic. The studies on marijuana touted the fact that medical cannabis is effective for depression, psychiatric disorders and even bipolar disorder. But, as Dr. Allen explains, we have come to find out that cannabis can also destabilize people with bipolar disorder, increase suicidal ideation and play a role in the development of schizophrenia.

“Like with cannabis, people are swayed by the billions of dollars that can be made if you get it out there,” Dr. Allen warns. He argues that in order for psychedelics to reach their full potential as therapeutic agents, regulatory measures need

to prioritize healing over market value.

Dr. Andrew Gerber, president and medical director at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, echoes Allen’s concerns, underscoring the importance of controlled, medically supervised environments. “Psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin aren’t without risks,” he explains. “In unsupervised settings, they can worsen certain conditions, especially for individuals with psychological vulnerabilities.”

Lessons from Connecticut: Pioneering a Cautious Approach

Connecticut is establishing a framework for

legal, regulated psilocybin therapy with experts like Dr. Allen and Dr. Averill leading the charge to bring solutions to the state that balance safety with accessibility. Still, the regulatory hurdles are high, and the stakes are even higher, as the nation grapples with how to responsibly integrate psychedelics into mental-health care.

Therapeutic psychedelics like psilocybin remain illegal in the United States outside of research. With that said, individuals are accessing psilocybin “underground,” through unauthorized means or legally in other countries. Currently, Oregon is the only state to legalize psilocybin under a state-regulated framework created through Measure 109 (also known as the Oregon Psilocybin Services Act), passed by voters in 2020. This act allows licensed centers to provide psilocybin

therapy, supervised by trained facilitators, independently of FDA approval. While psilocybin remains a federally controlled substance, Oregon’s regulations establish a unique, legally protected pathway for its therapeutic use within the state.

Drs. Allen, Averill and Gerber are in full support of robust regulatory structures from the outset to preserve the medicinal promise of psychedelics. This perspective is particularly pertinent as Connecticut explores decriminalizing certain amounts of psilocybin. Such legislative changes aim to reduce penalties for possession, potentially paving the way for broader acceptance and use of psychedelic therapies.

In parallel with these state-level initiatives, significant progress is being made in clinical research. Dr. Gerber is collaborating with Dr.

Michael Bogenschutz, director of the NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, on a groundbreaking study. Funded by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), this research focuses on the use of psilocybin in treating alcohol-use disorder. Patient recruitment for this study is expected to begin at Silver Hill early this year, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of psychedelic therapies into mainstream treatment options.

Dr. Gerber is especially excited for this study because of the plan to track a patient's progress using MRI. “In cardiology, you don’t only look at chest pain. You look at the echocardiogram. In cancer, you look at the X-rays,” he explains. “Psychiatry has lagged behind just because the brain is so complicated that we haven’t had those biomarkers. If we can track progress using MRI, which is exactly what we’re aiming to do in this study, that’s a game changer for the field and one we’re proud to be a part of.”

However, the path to widespread acceptance of psychedelic therapies is not without its challenges. The FDA’s recent denial of MDMAassisted therapy for PTSD, citing concerns with study methodologies, should serve as a cautionary tale. This decision underscores the necessity for rigorous, well-designed clinical trials to ensure both the efficacy and safety of these treatments.

Connecticut’s measured approach, characterized by thorough research and cautious legislative action, positions the state as a potential leader in the responsible adoption of psychedelic therapies.

For advocates like Jimmy, the push to integrate psychedelics into mainstream therapy extends beyond regulation to fundamental issues of bodily autonomy and personal freedom. “Do we inherently have the right to explore our consciousness?” Jimmy asks. “Shouldn’t people have the right to explore natural substances and decide for themselves what might help them heal?”

Jimmy argues that psychedelics offer not just a path to healing but also an exploration of self that is rare in modern, prescription-heavy mental-health care. Psychedelic experiences

tend to center around personal insights rather than symptom management as the primary focus, which has become the modus operandi of many conventional treatments. “It’s about empowering people in their own sovereignty to make the best choices for themselves,” he says.

What Comes Next?

Though psychedelics offer hope, they’re not a cure-all. Still, Jimmy, Dr. Averill and others on the front lines are optimistic that these treatments can provide a lifeline to people who have exhausted other options. Jimmy envisions a future where psychedelics aren’t just a last resort but a respected part of the mental-health landscape, accessible to anyone willing to do the work.

“The folks who I think have the best and most transformative experiences really are the ones who go in open-minded and very much wanting to change,” says Dr. Averill. “They come out of those experiences and try to build in whatever those new insights are into their life, maintaining positive behaviors or continuing to not engage in behaviors they found weren’t working well for them.”

For those like Reed, who struggled within the limits of conventional treatment, a world where psychedelics are accessible might have offered an alternative—a chance to confront and move through his pain in a way current options couldn’t provide.

As Connecticut and the country wrestle with these questions, there’s hope that we’re on the brink of a new era in mental health.

INTERESTED IN JOINING A PSYCHEDELIC STUDY OR ACCESSING PSILOCYBIN SERVICES?

1

Search clinical trial databases such as ClinicalTrials.gov to find ongoing or upcoming studies involving psychedelics.

2

Contact research centers or institutions directly. Some universities and research hospitals like Silver Hill, Johns Hopkins, NYU and MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) conduct psychedelic research.

3

Explore the Oregon Health Authority’s Licensee Directory to find licensed service centers. Clients do not need to live in Oregon to access these services.

4

Reach out to Psychedelic Passage for connections to vetted guides for therapeutic psychedelic experiences and treatments.

LYNNE M HAVEN, MD

DERMATOLOGY & LASER CENTER

DR. LYNNE HAVEN IS A BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

in Greenwich who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser treatments. Dr. Haven graduated from Harvard University and received her medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internship at Massachusetts General Hospital and her dermatology residency at New York University.

Dr. Haven strives to provide state-of-the-art skin and laser treatments in a warm, caring environment. She offers Botox, injectable fillers, Diamond Glow, and wide range of lasers including Picosure, Exel V+, Hair laser, PDT, Ultraclear, 3DMIRACL and Emsella. Dr. Haven is one of the first physicians in the country to introduce EmFace, an innovative procedure designed to non-invasively lift and tighten. Dr. Haven says “EmFace is an exciting new non-invasive way to tighten the face. It not only builds collagen and elastin but also works on the muscle to lift and improve the overall muscle tone of the face without surgery. EmFace is a game changing technology.” Dr. Haven also offers Emsculpt Neo for body contouring which can build muscle by 25% and decrease fat by 30% after a series of treatments.

Dr. Haven is consistently ranked in the top 1% of injectors nationwide, and she personally performs 100 percent of all Botox and filler treatments. Dr. Haven was selected as one of America’s Top Cosmetic Dermatologists.

Dr. Haven believes in designing an individualized anti-aging treatment plan for each patient to ensure desirable results. With a focus on noninvasive rejuvenation, Dr.Haven helps her patients look younger and more radiant. Her expertise gained from working in private practice for more than 24 years allows her to customize each treatment session to offer optimal results to every patient. In August 2021, Dr. Haven moved into a brand-new office with state-of-the-art technology. Dr.Haven says, “Patients have plenty of privacy coming to our spacious stand-alone building-and as always, excellent personalized care.”

TOP DOCTORS 2025

HScan here to view our digital TOP DOCTORS LISTING!

aving the right doctor for you and your family is important for everyday health and wellness, especially if an emergency arises. Locally, we are fortunate to have so many leading physicians at our disposal. We’ve compiled a directory of Top Doctors to streamline the process of fi nding the right practitioner. With the help of experts from DataJoe Research, we have a reliable guide of more than 600 specialists working in highly-ranked hospital systems throughout Fairfield County. e fi rm evaluated everything from skills and credentials to peer-voting and public perception in order to create this year’s much-anticipated guide to our area’s top doctors. »

ADOLESCENT MEDICINE

Sara B. Levine

Greenwich Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine 239 Glenville Rd, Greenwich 203-532-1919

ALLERGY & IMMUNOLOGY

Aimee AltschulLatzman

Allergy & Asthma Consultants of Fairfield County 140 Sherman Street, Fairfield 203-955-1461

Kenneth S. Backman

Allergy & Asthma Care of Fairfield County LLC 55 Walls Dr, Trumbull 203-259-7070

Jonathan B. Bell

Jonathan B. Bell MD 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Leslie R. Coleman

Allergy and Asthma Associates of Stamford PC 144 Morgan Street, Stamford 203-324-9525

Philip H. Hemmers

Allergy Center of Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-870-8731

Richard J. Lee

Advanced Specialty Care 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Paul S. Lindner

Allergy and Asthma Center of Stamford 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-978-0072

Mark D. Litchman

Fairfield County

Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates 2 ½ Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-838-4034

Aymeric E. Louit

Fairfield County

Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates 80 Mill River Street, Stamford 203-357-1511

Agnieszka Matczuk

Fairfield County

Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates 2 ½ Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-869-2080

Joseph Sproviero

Fairfield County Allergy Asthma and Immunology Associates 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-4034

ANESTHESIOLOGY

James P. Anderson

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeAnesthesiology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7118

Mark Chrostowski Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Terry L. Cochran Yale New Haven Health 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Jillian L. Marousek Yale New Haven Health-Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

David M. Misita Nuvance Health Medical PracticeAnesthesiology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7118

Fikry B. Salib Elsa Raskin MD 4 Dearfield Dr, Greenwich 203-861-6620

Alfonso A. Tagliavia Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-863-3390

Cynthia Twu Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-3390

CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY

Murali Chiravuri

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeCardiology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

Sandhya Dhruvakumar

Stamford Health

Medical Group

29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-2321

Robert D. Winslow

Cardiac Specialists

25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-0090

CARDIOLOGY

Jeffrey N. Berman

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-254-2452

Salvatore Carbonaro

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-7410

Linda Casale

Cardiac Specialists 999 Silver Ln, Trumbull 203-385-1111

Alexander Delvecchio

Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center

500 W Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Mitchell Driesman

Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Ira D. Galin

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7155

Jason M. Goodman

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeCardiology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

Jeffrey Green

The Heart Center 215 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford 203-674-1810

David H. Hsi

Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-276-2323

Robert L. Labarre

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 1177 Summer Street, Stamford 203-353-1133

Charles Landau

Northeast Medical Group Cardiology 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Michael A. Logue

Nuvance HealthCardiology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7155

David J. Lomnitz

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 28 East Avenue, New Canaan 203-855-3680

John Novella

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Mina Owlia

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-348-7410

Maria C. Pavlis

Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center

500 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Michael R. Pittaro

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Ari Pollack

Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Adam E. Schussheim Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Jared G. Selter

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-254-2452

Boris V. Sheynberg Nuvance HealthWestport Cardiology 32 Imperial Ave, Westport 203-226-1760

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Michael A. Coady Heart and Vascular Institute

29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-4400

Michael I. Ebright

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-4404

William A. Jakobleff, Jr. Specialty Surgeons of Connecticut 1455 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-787-4366

Robert E. Michler Specialty Surgeons of Connecticut

1455 E. Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-787-4366

David D. Yuh Heart and Vascular Institute

29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-4400

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Venu Channamsetty Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 2979 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-683-5100

Joonun Choi

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-348-7410

Evelyn J. Cusack Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-348-7410

Lawrence I. Fisher

Cardiac Specialists 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-0090

Ram Gordon Cardiac Specialists 999 Silver Lane, Trumbull 203-385-1111

Steven H. Kunkes Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Craig McPherson

Craig A. McPherson, MD 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-3442

Jay Meizlish

Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Wayne H. Miller Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-348-7410

Robert M. Moskowitz Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Francis J. Neeson

Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center 500 W Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Suhash Patel Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 425 Post Road, Fairfield 203-254-2452

Ronald J. Raymond Cardiac Specialists 30 Prospect Street, Ridgefield 203-438-9621

Alon Ronen Northeast Medical Group Cardiology 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Robert D. Sackstein Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Edward H. Schuster Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-276-2323

Aparna Srinivasan Integrated Pain Solutions 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Richard L. Taikowski Cardiac Specialists 999 Silver Lane, Trumbull 203-385-1111

Joseph J. Tiano Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-445-7093

Anja Wagner Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 2979 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-683-5100

Craig S. Werner Northeast Medical Group Cardiology 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Stuart Zarich Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-3844

CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY

Deborah S. Lipschitz Deborah S. Lipschitz MD 21 Sherman Ct, Fairfield 203-256-9926

Joan F. Poll

Joan F. Poll MD 16 Bushy Ridge Rd, Westport 203-222-1186

COLON

& RECTAL SURGERY

Stuart E. Bussell Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7131

Marc J. Casasanta Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7131

Marilee L. Freitas Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-323-8989

James M. McClane Nuvance Health Medical Practices-Colon and Rectal Surgery Norwalk 30 Stevens Street, Norwalk 203-852-2262

CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE

Sandra K. Wainwright Stamford Health Medical Group 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-4505

DERMATOLOGY

Beth A. Buscher Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut PC 170 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-792-4151

Severine M. Chavel Dermatology Center of Stamford 1290 Summer Street, Stamford 203-325-3576

Richard C. Connors

Richard C. Connors MD 1 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-622-0808

Brittany G. Craiglow Fair Haven Health Center 425 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-9490

Elle De Moll Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-292-9490

Sarah E. Dolder Greenwich Point Dermatology 20 E. Elm St, Greenwich 203-764-2230

Rhett J. Drugge

Rhett J. Drugge MD 50 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford 203-324-5719

Kenneth J. Egan Advanced Specialty Care 488 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-830-4700

Kimberly M. Eickhorst Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut PC 170 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-792-4151

Robin Evans Southern Connecticut Dermatology 1275 Summer St, Stamford 203-323-5660

Rena Fortier Long Ridge Dermatology 1051 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-329-7960

Henry C. Gasiorowski Greenwich Dermatology 40 West Elm Street, Greenwich 203-661-7546

Michele E. Gasiorowski Greenwich Dermatology 40 West Elm Street, Greenwich 203-661-7546

Charles L.G. Halasz Dermatology for the Family 149 East Ave, Norwalk 203-349-8228

Rebecca Ross Hall Dermatology Center of Stamford 1290 Summer Street, Stamford 203-325-3576

Lynne M. Haven Lynne Haven MD PC 5 Oak St, Greenwich 203-869-4242

Omar A. Ibrahimi Connecticut Skin Institute 2777 Summer St, Stamford 203-428-4440

Michael A. Jacobson Advanced Dermcare 25 Tamarack Ave, Danbury 203-797-8990

Rhonda Q. Klein

Modern Dermatology 1032 Post Road East, Westport 203-635-0770

Jeffrey D. Knispel Dermatology Associates of Western Connecticut PC 170 Mt. Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-792-4151

Steven A. Kolenik III Schweiger Dermatology Group 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-810-4151

Graeme M. Lipper Advanced Dermcare 25 Tamarack Ave, Danbury 203-797-8990

Elizabeth R. Marsh Dermatology Center of Stamford 1290 Summer Street, Stamford 203-325-3576

Fern E. Mayer Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 132 Morgan Street, Stamford 203-969-0123

Jason C. McBean Fairfield Dermatology 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-259-7709

Jeremy Moss Integrated Dermatology of Bridgeport 7 Cambridge Dr, Trumbull 203-374-5546

Ellen S. Naidorf

Ellen S. Naidorf MD 22 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-964-1103

Kim M. Nichols NicholsMD 50 Old Field Point Road, Greenwich 203-862-4000

Michael P. Noonan

Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists PC 160 Hawley Lane, Trumbull 203-377-0639

William A. Notaro Nuvance Health Medical PracticeDermatology of Danbury 27 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-790-7585

Mark I. Oestreicher

Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists PC 160 Hawley Lane, Trumbull 475-265-5350

Robin G. Oshman

Robin Gail Oshman MD 101 Long Lots Road, Westport 203-454-0743

Robert J. Patrignelli

Robert J. Patrignelli MD 17 Church Hill Rd, Trumbull 203-261-0800

Deanne M. Robinson Modern Dermatology 1032 Post Road East, Westport 203-635-0770

Mitchell J. Ross Greenwich Med Spa 1285 E. Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-0662

Elizabeth C. Smith Fairfield Dermatology 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-259-7709

Debra S. Weissman Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-538-5682

Rand L. Werbitt Advanced Specialty Care 1290 Summer Street, Stamford 203-830-4700

Gail B. Whitman Advanced Dermatology 13 Park St, Norwalk 203-847-2400

Jonathan R. Zirn Advanced Dermcare 25 Tamarack Ave, Danbury 203-797-8990

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Richard R. Culver Norwalk Radiology Consultants One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2663

Lauren A. Ernberg Greenwich Radiological Group 49 Lake Ave, Greenwich 203-869-6220

Christopher P. Fey Greenwich Radiological Group 49 Lake Avenue, Greenwich 203-861-2381

Lily Kernagis

Stamford Health Medical Group

32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-276-7465

Linda LaTrenta

Greenwich HospitalRadiology 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-3952

Anna S. Mah Danbury Radiological Associates

24 Hospital Avenue, Danbury 203-739-7532

Erez Salik Greenwich HospitalRadiology 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-3960

Jeet S. Sandhu Specialty Imaging Associates 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-426-3002

Adam Welber Specialty Imaging 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-426-3002

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Robert J. Capodanno Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple Street, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Sally S. Chao Nuvance Health Medical Practice-Bauer Emergency Care Center 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Christopher M. Davison

Greenwich HospitalDepartment of Emergency Medicine 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-3632

Jason A. Fischel Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Jean M. Hammel Bauer Emergency Care Center at Norwalk Hospital 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

Ari M. Perkins Nuvance HealthHospital Medicine Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2281

ENDOCRINOLOGY,

DIABETES & METABOLISM

Sandi-Jo Galati Northeast Medical Group Endocrinology 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-371-7048

Judith C. GoldbergBerman Judith GoldbergBerman MD 159 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-622-9160

Ranee A. Lleva Endocrinology Associates of Greenwich-Northeast Medical Group 2015 W. Main St, Stamford 203-863-3750

Bismruta Misra Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-276-7213

Antonio Pantaleo Endocrinology Center of Stamford LLC 80 Mill River Street, Stamford 203-359-2444

Nancy J. Rennert Nuvance Health Medical PracticeEndocrinology Wilton 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-852-2270

Robert R. Savino Nuvance Health Medical PracticeEndocrinology Danbury 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-5620

Debra Schussheim Riverside Endocrinology 225 Main Street, Westport 203-429-5300

Glenn Siegel Soundview Medical Associates LLC 50 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-838-4000

Linda S. Werner Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-372-7200

Yi-Hao Yu

Danbury Radiological Associates

2015 West Main Street, Stamford 203-863-3750

FAMILY MEDICINE

James K. Ahern

Copps Hill Family Medicine 77 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-6342

Steven T. Benaderet

Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine 327 Riverside Avenue, Westport 203-221-3030

Jennifer Bendl

Stamford Health Medical Group 1500 Post Rd, Darien 203-655-8701

Marc E. Brodsky

Stamford Health Medical Group 75 Holly Hill Ln, Greenwich 203-276-4777

Shanthi Devaraj

Shanthi Devaraj MD LLC 1400 Bedford Street, Stamford 203-323-8700

Douglas Duchen

Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-372-4065

Alan T. Falkoff

Hartford Healthcare Medical Group Primary Care 30 Buxton Farm Road, Stamford 203-322-7070

Joseph Feuerstein Elite Concierge Physicians 45 Singing Oaks Dr, Weston 203-979-5798

Cosmo Filiberto Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-372-4065

Carol-Ann V. Galban

Copps Hill Family Medicine 77 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-6342

Joshua B. Herbert

Stamford Health Medical Group 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-276-4644

Nina S. Karol Concierge Physicians of Westport

333 Post Road West, Westport 203-571-3000

Lawrence D. Leibowitz Matrix Personalized Medicine LLC 45 Grove Street, New Canaan 203-920-1772

Angelo Mallozzi

Stamford Health Medical Group 90 Morgan Street, Stamford 203-276-7215

David Pazer ProHealth Physicians Gastroenterology 96 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-438-0874

Arnold Peterson Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 999 Silver Lane, Trumbull 203-380-5270

Seth M. Sullivan Concierge Care of New Canaan 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4215

Kellie A. WatkinsColwell Northeast Medical Group Family Medicine 1152 Kings Highway Cutoff, Fairfield 203-256-5500

Ann H. Williams

Stamford Health Medical Group 90 Morgan St, Stamford 203-359-9997

Henry Yoon Stamford Health Medical Group One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2270

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Charles J. Adelmann

Soundview Medical Associates LLC 50 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-838-4000

Naveen Anand Nuvance Health Medical Practice

30 Stevens Street, Norwalk 203-852-2278

David Barenberg

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7038

Henry G. Beecher

Gastroenterology/ Hepatology Associates

32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-348-5355

Steven Brandwein

Nuvance Health

Medical Practice

111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7038

Bryan Burns

Northeast Medical Group

Gastroenterology 888 White Plains Road, Trumbull 203-459-4451

Gena M. Cobrin

Connecticut GI 425 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-9000

Robert M. Dettmer

Gastroenterology

Hepatology Associates 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-348-5355

Joseph Fiorito

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7038

Reid L. Hopkins

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGastroenterology

Norwalk

30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-2278

Sarah A. Kahn

Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-276-8490

Neda Khaghan Center for Gi Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-489-6900

Chunwang Lam

Northeast Medical Group

Gastroenterology 888 White Plains Road, Trumbull 203-459-4451

Gordon S. Latzman

GI Health Specialists 888 White Plains Road, Trumbull 203-459-4451

Jennifer Liu-Burdowski

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGastroenterology Danbury 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7038

Suma S. Magge

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGastroenterology

Norwalk 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-2278

Rakhee Mangla Nuvance Health Medical PracticesGastroenterology

Norwalk 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-2278

Kenneth R. Mauer

Gastroenterology

Associates 425 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-9000

Darlene S. Negbenebor

Stamford

Gastroenterology

90 Morgan Street, Stamford 203-998-7400

Alan M. Nelson

Alan M. Nelson MD 4641 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-333-3328

Neal J. Schamberg Center for Gi Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-489-6900

Michael K. Schiffman Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGastroenterology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7038

Alan E. Selkin Center for Gi Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-489-6900

Julie E. Spivack Connecticut GI 425 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-9000

Stuart Waldstreicher Diagnostic Endoscopy Center 778 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-428-4643

Thomas P. Whelan Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGastroenterology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7038

Felice R. Zwas Center for Gi Medicine of Fairfield & Westchester 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-489-6900

GENERAL SURGERY

Netanel Y. Alper Nuvance Health Medical PracticeBariatric & Metabolic Surgery Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7131

Carinne W. Anderson Nuvance Health Medical Practice-Breast Surgery Danbury 20 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-739-7040

Jeanne S. Capasse Nuvance Health 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-846-8885

Walter M. Cholewczynski

Northeast Medical Group 5520 Park Avenue, Bridgeport 203-384-3890

Patrick T. Dolan Nuvance Health Medical PracticeBariatric and Metabolic Surgery Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-3050

Kevin M. Dwyer

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-5959

Craig L. Floch Nuvance Health Medical PracticeBariatric and Metabolic Surgery Danbury 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7131

Royd Fukumoto Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7131

Andrew S. Kenler

Andrew S. Kenler MD FACS 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-373-9015

Kevin D. Miller

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-5959

Jeraldine S. Orlina Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7131

Athanassios Petrotos Yale Medicine Surgery 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-4300

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Amber M. Brody Nuvance Health Medical PracticePrimary Care Wilton 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3353

Mithil Choksey

Yale New Haven HealthCenter for Geriatrics 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-384-3388

Harsha Naik

Yale New Haven HealthCenter for Geriatrics 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-384-3388

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Leslie Andriani Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGynecologic Oncology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-4900

Linus T. Chuang Nuvance Health Medical Practice 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-4900

David W. Doo Nuvance Health Medical PracticeGynecologic Oncology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-4900

HAND SURGERY

Joseph DiGiovanni OrthoConnecticut 2 Riverview Drive, Danbury 203-797-1500

Haik G. Kavookjian Stamford Health Medical Group 40 Cross Street, Norwalk 203-846-0040

John Lunt Western Connecticut Orthopedic Surgical Center 2 Riverview Dr, Danbury 203-797-1500

Thomas A. Rago

The Surgical Center of Connecticut 3101 Main St, Bridgeport 203-374-5892

Ross J. Richer Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Trnpk, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Brandon S. Shulman OrthoConnecticut Coastal Orthopedics/ Orthopedics-Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

HEMATOLOGY

Daniel E. Boxer

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-845-4811

Sandhya A. Dhanjal

Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center 425 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-255-4545

David H. Witt Yale Cancer Center 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-502-8400

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE MEDICINE

Robert A. Kloss Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-797-7029

Heather Sung PalliMD 128 East Ave, Norwalk 203-451-7212

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Maher I. Madhoun

Stamford Health Medical Group

292 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-323-4458

Gavin X. McLeod Infectious Diseases Consultants of Greenwich PC 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-869-8838

Paul Nee Nuvance Health 33 Germantown Road, Danbury 203-739-8310

Michael F. Parry

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-353-1427

Paolo A. Pino

Nuvance Health Medical PracticesInfectious Disease Norwalk 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-852-2280

Asha Shah

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-353-1427

John G. Stratidis Nuvance Health 33 Germantown Road, Danbury 203-739-8310

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Robert A. Altbaum Internal Medicine Associates of Westport 333 Post Road West, Westport 203-226-0731

David H. Baum Concierge Physicians of Westport 333 Post Road West, Westport 203-571-3000

Vipulkumar Bhalodiya Vipulkumar Bhalodiya MD 555 Newfield Ave, Stamford 203-324-8900

Marina L. Blagodatny Center for Geriatrics 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-384-3388

Neil N. Boside

Stamford Health Medical Group 1200 E Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-0057

Thomas V. Cigno Thomas Cigno MD 10 South St, Ridgefield 203-244-7848

Frank A. Ciminiello Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Ralph J. Cipriani Glenville Medical Concierge Care 7 Riversville Road, Greenwich 203-531-1808

Joseph V. Costanzo

Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-348-9455

Allen F. Davis

ProHealth PhysiciansWestern Connecticut Primary Care 164 Mt Pleasant Rd, Newtown 203-270-1016

Arnold Dorosario Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Azem Dushaj Northeast Medical Group 888 White Plains Rd, Trumbull 203-459-0408

Christopher M. Edelmann

Christopher M. Edelmann MD PC 42 Sherwood Place, Greenwich 203-869-0502

Vernetta D. Gallop

Stamford Health Medical Group 555 Newfield Avenue, Stamford 203-359-4444

Sarah M. Gamble

Greenwich Pure Medical 15 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-869-2800

Steven Glazer

Steven Glazer, MD/ Internal MedicineNorwalk 128 East Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1300

Peter G. Hasapis New Canaan Medical Group 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4255

Richard G. Huntley

Summit Health 542 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-845-4800

Shara P. Israel

Stamford Health Medical Group 51 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford 203-327-1187

Melanie S. Kelton

Melanie S. Kelton MD 8 West End Avenue, Old Greenwich 203-637-5406

Nazanine Khairkhah True Care Medical 49 Lake Avenue, Greenwich 203-869-2304

Tulin Koparan

Stamford Health Medical Group 1152 East Putnam Avenue, Riverside 203-975-7522

Erika S. Krauss Glenville Medical Concierge Care 7 Riversville Rd, Greenwich 203-531-1808

Jasmina Krstic Stamford Health One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7298

Ellen D. Kulaga Norwalk Community Health Center/MultiSpecialty 120 Connecticut Ave, Norwalk 203-899-1770

Jeremiah James Lewis Stamford Health Medical Group 372 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-276-3366

Ted E. Listokin Westchester Health Northwell Physician Partners 945 Summer Street, Stamford 203-327-9321

Elizabeth J.R. McKinnis Nuvance Health Medical PracticePrimary Care Westport 333 Post Rd W, Westport 203-226-0731

Charles Miner Stamford Health Medical Group 1500 Boston Post Road, Darien 203-655-8749

Santi J. Neuberger Stamford Health Medical Group 945 Summer St, Stamford 203-324-9955

Ken J. Nori Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Craig H. Olin Stamford Health Medical Group 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-276-4644

Steven E. Phillips Steven Phillips MD 944 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-544-0005

Ioana S. Preda Northeast Medical Group Internal Medicine 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Jeffrey S. Puglisi Glenville Medical Concierge Care 7 Riversville Road, Greenwich 203-531-1808

David M. Radin

David M. Radin MD 27 Oak Street, Stamford 203-359-4888

Abdul Rahim Rahimyar Nuvance HealthHospital Medicine Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-3019

Sergii Rakhuba Nuvance HealthHospital Medicine Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-3019

Maria C. Restrepo Stamford Health Medical Group-Primary Care 372 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-276-3366

Remi M. Rosenberg Stamford Health Medical Group 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-276-4644

Burton R. Rubin

Burton R. Rubin MD 8 West End Avenue, Old Greenwich 203-637-5406

Jaime Ruszkowski Internal Medicine Associates of Westport PC 333 Post Rd W, Westport 203-226-0731

James Samuel Summit Health 542 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-845-4800

Craig D. Serin Nuvance Health Medical PracticePrimary Care Wilton 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-3353

Richard A. Singer Nuvance Health Medical PracticePrimary Care Norwalk 497 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-852-3494

Frederick B. Slogoff Personal Physicians of Connecticut LLC 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-968-9500

Frank Spano Fairfield County Medical Group 15 Corporate Drive, Trumbull 203-459-5100

Maura Sparks Stamford Health Medical Group 372 Danbury Road, Wilton 203-276-4015

Shiela V. Subramanian Nuvance Health Medical Group/Internal Medicine 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4255

Joseph Tortorello Yale New Haven Health 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-374-6162

Shira B. Vadel Stamford Health Medical Group 51 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford 203-327-1187

Julia Voytovich New Canaan Medical Group 173 East Ave, New Canaan 203-972-4255 Lu Yu Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-977-2566

Eva R. Zimmerman Nuvance HealthPrimary Care Westport 333 Post Rd W, Westport 203-226-0731

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Robert F. Fishman Cardiac Specialists 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-292-2000

Christopher J. Howes Yale New Haven Health Heart and Vascular Center 500 W Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-863-4210

Marc Z. Krichavsky Cardiac Specialists 25 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-0090

David Lorenz

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 32 Knight St, Norwalk 203-845-2160

Victor M. Mejia

Connecticut Heart and Vascular Center 112 Quarry Road, Trumbull 203-333-8800

Erol Nargileci Nuvance Health Medical PracticeCardiology Norwalk 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-855-3680

Thomas J. Nero

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 1177 Summer Street, Stamford 203-353-1133

Chirag A. Shah Cardiac Specialists 25 Germantown Rd, Stamford 203-794-0090

Mark K. Warshofsky

Nuvance Health 111 Osborne Street, Danbury 203-739-7155

Hal S. Wasserman

Nuvance HealthInterventional Cardiology Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-797-7155

Arshad M. Yekta

Nuvance Health Medical PracticesCardiology Norwalk 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-855-3680

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE

Jonathan Barnhard Nuvance Health Medical PracticesPerinatology Norwalk 24 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-852-3354

William Cusick St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 833-431-0013

Steven Laifer Park Avenue Perinatal Specialists 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-384-3544

Robert J. Stiller Park Avenue Perinatal Specialists 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-384-3227

Dimitry Zilberman

Nuvance Health Medical PracticePerinatology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7981

MEDICAL ONCOLOGY

Beverly J. Drucker

Smilow Cancer Hospital 77 Lafayette Pl, Greenwich 203-863-3700

Anthony Gulati

Hematology Oncology PC One Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-2695

Eric C. Ma

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-739-7029

Paul L. Weinstein

Hematology Oncology PC One Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-2695

Richard Scott Zelkowitz

Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main St, Bridgeport 203-382-2475

NEONATAL-PERINATAL MEDICINE

Shruti Gupta

Stamford Health-NICU One Hospital Plaza Pediatric Department, Stamford 203-276-7082

NEPHROLOGY

Brenda S. Chan

Stamford Health Medical GroupNephrology 292 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-324-7666

Aaron M. Dommu

Nephrology Associates PC 7 Cambridge Dr, Trumbull 203-335-0195

Richard T. Gervasi

Summit Health 542 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-845-4800

William H. Hines

Stamford Health Medical Group 292 Long Ridge Road, Stamford 203-324-7666

Robert Kim

Nephrology Associates PC

7 Cambridge Dr, Trumbull 203-335-0195

Raymond Raut

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeNephrology & Hypertension Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7104

Winston Y. Shih

Nuvance Health

Medical PracticeNephrology & Hypertension Danbury 111 Osborne St, Danbury 203-739-7104

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY

Paul J. Apostolides

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists

6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Andrea F. Douglas

Stamford Health Medical Group 75 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich 203-661-3333

Joshua Marcus Elite Brain & Spine of Connecticut 33 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-792-2003

Abraham Mintz

Griffin Health 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-372-6460

Perry A. Shear

Yale Neurosurgery 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 877-925-3637

Scott L. Simon

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-869-1145

NEUROLOGY

Louis J. Cuzzone

Nuvance Health Medical Practice 605 West Avenue, Norwalk 203-853-5000

Eric Kung

Stamford Health Medical Group 1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-276-4464

Deena Kuruvilla Westport Headache Institute 1 Turkey Hill Road, Westport 203-391-6105

Peter J. McAllister New England Institute for Neurology and Headache 30 Buxton Farm Road, Stamford 203-914-1900

Louise D. Resor

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-4464

Alice H. Rusk Yale Medicine Neurology at Greenwich Hospital 15 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-863-4490

Daryl R. Story Nuvance Health Medical Practice 605 West Avenue, Norwalk 203-853-5000

Jennifer Werely Neurology and Headache Center of Greenwich 49 Lake Ave, Greenwich 203-900-4226

Dario M. Zagar Yale Medicine Neurology 75 Kings Highway Cutoff, Fairfield 877-925-3637

NEURORADIOLOGY

Howard Liu

Stamford Health Medical Group One Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-2362

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Roxanne C. Abder Women’s Health Care of Trumbull 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-374-1018

Gary S. Besser Obstetrics and Gynecology Associates PC 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-325-4321

Patrick J. Cahill

Coastal Obstetrics and Gynecology 999 Summer Street, Stamford 203-353-9099

Ronika D. Choudhary Women’s Obstetrics & Gynecology 115 Technology Drive, Trumbull 203-268-2239

Deanna DelPrete Women’s Health Care of New England 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-644-1100

Laura P. Devita Physicians for Women 90 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-792-5005

Leslie A. Donovan Brookside Gynecology 159 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-869-7080

Vito Ferrucci Ferrucci Ferrucci & Morris 1250 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-4665

Leonard Ferrucci Ferrucci Ferrucci & Morris 1250 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-4665

Caroline Filor Brookside Gynecology 159 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-869-7080

Shieva L. Ghofrany Coastal Obstetrics and Gynecology 999 Summer Street, Stamford 203-353-9099

Donna Hagberg

Donna J. Hagberg MD 31 River Rd, Cos Cob 203-742-1150

Edward Jacobson Greenwich Hormones 1 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich 203-580-6383

John A. Morris Ferrucci Ferrucci & Morris 1250 Summer St, Stamford 203-325-4665

Sujata Pendyala Women’s Health Care of New England 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-644-1100

Michael D. Schechter Westmed Medical Group 644 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-210-2880

Helena T. Squicciarini Women’s Health Connecticut 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-374-1018

Sapna Tandon OB/GYN of Fairfield County 1735 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-256-3990

Marina C. Torbey Yale New Haven Health 322 Ashley Rd, Fairfield 203-521-2287

Russell F. Turk Stamford Health Medical GroupObstetrics & Gynecology 1455 E. Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-3337

Caterina Violi Obstetrics & Gynecology for WomenBy Women 2 ½ Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-861-9586

Christine E. Waldron Women’s Health Connecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-644-1100

ONCOLOGY

Kamila Bakirhan Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-739-7029

D. Barry Boyd

Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center 77 Lafayette Place, Greenwich 203-863-3700

Nicole Carreau Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-845-4811

Michael Cohenuram Smilow Cancer Hospital 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-502-8400

Neal Fischbach

Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center 111 Beach Road, Fairfield 203-502-8400

Richard C. Frank Nuvance Health Medical Practice

34 Maple Street, Norwalk 203-845-4811

Katherine Garcia

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-739-7029

Lisa Phuong Nuvance HealthHematology/Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-845-4811

Vincent A. Rella

Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-739-7029

George F. Zahrah Nuvance Health Medical PracticeHematology/Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple Str, Norwalk 203-845-4811

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Bruce S. Altman

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Ora Burstein

Allergy and Asthma Center of Stamford 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-978-0072

Christienne F. Coates

Ridgefield Ophthalmology 90 Grove St, Ridgefield 203-894-9700

Joseph L. Conway

Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates

2046 W Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

Donna L. Densel

Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates

2046 W. Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

Leslie C. Doctor Doctor & Associates PC 129 Kings Hwy N, Westport 203-227-4113

Shelley K. Driesman Optical Illusions 2371 Black Rock Trnpk, Fairfield 203-371-0141

Joan T. Gewirtz

Joan T. Gewirtz MD 70 Mill River Street, Stamford 203-348-0868

Gina F. Gladstein

Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates

2046 W. Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

Anisha Jangi

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Archna Johar Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Jeffrey N. Kaplan Eye Group of Connecticut LLC 4699 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-374-8182

Flora Levin Flora Levin MD 1391 Post Road East, Westport 203-814-1438

Suresh Mandava

Greenwich Ophthalmology Associates 2046 W. Main St, Stamford 203-635-2097

Delia M. Manjoney Manjoney & Manjoney LLC 2720 Main St, Bridgeport 203-576-6500

Robert J. Noecker

Ophthalmic Consultants of Connecticut 1375 Kings Hwy E, Fairfield 203-366-8000

Glenn E. Ostriker Dr. Ostriker and Associates 71 Strawberry Hill Avenue, Stamford 203-348-6300

Philip A. Piro

Retina Associates of Connecticut 70 Mill River Street, Stamford 203-325-4481

Vincent S. Reppucci Vitreoretinal Surgeons LLC 65 North St, Danbury 203-792-6291

Kim P. Robbins

Robbins Eye Center 1 Sasco Hill Rd, Fairfield 203-371-5800

Joanna Lumba

Sarracino

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport 2371 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-371-0141

Richard Scartozzi

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC 69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Scott Seo

Merritt Medical Center 3715 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-372-4211

Elizabeth Siderides

Cardiology Associates of Fairfield County 1351 Washington Boulevard, Stamford 203-327-5808

Mahsa Sohrab

Mahsa Sohrab MD 25 Valley Dr, Greenwich 203-599-4770

Mark C. Steckel

Mark C. Steckel MD 140 Sherman St, Fairfield 203-256-1320

Jerry W. Tsong

Greenwich Ophthalmology

Associates 2046 W. Main Street, Stamford 203-869-3082

Esteban C. Vietorisz

Stamford Ophthalmology 1351 Washington Boulevard, Stamford 203-327-5808

Eric L. Wasserman Eye Care Center of Stamford 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-978-0800

Richard B. Weber

Stamford Health Medical Group 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-353-1857

Marc L. Weitzman

Ophthalmic Surgeons of Greater Bridgeport 2371 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-371-0141

Katherine J. Zamecki

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC

69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

Stephen J. Zuckerman

Connecticut Eye Consultants PC

69 Sand Pit Rd, Danbury 203-791-2020

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

David F. Bindelglass Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC

305 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Michael Brand OrthoConnecticut 2 Riverview Drive, Danbury 203-797-1500

Dante A. Brittis Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Adam R. Brodsky Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine 166 Cherry St, New Canaan 203-323-7331

David B. Brown Ortho Care Specialists 4747 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-372-0649

Russell J. Cavallo

Stamford Health Medical Group 945 Summer Street, Stamford 203-614-8888

Angelo M. Ciminiello OrthoConnecticut 2 Riverview Drive, Danbury 203-797-1500

Michael R. Clain Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Demetris Delos Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Jeffrey V. Deluca OrthoConnecticut 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Francis A. Ennis, Jr. Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

James J. Fitzgibbons Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-337-2600

Mark J. Fletcher

OrthoConnecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Joshua B. Frank OrthoConnecticut 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-845-2200

D. Ross Henshaw OrthoConnecticut 2 Riverview Drive, Danbury 203-797-1500

Peter W. Hughes

Summit Health 1281 East Main St, Stamford 203-325-4087

Brian F. Kavanagh

Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Marc S. Kowalsky Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Michael M. Lynch OrthoConnecticut 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Daniel S. Markowicz HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-705-0715

Seth R. Miller Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Paul D. Protomastro OrthoConnecticut Coastal Orthopedics/ Orthopedics-Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

William T. Schmidt Summit Health 1281 East Main St, Stamford 203-325-4087

Paul M. Sethi Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Marc Silver Stamford Health Medical Group 1281 East Main Street, Stamford 203-210-2830

James Spak Connecticut Orthopaedics 1055 Post Rd, Fairfield 203-601-5237

Karen M. Sutton HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-705-0725

Katherine B. Vadasdi Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Corinne VanBeek Orthopedic and Spine Institute 1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-276-2277

Mark Wilchinsky Connecticut Orthopaedics 888 White Plains Rd, Trumbull 203-268-2882

ORTHOPEDICS

Mark J. Fletcher OrthoConnecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Michael S. Soojian OrthoConnecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Mark A. Vitale Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-869-1145

OTOLARYNGOLOGY/ EAR, NOSE & THROAT

Michael C. Bard Advanced Specialty Care 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Dov C. Bloch Advanced Specialty Care/ENT-Danbury 107 Newtown Road, Danbury 203-830-4700

Stephen D. Breda Hartford Healthcare 4695 Main St, Bridgeport 203-371-5166

Jacquelyn M. Brewer Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-353-0000

Elise L. Cheng

Stamford Ear Nose and Throat Head and Neck PC 125 Strawberry Hill Ave, Stamford 203-348-7797

Bradford S. Chervin Ear Nose & Throat

Allergy and Facial Plastic Surgery Specialists LLC 2600 Post Road, Southport 203-256-3338

Steven M. Feldman Westmed Medical Group 644 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-210-2870

Lawrence J. Fliegelman

Richard Levin MD & Lawrence Fliegelman MD 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-259-4700

Neil A. Gordon Retreat at Splitrock 539 Danbury Road, Wilton 203-834-7700

Jay Klarsfeld Advanced Specialty Care 1290 Summer Street, Stamford 203-830-4700

Jason R. Klenoff

Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP

32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-353-0000

Biana G. Lanson Ear Nose and Throat Center LLP 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-353-0000

Richard Levin

Ear Nose & Throat of Fairfield 1305 Post Road, Fairfield 203-259-4700

Michal A. Manaster Pediatric Practice Associates 1515 Summer St, Stamford 203-323-8171

Michelle Siegel Marrinan Greenwich Ear Nose and Throat 49 Lake Avenue, Greenwich 203-869-2030

Andrew J. Parker Parker Ear Nose & Throat 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-866-8121

Sara Richer

Northeast Medical Group 888 White Plains Road, Trumbull 203-459-2666

Stephen J. Salzer Greenwich Ear Nose and Throat 49 Lake Avenue, Greenwich 203-869-2030

Michael N. Waltzman Northeast Medical Group Otolaryngology 112 Quarry Rd, Trumbull 203-268-0228

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Rahul S. Anand Connecticut Pain & Wellness Center LLC 52 Beach Road, Fairfield 203-319-9355

Vincent R. Carlesi Somers Orthopedic 40 Old Ridgebury Rd, Danbury 475-471-0212

PATHOLOGY

Robert C. Babkowski

Stamford Pathology Group PC One Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-7420

Raymond A. Baer

Stamford Pathology Group PC One Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-7420

Michael E. Bush Nuvance Health Medical PracticePathology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2657

Bhavna Khandpur Nuvance Health Medical PracticePathology Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7453

Saraswathi Nair Nuvance Health Medical PracticePathology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2657

Kiyoe W. Sullivan

Nuvance Health Medical PracticePathology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2657

Bo Xu

Stamford Pathology Group PC One Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-276-7420

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

Katherine A. Bloom

Allergy & Asthma Care of Fairfield County LLC 55 Walls Dr, Fairfield 203-259-7070

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY

Allison B. Levey

ColumbiaDoctors

1500 Boston Post Road, Darien 203-662-0313

Michael A. Monaco

Pediatric Cardiology 1500 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-662-0313

Michael S. Snyder

Pediatric Cardiology 1500 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-662-0313

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY

Julie CantatoreFrancis Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-538-5682

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

Patricia Eagan Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Place, Fairfield 203-452-8322

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY

Alexander Koral Pediatric Specialty Center 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 877-925-3637

Anthony F. Porto Pediatric Specialty Center 500 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 877-925-3637

Danya J. Rosen Pediatric Specialty Center 500 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich 877-925-3637

PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Nimrod E. Dayan Pediatric Healthcare Associates 15 Corporate Drive, Trumbull 203-452-8322

PEDIAT RIC OTALARYNGOLOGY ENT

Andrew Wolf

Stamford Ophthalmology 1351 Washington Blvd, Stamford 203-327-5808

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY

Jacob Hen Pediatric Specialty Center 5520 Park Avenue, Trumbull 203-337-8600

Hossein Sadeghi Pediatric Pulmonology LLC 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-276-5949

PEDIATRIC SURGERY

Gerard Weinberg Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford 203-276-5912

PEDIATRICS GENERAL

Robin Abramowicz Saugatuck Pediatrics 191 Post Rd W, Westport 203-793-4747

Nicole Abramowitz Bay Street Pediatrics 156 Kings Highway North, Westport 203-227-3674

Peter J. Acker Westmed Medical Group 644 W Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-210-2800

Amy Agoglia Doctors’ Pediatric PC 55 Danbury Road, Wilton 203-762-3363

Lauren Frances

Allison

Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Jamie L. Alon

Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Road, Danbury 203-744-1680

Joanne Angiello Ridgefield Pediatric Associates 38B Grove Street, Ridgefield 203-438-9557

Maura AngielloSmith

Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-324-4109

Aniqa Anwar Everyday Health 40 Cross St, Norwalk 203-229-2000

Karen E. Beckman Riverside Pediatrics LLC 1171 East Putnam Avenue, Riverside 203-629-5800

Jane Brotanek

The Center For Advanced Pediatrics 85 Old Kings Hwy N, Darien 203-229-2000

Sofia Chiocconi

Summer Pediatrics 992 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-388-8668

Loretta Cody Loretta Cody MD 42 Sherwood Place, Greenwich 203-661-2440

Bruce W. Cohen Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Road, Danbury 203-744-1680

Erik L. Cohen Next Generation Pediatrics 644 W Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-661-6430

Paule C. Couture Stamford Health Medical Group-The Pediatric Center 126 Morgan St, Stamford 203-327-1055

Arthur E. Dobos

The Center For Advanced Pediatrics 69 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-229-2000

Richard M. Freedman Pediatric Healthcare Associates

50 Unquowa Place, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Lambros G. Geotes Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-324-4109

Carole Nicole Gorman Village Pediatrics 323 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-221-7337

Debra K. Gotz Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-324-4109

Stephen Grevious Village Pediatrics 323 Riverside Ave, Westport 203-221-7337

David B. Gropper Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Road, Danbury 203-744-1680

Jennifer B. Gruen Saugatuck Pediatrics 191 Post Rd W, Westport 203-793-4747

Eva L. Grunberg New Canaan Pediatrics LLC 173 East Avenue, New Canaan 203-972-4250

Andrew S. Hart Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-324-4109

Jennifer F. Henkind Stamford Pediatric Associates 1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-324-4109

Thomas P. Homa Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Place, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Maria Ieni New Canaan Pediatrics LLC 173 East Avenue, New Canaan 203-972-4250

Paul Juan Valley Pediatrics of Greenwich 25 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-622-4301

Rosemary E. Klenk

New England Pediatrics LLP 183 Cherry Street, New Canaan 203-972-5232

Elizabeth Z. Krowitz

Greenwich Pediatric Associates 8 West End Avenue, Old Greenwich 203-637-3212

Susan E. Lasky

Stamford Health Medical Group 126 Morgan Street, Stamford 203-327-1055

Alan H. Morelli

Stamford Health Medical Group

183 Cherry Street, New Canaan 203-972-5232

Alyssa Newman New Canaan Pediatrics LLC 173 East Avenue, New Canaan 203-972-4250

Katherine Kelly Noble

Stamford Health Medical Group 2001 West Main Street, Stamford 203-363-0123

Karen Nordberg

Summer Pediatrics 992 High Ridge Road, Stamford 203-388-8668

Thomas I. Odinak Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Place, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Jeffrey Owens Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Kathryn J. Quinn

Trumbull Pediatrics 132 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull 203-268-1766

Henry M. Rascoff

Sound Beach Pediatrics 2001 West Main Street, Stamford 203-363-0123

Dara Thomas Richards Southwest Community Health Center 968 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport 203-330-6000

Marisa B. Rommeney

Stamford Pediatric Associates

1275 Summer Street, Stamford 203-324-4109

Rachel R. Rothschild Pediatric Associates of Western Connecticut LLC 41 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-744-1680

Alicia A. Salas Stamford Pediatric Associates

36 Old Kings Highway South, Darien 203-655-3307

Steven L. Schiz Children’s Medical Group of Greenwich 42 Sherwood Pl, Greenwich 203-661-2440

Rachel Sheiman Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Sarah Siegel Saugatuck Pediatrics 191 Post Rd W, Westport 203-793-4747

Jonathan Sollinger Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Zachary Steinman Willows Pediatric Group PC 1563 Post Rd E, Westport 203-319-3939

Lori Storch-Smith Bay Street Pediatrics 156 Kings Highway N, Westport 203-227-3674

Sanford L. Swidler Stamford Health Medical Group-The Pediatric Center 126 Morgan St, Stamford 203-327-1055

George V. Tsimoyianis Darien Pediatric Associates LLC

106 Noroton Ave, Darien 203-655-9741

Mark H. Vincent

Black Rock Pediatrics 1817 Black Rock Trnpk, Fairfield 203-337-5333

Amy S. Weinrib Pediatric Healthcare Associates 50 Unquowa Place, Fairfield 203-452-8322

Beth Wittenberg

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center 1817 Black Rock Trnpk, Fairfield 860-545-9000

PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Brian A. Bast

OrthoConnecticut 36 Old Kings Highway S, Darien 203-845-2200

Michael J. Brennan

Michael J. Brennan MD LLC 140 Sherman Street, Fairfield 203-255-3451

Alice Chen

HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-705-2087

Janet E. Freedman

Greenwich HospitalOutpatient Physiatry 500 W Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-863-4290

Linda F. Grant

Greenwich HospitalOutpatient Physiatry 500 W. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich 203-863-4290

Tamar Kessel Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists

6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

Alex Levchenko Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 249 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-869-1145

Stephen J. Massimi HSS Stamford 1 Blachley Road, Stamford 203-705-2350

Christopher S. Sahler Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 5 High Ridge Park, Stamford 203-869-1145

Halina M. Snowball Stamford Ophthalmology 2015 West Main Street, Stamford 475-863-4588

David Lee Tung Core Medical Group & Physical Therapy 3180 Main St, Bridgeport 203-373-1593

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Keith J. Attkiss

Keith J. Attkiss MD 2 ½ Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-862-2700

Gregory Brucato Brucato Plastic Surgery Center 38-B Grove St, Ridgefield 203-431-7644

Jason B. Clain

LIPSG Trumbull/Park Avenue Medical Center 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-378-4230

Heather Erhard

The Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Group 2 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203 863-0003

Harold S. Gewirtz

Harold S. Gewirtz MD 70 Mill River Street, Stamford 203-325-1381

Boris Goldman

Boris Goldman MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center 32 Imperial Ave, Westport 203-222-3700

Mandy S. Greenberg Surgical Breast Care of Connecticut 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-846-8885

Sohel Islam Advanced Specialty Care 901 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield 203-830-4700

Anya Kishinevsky

Anya Kishinevsky MD 148 East Ave, Norwalk 203-424-2516

Andreas M. Lamelas The Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Group 2 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-863-0003

Sandra L. Margoles

Sandra L. Margoles MD 40 West Elm Street, Greenwich 203-869-2939

Joseph O’Connell

Total Aesthetics LLC 208 Post Rd W, Westport 203-814-1723

David Passaretti

David Passaretti MD 722 Post Rd, Darien 203-450-4387

Elsa M. Raskin

Elsa M. Raskin MD 4 Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 203-861-6620

Prashant Soni

Advanced Specialty Care 107 Newtown Rd, Danbury 203-830-4700

Barbara A. Ward Yale New Haven Health 77 Lafayette Pl, Greenwich 203-863-4250

PSYCHIATRY

Linus Abrams Linus Abrams MD 4 Dearfield Dr, Greenwich 203-861-2654

Meredith W. Clark Nuvance Health Medical PracticeBehavioral Health Danbury 152 West St, Danbury 203-791-5140

Joseph F. Goldberg

Joseph F. Goldberg MD LLC 128 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-854-9607

Laurence S. Lorefice Laurence S. Lorefice MD MPH 1445 E. Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich 203-637-4006

Charles J. Morgan

Charles J. Morgan MD 80 Grove St, Ridgefield 203-293-0343

F. Carl Mueller Stamford Health Medical Group 999 Summer St, Stamford 203-357-7773

Joshua C. Pollack Greenwich HospitalCenter for Healthy Aging 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 203-863-3316

Debra Ressler Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine 120 Post Road West, Westport 203-227-2330

Bruce Shapiro Bruce Shapiro MD 666 Glenbrook Road, Stamford 203-327-4144

Amanda I. Silverio Nuvance HealthBehavioral Health Danbury 152 West St, Danbury 203-791-5140

John S. Tamerin Greenwich Anesthesiology Associates PC 27 Stag Lane, Greenwich 203-661-8282

Mark Waynik Mark Waynik MD PC 52 Beach Road, Fairfield 203-254-2000

PULMONOLOGY

Amy M. Ahasic Nuvance Health Medical PracticePulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2392

Michael A. Bernstein Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-348-2437

John J. Chronakos Nuvance Health 33 Germantown Road, Danbury 203-739-8330

Philip E. Greenspan Associates in Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine 1152 Kings Highway Cutoff, Fairfield 203-256-5500

Abhijith Hegde Nuvance Health Medical PracticePulmonary and Sleep Medicine 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-739-8330

James S. Krinsley Stamford Health Medical Group 190 W Broad St, Stamford 203-348-2437

Caroline P. Kurtz Nuvance Health Medical PracticePulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine

30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-855-3888

Ming-Ming Lee Nuvance Health Medical PracticePulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2392

Dominic J. Roca

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-2437

Daniel J. Rudolph Northeast Medical Group Pulmonary & Internal Medicine 15 Corporate Dr, Trumbull 203-261-3980

Paul Sachs

Stamford Health Medical Group 29 Hospital Plaza, Stamford 203-348-2437

Robyn N. Scatena Nuvance Health Medical PracticePulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2392

Sakshi Sethi Nuvance HealthPulmonary & Sleep Medicine Danbury 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-739-8330

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Christine Chin Nuvance Health Medical PracticeRadiation Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2719

Deborah X. Fang

Hartford Healthcare Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport 475-210-5085

Philip W. Gilbo Nuvance Health Medical PracticeRadiation Oncology Norwalk 34 Maple St, Norwalk 203-852-2719

Christopher M. Iannuzzi St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-576-6000

Frank A. Masino

Bennett Cancer Center One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-7886

Pradip M. Pathare Nuvance Health 34 Maple Street, Norwalk 203-852-2719

Seema Sanghavi Nuvance Health Medical PracticesRadiation Oncology

Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7190

John A. Spera Nuvance Health Medical PracticeRadiation Oncology

Danbury 24 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-739-7190

RADIOLOGY

Michael D. Hollander Nuvance Health Smilow Breast Center at iPark, Part of Norwalk Hospital 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-838-4886

Ian Karol Advanced Radiology Consultants 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-843-3739

Ruben Kier St. Vincent’s Medical Center 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport 203-576-6000

Valencia King Stamford Health Medical Group 32 Strawberry Hill Ct, Stamford 203-276-7465

Ronald P. Lee Norwalk Radiology Consultants One Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-276-2663

Kenneth Zinn Endocrinology Assoc of Greenwich-Northeast Medical Group 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-843-3739

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

Joshua Hurwitz Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-7400

Cynthia Murdock Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-7400

Spencer Richlin Illume Fertility 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-7400

Barry Witt Greenwich Fertility Center 55 Holly Hill Ln, Greenwich 203-863-2990

RHEUMATOLOGY

Lana I. Bernstein

Northeast Medical Group Rheumatology 15 Valley Drive, Greenwich 203-302-4181

Stuart N. Novack

Nuvance Health

Medical PracticesRheumatology Norwalk 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk 203-852-2290

Alla G. Rudinskaya Nuvance Health Medical PracticeRheumatology Danbury 33 Germantown Rd, Danbury 203-794-5600

Michael Spiegel Nuvance Health 33 Germantown Road, Danbury 203-794-5600

Jessica R. Stein

Nuvance Health

Medical PracticeRheumatology Norwalk 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-852-2290

SLEEP MEDICINE

Hira Bakhtiar Nuvance Health

Medical PracticePulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 520 West Ave, Norwalk 203-855-3632

Zubin Bham Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-5009

Christopher Manfredi Nuvance Health Medical PracticePulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 30 Stevens St, Norwalk 203-855-3888

Dominic J. Roca

Stamford Health Medical Group

29 Hospital Plz, Stamford 203-348-2437

Adil Salam Pulmonary & Internal Medicine Associates PC 15 Corporate Drive, Trumbull 203-261-3980

Ian Weir

Nuvance Health

Medical PracticePulmonary Sleep & Critical Care Medicine 520 West Ave, Norwalk 203-855-3632

Stasia Wieber Yale New Haven HealthNortheast Medical Group 501 Kings Highway E, Fairfield 203-610-8745

Armand J. Wolff Bridgeport Hospital 267 Grant St, Bridgeport 203-384-3000

SPINE SURGERY

John N. Awad Orthopaedic Specialty Group PC 305 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield 203-337-2600

David Bomback Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists

39 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-744-9700

Robert L. Brady OrthoConnecticut 761 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-845-2200

Amory J. Fiore Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 6 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 203-869-1145

David L. Kramer Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists 39 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-869-1145

Scott P. Sanderson Elite Brain & Spine of Connecticut 33 Hospital Ave, Danbury 203-792-2003

SURGICAL ONCOLOGY

Eric Dong Nuvance Health Medical PracticeSurgical Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-852-3137

Sajid A. Khan Yale Surgical Oncology 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 203-337-8507

Daniel Labow Nuvance Health Medical PracticeSurgical Oncology Danbury 95 Locust Ave, Danbury 203-852-3137

UROLOGY

Stanford R. Broder Wilton Surgery Center 195 Danbury Road, Wilton 203-423-8151

J. James Bruno II Urology Associates of Danbury PC 51-53 Kenosia Ave, Danbury 203-748-0330

Jeremy D. Kaufman Northeast Medical Group Urology 160 Hawley Ln, Trumbull 203-375-3456

Michael J. Nurzia

Michael J. Nurzia MD 80 Mill River St, Stamford 203-356-9391

Edward B. Paraiso II Northeast Medical Group Urology 160 Hawley Lane, Trumbull 203-375-3456

Robert P. Weinstein Northeast Medical Group Urology 160 Hawley Lane, Trumbull 203-375-3456

VASCULAR SURGERY

Seth Blattman Connecticut Vascular Surgical Associates PC 501 Kings Highway E, Fairfield 203-382-1900

Jonathan N. Bowman The Vascular Experts 85 Old Kings Hwy, Darien 844-482-7285

Benjamin Chandler Vascular CT PLLC 330 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-548-7858

Paul J. Gagne Vascular CT PLLC 330 Boston Post Rd, Darien 203-548-7858

Taras V. Kucher

The Vascular Experts 85 Old Kings Hwy North, Darien 844-482-7285

Timothy Manoni The Vascular Experts 215 Stillwater Ave, Stamford 844-482-7285

DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and it conducts various nominations and research campaigns across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the “top doctors” list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-voting process, also referencing government sources. DataJoe also conducted media analysis through Internet research to factor in public perception. DataJoe then tallied the votes per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and considering additional information from the media analysis, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor's current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the timeframe of the review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine for its final review and adjustments.

Final Note: We recognize there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers: DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.

Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

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Photos by Kyle Norton

postscript

ALL THE LOVE(S)

Fine jewelry designer Kate Kane’s “Cracked Open Heart” collection from her K Kane line symbolizes the idea that “the crack is how the light gets in.” The Shippan resident believes the most difficult times in our lives are the ones that tear our hearts open but that those moments also allow for a deeper love to grow in their place. It represents her yearslong journey through in vitro fertilization to the birth of her playful, sweet toddler son Mats. The necklaces and rings also pay homage to the affection and support she shared with the women who were walking a similar path to motherhood with whom she connected along the way. This February 14, celebrate the many flavors of love that make your heart shine.

Send us your Stamford snaps to editor@stamfordmag.com for a chance to win $100. Please write photo submission in the subject line.

photograph by miguel torres

KRAKAUER & TAGG’S Good Vibes Explosion

Responding to negativity in the world, renowned klezmer clarinetist David Krakauer and pianist and composer Kathleen Tagg created a musical celebration of our shared humanity. Joined by their band, they offer an exuberant, high-octane mix of dance music, blending square dance, polka, hora, calypso, hornpipe, and hip-hop. It’s pure joy.

February 20 • 7:30 p.m.

Czech National Philharmonic Orchestra of Moravia

February 6 • 7:30 p.m.

Michael Davis, PhD

Medieval Bones to Today’s Inspiring Spires: The Dedication & Recovery of Notre Dame Cathedral

February 26 • 7:30 p.m.

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