Meet Our Youth & Family Services Team

Megan Polte is the Clinical Director of Community and School Services for the Bridge Family Center in West Hartford. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has experience working as an outpatient therapist for adults, school-based therapist, and Extended Day Treatment Program Coordinator. In her current role, she is responsible for the Bridge's Youth and Family Services Department where she oversees all school-based services offered by the Bridge as well as its Youth Service Bureau functions.

Originally hailing from Illinois, Megan is a proud New England transplant who most recently resided in Indiana. She earned a Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.  Megan's commitment to social work is underscored by her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals and fostering healthier, more resilient communities.

Jon is the Youth Services Coordinator and directs the West Hartford Teen Center. He is responsible for the Conard and Hall High School student success teams, the West Hartford Community Network, and works closely with the West Hartford Public Schools to offer positive youth development groups and mentoring. Jon began his career as a member of the Los Angeles Corp of Teach for America and went on to serve as a Secondary English Teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School District.  He supervised the Army CYS Middle School and Teen Program and began a life path of mentoring and working with at-risk teens.

"Working with youth has been a life-long endeavor; I was drawn to mentoring through teaching.  My general philosophy with teens is that you have to give respect to get respect, and you have to lead by example."

Jon earned a Bachelor of Art in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland, and attended London Metropolitan University as part of a study abroad program.  He also conducted Secondary Education work at University of California Los Angeles.

Alejandra Fannon is an intern at the Bridge Family Center and a Master of Social Work student at the University of Connecticut. She works with school-aged youth to help them navigate anxiety, peer conflict, and challenges at school and at home. With a background in crisis counseling, she takes a trauma-informed approach to healing, incorporating art, games, and emotional regulation tools. Alejandra is passionate about providing support and helping students foster healthy relationships.

Justin is a Youth Counselor working with the young adults of West Hartford, Connecticut. Justin has achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is incredibly passionate about supporting, empowering, and assisting youth/young adults. Justin hopes to help each youth reach their fullest potential with goal setting consultations, being a positive adult mentor and influence, and assistance with their overall health and wellness. Justin’s biggest hope and aspiration is to create a positive environment where youth can come together to support one another, and help encourage them to be the best versions of themselves!

Amina is a Licensed Master Social Worker, working with youth in the West Hartford school system. She is a dedicated mental health professional passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their strengths and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Utilizing a strength-based approach, she helps clients uncover their inherent potential, reframe obstacles, and create positive, lasting change. With expertise in techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and solution-focused interventions, she provides a safe and supportive space where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

Whether addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, or personal growth, she is committed to walking alongside clients on their journey toward healing and empowerment. Through collaboration and compassion, she strives to create a path forward that honors each client’s goals and celebrates their resilience.

Amina earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Saint Joseph, located in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Devin is a Licensed Master Social Worker who works with youth in the West Hartford school system. He is passionate about helping youth with their mental health by discovering and building upon their strengths and developing a greater sense of self. Through the use of a strengths-based approach, Devin helps youth develop and strengthen resiliency, coping skills, and growth mindsets that can be transferred to experiences outside of sessions. By using a variety of modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness activities, and Play Therapy, Devin strives to provide youth with a safe space to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Devin currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Roger Williams University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut.

Jasmine Weaver is a Licensed Social Worker dedicated to supporting middle school students within the West Hartford School System. With a strong foundation in adolescent development and mental health, Jasmine works exclusively with middle schoolers to address their emotional, social, and academic needs. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Client-Centered Therapy, to help students build resilience, improve coping skills, and overcome challenges.

Jasmine holds both a Bachelor's Degree from The College of Saint Rose and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston University. In her role, she provides counseling, crisis intervention, and individualized support plans to ensure each student can thrive both in the classroom and in their personal development. By working closely with teachers, parents, and school administrators, she helps create a collaborative environment that supports students' growth and well-being.

Ashley Wenzel is a Youth Counselor for the Bridge Family Center in West Hartford. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Assumption University and has a strong passion for supporting and empowering youth. With experience working with children and families in various capacities, Ashley is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where young people can grow, develop resilience, and reach their full potential. She believes in the power of positive relationships and strives to be a source of encouragement and stability for the youth she serves. Ashley is committed to providing guidance and mentorship to help young people navigate challenges, build confidence, and develop the tools they need to thrive in the future.