Our Leadership Team

The individuals who make up the Turning Point Foundation, from the Board of Directors, to the consultants, independent counselors, volunteers, service providers, senior residents, and staff are dedicated to providing a safe, secure, substance free, and loving environment for all of our residents.

To email a team member please click on their name. For more detailed contact information, please go to our Contact page.

David Vieau
President & Founder

Mr. Vieau founded the Turning Point Foundation in 2002 as result of his life experiences. His diverse business background combined with his personal recovery experience has evolved into the Turning Point Foundation.

His educational background includes a Liberal Arts Education from Harvard University and professional experience includes; Drug and Alcohol Consultant to Fairfield University, President & Founder of Creative Collectibles Inc. and National Sales Manager for American Biophysics.

Lisa VanHeijningen, CCDP, MATS, LADC, LPC
Licensed Psychotherapist and Addiction Counselor

Ms. VanHeijningen offers over ten years experience in the field of addiction therapy, specializing in adults with co–occurring disorders. Most recently, she led a clinical team at a Connecticut inpatient facility that received the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ award for outstanding model for Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Treatment.

Ms. VanHeijningen serves on the board of the Connecticut Association for Addiction Professionals (CAAP) and is the communications chairperson for the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (NAADAC). She served on the staff advisory committee at Stony Brook University Medical Center on Long Island and in the New York State Assembly, assisting constituents in resolving a wide range of issues relating to mental health. Ms. VanHeijningen is also an active member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) organization.

She earned her Master’s Degree from the University of New Haven in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and Professional Counselor (LPC). She also holds certifications as a Co–occurring Disorder Professional (CCDP) and Medication Assisted Treatment Specialist (MATS).

Personally, Lisa is actively engaged in and committed to the twelve–step spiritual philosophy.

Diana Clark, JD., MACP
Family & Addiction Therapist

Ms. Clark collaborates with Turning Point to aid and educate the family members of our residents. Recognizing that family members often live in a contant state of stress and anxiety, Ms. Clark authored and facilitates the workshop: Family Healing Strategies, which provides participants with tools they need to become or remain healthy. As both a specialist in addiction and family systems, she is a recognized force of clear speech, logic and loving acceptance – moving families to engage in behaviors which aid in the recovery process.

With a Masters Degree in Psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School in 1997, Ms. Clark has been employed as a therapist, interventionist and consultant addressing issues of addiction and chemical dependence. Prior to her work in the field of psychology, she was a practicing Labor and Employment Attorney advising employers about the need for clear, compassionate and enforceable policies.

Elee (“Lee”) Zammarieh
Life Coach, Hypnotherapist, Martial Arts Instructor

Mr. Zammarieh is certified in Neuro–Linguistic Programming (NLP) by the American Board of NLP, Time–Line Therapy and Hypnosis. He is also an Expert Level–2 instructor of Krav Maga, a popular form of mixed martial arts. He uses an educational and empowering approach to help our residents achieve their goals and increase their motivation; creating amazing results and an extraordinary level of fulfillment in their everyday lives.

Born in war–torn Lebanon, Mr. Zammarieh attended the prestigious private school St. El-Bechara before being forced to leave because of the war. Escaping the devastation of his home town of Beirut, he completed his Baccalaureate degree at the Lycee Honore de Balzac, Paris, France, before going on to receive his college degree in Brussels, Belgium.

David Martinez
Director of Operations

Mr. Martinez is responsible for managing the day–to–day activities and operations of the Turning Point Foundation.

Mr. Martinez joined Turning Point in 2003 as a house manager. In 2005, after demonstrating exceptional leadership and organizational qualities, he was promoted to Director of Operations – overseeing all Turning Point facilities, programs and activities.

Albert Samaras
Vice President of Business Development

Mr. Samaras is responsible for coordinating the business strategy and marketing direction for the Turning Point Foundation. Additionally, he oversees branding and is involved in long-term organizational planning.

Over his 15 year career, Mr. Samaras has held a variety of high–profile business development, management and marketing positions for leading providers of products and services for the healthcare industry. He holds a bachelors degree in Management Information Systems from Central Connecticut State University.

He enjoys spending time with his children, Erica and Joshua, and is involved with a number of charitable and volunteer organizations.

Steven Paymer, MSW

Mr. Paymer received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado and a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. In addition to having personal experience with substance abuse, he has spent the past decade working in the field of substance abuse prevention and treatment. Mr. Paymer has managed federally and state funded programs developed to keep adolescents and adults drug free. Additionally, he has worked with hundreds of individuals and families whose lives have been turned upside down by the consequences associated with substance abuse.