Meet Our Team – Matt’s Mission Board Members
Meet the heart and soul behind Matt’s Mission: our dedicated Board Members. Each brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and experience to guide our mission forward. Together, they embody our commitment to ending the stigma of drug addiction and supporting those on their journey to recovery.
Get to know the leaders propelling our cause and driving positive change in our community.
Kelly Barrett
President
Kelly is dedicated to helping others both through her work as a clinician as well as in fighting the disease of addiction, a disease that tragically ended her brother’s life in 2015. Kelly is committed to being part of the solution to the addiction crisis that has affected our community as well as our nation as a whole.
Kelly was born in Colorado Springs, CO and raised in Griswold, CT, having graduated from Griswold High School in 1997. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Eastern Connecticut State University, and her Master’s in Health Sciences from Quinnipiac University.
After working as a Physician Assistant for 8 years, she has decided to further her education in a more naturalistic, holistic approach to health.
Kelly is the President of Matt’s Mission – End the Stigma of addiction which seeks to raise awareness of addiction as a disease and promote treatment over incarceration for those battling addiction. She is dedicated to helping others both through her work as a clinician as well as in fighting the disease of addiction, a disease that tragically ended her brother’s life in 2015.
Kelly is committed to being part of the solution to the addiction crisis that has affected our community as well as our nation as a whole. She believes strongly that when given the proper support, every individual can combat the disease of addiction and reach their full potential.
Kelly is currently living in Central Village, CT, and is excited to take Matt’s Mission into the future as President.
Daryl McGraw
Vice-President
Daryl’s personal journey through addiction and incarceration has prepared him to be a voice and advocate for those who still find themselves caught in the vicious cycles of addiction and recidivism. When he is not out trying to save the world, he is a devoted father of three and a youth basketball coach.
Daryl McGraw is the President and Founder of Formerly Inc., Connecticut’s first criminal justice consultant agency, that is predominantly staffed by formerly incarcerated individuals. Mr. McGraw also spends part of his time working at the Institute for Municipal Policy and Research at Central Connecticut State University as a Reentry Consultant, working to better the Reentry Process for Returning Citizens in Connecticut.
Prior to branching out on his own, Mr. McGraw served as Program Director for the Yale University Department of Psychiatry, during which time he was contracted to serve as the Director of the Office of Recovery Community Affairs for the State of Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
In 2007, Mr. McGraw experienced a life changing event when he was arrested for probation violation and assault on a police officer, and was sentenced to serve 4 years in prison. This was not Mr. McGraw’s first time in prison although it would be his last time as an inmate. During his time of incarceration, Mr. McGraw used every second behind bars to create what he calls today his five-year plan for successful reentry.
In 2010, Mr. McGraw was released from prison with a GED and six composition notebooks complete with his own personal blueprint for reentry. Today, Mr. McGraw holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, both from Springfield College. He also has his state certifications as an Addictions Counselor, Recovery Support Specialist, and a Criminal Justice Professional. Prior to entering the human service field, Mr. McGraw held several leadership positions in the hospitality field working for Fortune 500 companies.
Mr. McGraw has over 10 years of personal and professional experience in urban trauma, addiction recovery, and community reintegration. He is considered an expert in the field of Criminal Justice Reform and regularly speaks around the country and internationally in a variety of settings including university campuses, correctional facilities, behavioral health organizations, and national conferences.
Daryl’s personal journey through addiction and incarceration has prepared him to be a voice and advocate for those who still find themselves caught in the vicious cycles of addiction and recidivism. When he is not out trying to save the world, he is a devoted father of three and a youth basketball coach.
Kathleen Dufficy
Founder / Secretary / Treasurer
Kathleen Dufficy was born and raised in Connecticut. Kathleen founded “Matt’s Mission – End the Stigma of Drug Addiction” after her son, Matthew lost his 12 year battle with addiction in a drug-related accident on November 23, 2015. Kathleen is also the Founder, Secretary & Treasurer of the Matt’s Mission Board.
Kathleen Dufficy was born and raised in Connecticut. Kathleen founded “Matt’s Mission – End the Stigma of Drug Addiction” after her son, Matthew lost his 12 year battle with addiction in a drug-related accident on November 23, 2015.
Kathleen has 31 years of experience with the CT Judicial Branch retiring in October, 2017, has volunteered for numerous community based organizations, participates in programs to continue educating herself on substance use disorders and completed training as a Recovery Coach.
Her passion is to bring awareness to others through treatment programs and education, and assisting individuals on their path to treatment without shame, blame or arrest.
Kathleen stongly believes we need to shift our direction to treating addiction as a medical issue. Encouragement, support and treatment will end the distress and break down the barriers which prevent individuals from seeking treatment. She is a supporter of P.A.A.R.I. creating new pathways to treatment including the no arrest programs.
Kathleen believes it is about saving lives, rebuilding families, helping individuals on a lifelong road to recovery and combating the stigma associated with addiction.
John F. Malone
Board Member
Jack Malone is the President and Executive Director of the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (S.C.A.D.D.). He has been with the agency over 20 years. His main effort in is to ensure a safe and sober place is available the moment a person declares they need help with their addiction.
Jack Malone is the President and Executive Director of the Southeastern Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (S.C.A.D.D.).
He has been with the agency since 1995 and its director since 2001. As such he has been a tireless advocate for treatment for all those who suffer from the disease of addiction. His main effort in his years with SCADD have been to ensure a safe and sober place is available the moment a person declares they need help with their addiction.
He is a frequent speaker on all aspects of addiction and treatment locally, statewide and nationally. Mr. Malone has advised cities and businesses on steps to take when confronted with addiction and its damaging costs.
He is often called upon in the community by families who have suddenly learned a precious loved one is horribly addicted. In that regard he lives by the belief that in order to keep the fabulous gift of sobriety he enjoys, he must give it away freely and continuously.
Christopher Jackson
Board Member
Since early 2018, Christopher Jackson has been acting as a volunteer for Matt’s Mission, contributing to the organization through graphic design, web development, live streaming of the 2019 Matt’s Mission Celebrates Recovery event and beyond.
Christopher Jackson is a marketing professional with over 10 years experience in everything from small business marketing, to managing the marketing and branding strategy for a nationally franchised company.
Since early 2018, Chris has been acting as a volunteer for Matt’s Mission, contributing to the organization through graphic design, web development, live streaming of the 2019 Matt’s Mission Celebrates Recovery event and beyond.
A passionate fighter for justice, Chris is always willing to speak up and speak out on behalf of disenfranchised communities, and is proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the important work being done through Matt’s Mission.