Anna Cannella

Passionate About Helping Youth

Anna Cannella began her work with Cape Assist in 2019. As Transition Coordinator, Anna is based at Coastal Preparatory High School where she works with students - potential and current - as they transition to and from the recovery high school and the sending school district/community.  

Anna is the liaison between the sending school districts and appropriate entities, meaning community resources such as intensive outpatient, case management services, and/or other agencies treating substance use for adolescence. Her work entails ensuring students stay on track for graduation, while also acting as a resource for districts whose students need treatment. She communicates regularly with the families of those enrolled in Coastal Prep about substance use issues, grades, education resources available to better manage substance use and addiction within the home. 

One of Anna’s proudest moments include watching the first student graduate from Coastal Prep in 2020.  

In addition to her work at Coastal Prep, Anna also leads Cape Assist’s C.R.A.F.T. trainings, which provide support for families suffering from a loved one’s addiction. 

Background and Education 

Before joining Cape Assist, Anna worked as the Primary Therapist for two residential substance abuse agencies for adults. She treated adults with substance use disorders, who also were affected by co-occurring mental health disorders and trauma.   

Anna is passionate about being a good role model for youth. She is also deeply fascinated by brain development and the effects of traumatic events on brain development, especially in early childhood, noting that neuroanatomy is critical to understanding human behavior.  

She received her bachelor’s in Social Work from Stockton University, and her master’s in the field from Monmouth University.  

Anna is CRAFT certified and is working toward her AEN (Community Reinforcement and Family Training; Applied Educational Neuroscience) certification.