Since moving here in 2019, I have consistently met some of the most incredible people in Fairfield, most notably - the women. Having a chance to highlight so many amazing women ranks as one of my favorite things about writing for the magazine. One of those incredible women is Dana Scinto. Radiant, outgoing, and warm-hearted, Dana is the kind of woman who can light up a room with her smile and her passion. Born in Bridgeport and raised in Fairfield -where she and her high school sweetheart husband continue to raise their own family, Dana’s work with The Child and Family Guidance Center is inspiring and, more importantly, making a real difference in the community. CFGC provides children and their families with mental health care along with complementary support and resources. The mental health of our children is critical, and organizations that provide access to comprehensive care and treatment are vital.
Q: Can you talk about your involvement with The Child and Family Guidance Center, your role, and what they provide to the community?
I was first introduced to the CFGC through Ann Owens about sixteen years ago. After touring the facility and seeing the wonderful services the Center provides to families, I immediately knew this was something I wanted to be part of and became a Board Member. I served on the board for ten years and was nominated Chairman of the Board about six years ago. I am very passionate and honored to lead this organization and advocate the services the staff provides for children and families in our community. The CFGC offers mental health treatment to almost 3,500 kids per year in the clinic, schools, and community.
Q: Working with children of all ages can be challenging, especially getting them to express themselves. What is the Center’s approach to emotional, social, and psychological well-being and, more specifically, their approach to therapy?
A: The main focus is to address the needs of the child (emotional, social, and psychological) and set them up for success. In order to do this, we include the whole family. Whether it’s a single-family house, being raised by grandparents, or, sadly, a broken home. We not only want that child to survive, we want them to thrive, and all of that can be done with the support of family.
Q: What led you to your work with them and your passion for access to mental health?
A: Believe it or not, my dad received services from the CFGC as a young boy. Our society puts so much energy into our physical health. We’ve become obsessed with our appearance and our image. However, we have neglected the health of our minds. Taking care of our psyche is just as important as our body. A healthy state of the mind makes life easier to handle.
Q: How has prioritizing mental health affected you and your family, especially raising teenagers in this day and age?
A: Mental health is everything. Mind over matter. I’m very open and transparent when communicating with my daughters. I’ve always spoken freely about emotions, the importance of relationships, and expressing their feelings. As a mom of two teenage girls, I think having these conversations with my daughters and their friends is very important. Teenagers today face many challenges and are sometimes fed with misinformation and misconceptions on social media. We make yearly appointments for physicals, dental cleanings, etc. As parents, it’s also our duty to do regular mental check-ins with our kids.
Q: Can you share some anecdotes or success stories of how The Child and Family Guidance Center has positively impacted individuals and families in need?
A: Last year 1,500 kids received treatment from the CFGC outpatient clinic, and 1600 received services from the mobile crisis unit. Our staff is extremely diverse in culture and language. We have 130 dedicated clinicians and care managers. Most speak a second language, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Creole-French.
Q: How can the community get involved with the organization?
A: We are hosting our Annual Gala on Thursday, June 20 at The Inn at Longshore. It’s a fun evening where we recognize and honor people who have positively supported the Center. Please check our website for event details and other ways to support our organization. cfguidance.com
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: You can’t change people. YOU can only change the way they affect you.
Q: Who &/or what inspires you?
A: My parents and my faith.
Q: What is your motto or words to live by:
A: Live with compassion and grace.
Mental health is everything.
I am very passionate and honored to lead this organization and advocate the services the staff provides for children and families in our community.