What’s Happening

This quarter’s coalition member spotlight is on Dorene Mongiello.

Dorene is an Assistant Principal at Riverhead High School. Dorene’s dedication to supporting Riverhead students and families is reflected through her work and coalition efforts. As Assistant Principal, she dedicates her days to helping Riverhead youth and providing them with guidance, resources, and support.

Championing Students and Families

Dorene has been working with the Riverhead Community Coalition since 2023. Her commitment to creating a healthier and safer Riverhead shines through her advocacy for Riverhead youth during coalition meetings. Dorene’s insight as an assistant principal and educator helps guide coalition strategies and resources for parents and families.

Dorene’s support of the coalition was key when we expanded our prevention curriculum into the high school. She was key to implementing the training of Freshman Seminar teachers to provide the Too Good For Drugs and Violence curriculum for incoming freshmen.

Riverhead Community Coalition Coordinator Isabella Marcucci recently sat down with Dorene to talk about her experience with the coalition. Here are the highlights:

Why did You join the Coalition?

“As an assistant principal, I believe partnering with Riverhead CAP is essential because supporting students means addressing both their academic success and overall well-being. Throughout my career, I have seen the profound impact that alcohol and substance abuse can have on young people. This is true whether they are growing up in a home where it is present or trying to navigate their own choices while forming their identity and social relationships. These challenges can lead to academic struggles, emotional distress, and risky decision-making that affect their future opportunities.

“The knowledge I have gained as a member of CAP has been incredibly valuable. Knowing more and having access to additional resources allows me to better support students and families in a meaningful way. I can connect them with the right support systems, including our CAP social worker, and help address issues more directly. This shared effort between the school and CAP strengthens the safety net for our students, creating a greater collective impact and ensuring they have the guidance and resources needed to make healthier choices.”

Favorite Coalition Activity

“My favorite coalition event has to be the Meet and Greet. It’s a great opportunity to see the real impact the coalition has on the community. I love seeing how the partnership of the coalition and the school district positively benefits our students and families. I especially appreciate that this event recognizes the hard work of the Riverhead Youth Coalition in making Riverhead a healthier place.

“Last year, the students put together a Hidden in Plain Sight activity at the Meet and Greet, and it was incredibly eye-opening. As a parent, I found it especially powerful because we all want to protect our kids—but to do that, we need to be aware of the risks and products out there. This activity helped provide that important information.”

Name Three Words or Phrases That Best Describe You

“Dedicated, supportive, and solution-oriented.”

Besides coalition work, What else Do you Like To DO?

“I love activities that help me stay balanced and grounded. Spending quality time with family and friends, taking long walks with my dogs, and immersing myself in nature are all things I truly enjoy. I also have a deep interest in gardening!”

Interested in learning more about coalition membership?

To learn more about joining the Riverhead Community Coalition for Safe and Drug-Free Youth, contact Isabella Marcucci at (631) 727-3722 ext. 106, or Isabella.Marcucci@RiverheadCAP.org.