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.

Michael Copeland was born in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and raised in Hartford. He attended Weaver High School and graduated from St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut, receiving several athletic scholarships.  He attended Springfield College and graduated with a Bachelor degree in Human Services. Copeland has an extensive background in youth development  and worked for a number of non-profit organizations. He has received a variety of community service awards for his work with Hartford’s youth. Copeland remains passionate about his work and is looking forward to bettering the lives of young people.

Lindsey is a clinical intern for the Youth and Family Services team at the Bridge Family Center. She is currently a masters level student in her final year at the University of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, concentrating on working with individuals, groups, and families. Lindsey has over 10 years of experience working with children in various capacities. She is driven by a deep understanding of the unique ways trauma affects child development and is dedicated to supporting young individuals in navigating the emotional and psychological challenges associated with adverse life experiences. Lindsey’s ultimate goal is to guide children to realize their full potential, ensuring that they have the skills and support to thrive in all aspects of their lives. With warmth and compassion, her style aims to help children feel seen and understood, fostering emotional safety and promoting healing through gentle, strength-based interventions.

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.

Julianna is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate working with youth in the West Hartford school system. With a focus on children and adolescents in grades K-12, she specializes in supporting young individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and behavioral challenges. Julianna is passionate about helping her clients navigate these difficulties and empower them to achieve their therapeutic goals. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and person-centered approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent.

Julianna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science and her Master’s degree in Counselor Education with a specialization in Clinical Professional Counseling from Central Connecticut State University.

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.