After more than 30 years with Parent Connection, Founder and Executive Director Dorrie Carolan has stepped down to retire and named Nicole Hampton as the new executive director.

According to the Parent Connection website, ctparentconnection.org, starting Parent Connection was never part of Carolan’s plan. But she founded it in 1993 to network with other parents as she was raising her four children in Newtown.

The issue of substance use became personal when her eldest son, Brian, became addicted and subsequently died at age 28 of a prescription drug overdose. Through the struggles caused by Brian’s addiction, Dorrie became aware that this was an issue that affected many others in the community.

Parent Connection was the impetus behind many policy changes in town and within the schools.

In a letter announcing her retirement, Carolan said she plans to travel, spend quality time with loved ones, and pursue “long-held passions.”

She said Parent Connection was an “extraordinary experience.”

“Through Parent Connection, I’ve found solace in sharing my story, walking with those whose loved ones are impacted by the disease of addiction,” said Carolan. “The memory of Brian serves as a beacon of hope, empowering individuals to become agents of positive change and forge a more compassionate society, giving hope to both those suffering from substance use and the families who are part of their journey.”

Carolan said that Parent Connection “has become a very vital and worthwhile organization,” with a focus on building “healthy and resilient communities,” and working to “rid us from the devastating effects of the insidious disease of addiction.

“Through Parent Connection’s doors, we have empowered families with an appreciation and understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and an unending sense of hope,” said Carolan. “I am so grateful for the wonderful people I have met along the way during the last 30 years.”

Carolan went on to welcome her replacement, Hampton, saying “with her extensive experience and passion for service, she is poised to take Parent Connection to new heights by expanding support for those in need. Nicole, a woman in recovery, has dedicated the past eight years to the field, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Hampton is a certified peer recovery specialist, beginning with volunteer work at Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery, and has served on numerous boards and committees at the state and local level.

“Nicole is a dynamic leader with exceptional strategic planning and team-building skills,” said Carolan. “Her ability to foster collaboration, inspire others, and implement effective solutions makes her a driving force for positive change.”

Hampton said Parent Connection was “the right path” for her.

“Having walked my own journey of recovery, I understand firsthand how critical support, education, and connection are for families,” said Hampton. “This organization has been a pillar of hope for so many, and I want to ensure that legacy continues and grows.”

Hampton said she had “big shoes to fill” at Parent Connection.

“Dorrie’s passion for helping families in crisis was unmatched, and I want to honor that by expanding access to our Hope & Support groups, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that no family feels alone in this fight,” said Hampton. “Her dedication to prevention, education, and support was the foundation of Parent Connection, and I plan to carry that forward while also adapting to the evolving needs of our community.”

The top priorities for Hampton are to “increase awareness and accessibility.”

“That means expanding our reach so more families know about our services, securing additional funding to sustain and grow our programs, and deepening relationships with local schools, organizations, and treatment providers,” said Hampton. “We also want to enhance our online presence to provide education and support to those who may not be able to attend in person.”

In the end, Hampton said she wants every family facing addiction to know that “help is available, hope is real, and recovery is possible.”

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Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.