CCE Spotlights

Community Spotlight

ASHLEY NELSON Ashley Nelson grew up in the Catskills region. She is a Prevention Specialist at the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council and a celebrated leader in her community. She was drawn to prevention work through her own recovery. “You can’t prepare for the battle in the battle and you have to continue to use prevention skills so you don’t go back.” When I asked for advice on starting a youth coalition she offered, “A lot of youth may not believe that they are leaders but they are. If we are able to turn their negative behaviors into positive behaviors then they could lead people in amazing directions.”

Staff Spotlight

ANN-MARIE SIDTIS Ann-Marie Sidtis was born and raised in Queens, New York. She has dedicated herself to serving her community, previously as Paramedic Lieutenant with the Fire Department of New York City and now as an assistant through the Drug Free Communities grant. She earned her BFA from the school of Visual Arts and is a painter and woodworker. She enjoys art, music, and walking around in the woods with her husband and son.