Linda Oristano | Project Coordinator
Linda Oristano, a Northport resident has joined the Northport-East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force (NENDATF) as the Project Coordinator. Linda has over 20 years of experience in the fields of social services, community service, and health care. She has acquired expertise in counseling, training, advocating, mentoring, and educating individuals in various settings. She excels in community outreach, providing support to individuals and families by increasing client’s commitment towards recovery. She has a dedicated work ethic coupled with a lot of energy, enthusiasm to help support individuals attain their goals in the community.
Pastor David Czeisel | President
Rev. David Czeisel is the Pastor of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Northport, NY, and was appointed to the community at large. He currently serves as the chaplain to the Northport Fire Department, as a delegate to the Ecumenical Lay Council of Northport, and is a member of the Northport Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Pastor David became the coordinator of the North Shore Suffolk Cooperative Parish – eight United Methodist Churches in our area working together for the benefit of the community.
While it was active, he initiated the district’s Task Force on the Opioid Epidemic, and chaired that effort, working closely with his local anti-drug coalition and LI Congregations, Associations and Neighborhoods (LICAN). At LICAN’s invitation, his church hosted a series of “listening posts” with the community on the opioid epidemic, in order to determine what changes needed to be made. Born and raised in Lindenhurst, NY, and now resides in Northport, NY. Pastor David is and Eagle Scout and the proud father of two school-aged children, whom he raises together with his beautiful wife, Jennifer.
Kimberly Lobasso | Vice Present
In 2017, as a single mother of a teen daughter, I volunteered my time to a coalition where I could be of service and learn a thing or two. Joining this coalition empowered me to want to do more. Events that I participated in include Narcan training, Color Run, Active Parenting, Movie Night, Monthly meetings, Network Event, Cow Harbor Day, Recovery Walk, Recovery Vigil.
It’s so important to be involved in local gatherings and aware of the trends today. Arming parents with tools on how to handle the topics of drugs, alcohol, and other subjects with children. It has evolved to vaping, too much screen time, bullying, and mental health, among many other co-occurring disorders.
As a parent of a now 20-year-old who has since moved cross-country, and is on her journey, I have more time to help the coalition wherever they need me. The drug and alcohol trends are ever-evolving, so I felt it imperative to continue, as the mission of the NENDATF is lifesaving.
Anthony Ferrandino | Treasurer
Anthony Ferrandino has worked in the field of addiction for over 20 years.
He began his career as the Director of Phoenix House Adolescent Facility.
In 2007, he was hired as the Drug and Alcohol Counselor for the Northport-East Northport school district.
He has been involved with the Northport/East Northport Community Drug & Alcohol Task Force since 2010, where
he has served in various positions of the board and continues to support and help to grow the Task Force.
MaryEllen Moll | Secretary
MaryEllen Moll joined the task force after retiring from the Northport-East Northport Public Library, where she served as Head of the Community Services Department. Through the coalition’s educational work, as well as by sharing the story of her own family’s experience with the disease of addiction, she hopes to help reduce the stigma that prevents many from seeking the support and treatment they need.