Licensed and Certified Professionals
Speech Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Special Education Teachers
Social Workers
Paraprofessionals
Administrative
Speech Language Pathologists
Sarah graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and audiology before completing a Master of Science in communication disorders from Southern Connecticut State University. She has enjoyed working in the private practice environment with children ages 3-19 and serving as a consultant for preschool programs, but her passion is early intervention and she has had the pleasure of working at Reachout, Inc. since 2004. Special areas of interest include: autism, apraxia, social language, augmentative communication, feeding, and family self-advocacy. Sarah loves a good book, cooking, singing, and walking with her dog. She enjoys these activities most with her husband and two fabulous daughters.
Lauren attended Seton Hall University and received a bachelor’s degree in education with a focus on early childhood and special education. She then continued her studies to receive her Master’s degree in speech-language pathology in 2016. Upon graduating, she began working in a special education school setting working primarily with children with autism and significant language impairments. She started at Reachout in 2017 and enjoys being a positive support to families during the early years of a child’s life.
Janet graduated with a Master of Arts in speech-language and hearing science from Temple University in 2002. She worked with children ages 3-21 in the New Haven Public Schools and Waterbury Public Schools from 2002-2013, particularly with the bilingual Spanish population. Janet has been at Reachout since 2014 and has enjoyed the transition to working with and supporting families and children in the birth to three population. Janet and her husband are the parents of two active boys who keep them on their toes. She enjoys spending time with her family, walking the dog while listening to podcasts, and reading.
Kaili graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in communication, with a focus on interpersonal/relational communication. After using this skill set in the event planning and coordination industry, she graduated in 2013 with a Master of Science degree in communication sciences and disorders from Southern Connecticut State University. Her background in interpersonal communication and warm interest in helping others to improve their connections to the people around them are what inspired her to change from a fulfilling career as a speech/language pathologist in the public school system, to working with caregivers using the coaching model in early intervention. Kaili has been a Birth to Three provider for six years and joined Reachout, Inc. in 2018. A natural “cheerleader”, her favorite part about working closely with caregivers is empowering them to support their child’s development. Kaili equally enjoys learning from the families she works with. Every family dynamic is unique and every family has contributed to her own development as a therapist. Kaili and her husband Justin have three wonderful children. They are her biggest supporters and teachers. She believes in finding the joy in life and celebrating this daily with her friends and family through laughter, dancing, and fun!
Carissa graduated from Nova Southeastern University with her Master of Arts degree in communication disorders. She is passionate about supporting families in being their child’s best advocate and having the resources and tools necessary to do so. Carissa is bilingual (Spanish/English) and enjoys working to support bilingual and Spanish-speaking children and families. She has been at Reachout since 2007. Outside of work, Carissa enjoys being in nature, spending time with her family, reading and doing creative projects.
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Occupational Therapists
Elaine graduated from Boston University with a degree in occupational therapy in 1991. She has worked in a variety of settings including rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and the school system. The majority of her career has been focused on providing services to infants and toddlers through the Birth to Three system. She became the Executive Director of Reachout in 2015, after working at Reachout for 15 years. She continues to provide services to children and families, in addition to her administrative responsibilities.
Kerri is an occupational therapist with over 20 years of experience working in pediatrics. She is a 1997 graduate of Quinnipiac College. Kerri has had the fortunate opportunity to work in a variety of settings; including CT Birth to Three program, outpatient therapy services, public school/educational programs, and private practice. Additionally, Kerri received her certification in the sensory integration and praxis test (SIPT) in 2007. Kerri joined Reachout Inc in 2013. She feels it is an honor to work closely with children & families and to be a part of their individual journey (helping to achieve new skills, setting goals, and supporting them along the way). Outside of work, Kerri enjoys spending time with her family hiking, kayaking, or escaping to the mountains or beach. She also has a new found interest in refinishing furniture in her spare time.
Stephanie graduated from Boston University in 1987 with a degree in occupational therapy. She has spent her entire career in pediatrics including school-based, out-patient rehabilitation, home care and early intervention services. She became certified in the sensory integration and praxis test (SIPT) in 1996. Stephanie joined the Reachout team in 2007, fulfilling her commitment to work with young children and their families. Stephanie enjoys vacationing in Cape Cod and volunteering for Special Olympics CT with her family and friends.
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Physical Therapists
Michelle graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Master of Science in physical therapy in 2003. She has devoted her career to pediatric physical therapy and has experience in different settings including outpatient clinics, aquatics, school, and early intervention. Michelle joined Reachout in 2007 and has a passion for early development and helping children to maximize their quality of life. Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, their pup, reading and running.
Originally from New Jersey, Karen graduated with a master’s degree in physical therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2002. Upon graduation, she immediately began her career with the pediatric population, first working at a specialized school for children with developmental challenges, and then moving into the field of birth to three. At one of her early places of employment, she was privileged to organize a therapeutic horseback riding program for her clients in New Jersey. In 2012, Karen and her family moved to Connecticut and she began working for Reachout. She was happy to join a team of such experienced colleagues and she loves to collaborate with her team to provide families with a comprehensive plan of service. Karen has a passion for supporting parents and children through the early years of life and creating connections with community supports as well. In her years at Reachout, she has organized social groups for families with children that have Down Syndrome and support groups for families of children with medically complicated histories. Outside of work, she is kept busy by hiking with her husband, 2 children and Bernedoodle puppy, cooking, running and reading.
Cindy graduated from Russell Sage College with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy. She has more than 35 years of experience working with the pediatric population. Early in her career, Cindy worked with children of all ages in an outpatient rehabilitation setting at which time she also evaluated and treated adults with a variety of neurological diagnoses. Since the inception of the Connecticut Birth to Three system, Cindy has had the great fortune of working with children ages birth to three years and their families. Cindy is passionate about helping infants and toddlers reach their full potential and empowering families to be instrumental in teaching their children how to move, play and learn in their natural environments. When not working at Reachout, Inc. Cindy enjoys walking, yoga, pilates, reading, baking and spending time with her friends and family.
Seidy graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy. For the last 33 years she has worked with the pediatric population in a variety of settings including early intervention, schools, homecare and outpatient settings. Seidy loves her profession and is dedicated to collaborating closely with families. She focuses on empowering children and families with skills to achieve maximum potential to function independently at home, school and in the community. Seidy is bilingual, fluent in Spanish and English. She is passionate about supporting families with limited English proficiency, and allowing them to preserve their values and diversity. Seidy joined the Reachout team in 2003. Seidy loves spending time at home with her husband and son. She enjoys long walks, cooking, traveling and visiting her family in Puerto Rico.
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Special Education Teachers
Nicolette holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and a Master of Science degree in early childhood inclusive education. She is a certified special education teacher and has had the pleasure of working for Reachout, Inc. since 2007. Nicolette feels honored to be invited into the lives and homes of infants, toddlers, and their families. She has learned more from them than any course could teach. Some of her professional areas of interest include infant-toddler mental health, children’s rights, developmental/educational theory, social justice, neurodiversity, culturally responsive teaching, and autism spectrum disorder. When not visiting with families, Nicolette enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, taking photos, and exploring nature.
Ashley has worked with children and families since 1993, providing child development and early childhood special education services in classroom as well as home settings. Her passion is helping parents discover that they are their child’s first, most important, teacher. Ashley graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in human development and family studies before attending graduate school at the University of Kansas where she studied early childhood special education. In addition to being a Connecticut certified special education teacher, Ashley is a certified Infant Massage instructor as well as a Circle of Security Parenting facilitator. In her free time, Ashley enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband, stepson, and their English bulldog puppy.
Laura has taught children and young adults from ages 3 to 21 years of age in both the private and public-school settings. She has also provided behavior consultation to several community agencies. Laura earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in special education from Southern Connecticut State University. She holds a State of Connecticut professional teaching certificate in special education PreK-12th grade and is a member of the National Association for Young Children. Laura began her work as a developmental therapist with Birth to Three 15 years ago. She is recognized as a Master Coach by the State of Connecticut Birth to Three system and is a certified Circle of Security facilitator. Her professional focus areas include family self-advocacy, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral coaching and infant-toddler mental health. In her daily work, Laura strives to support families in developing strategies to use in their everyday routines and activities to help their child learn and develop. She also assists families in identifying and accessing resources. During her free time, Laura loves to travel with her husband and children, playing with her dogs, experimenting with new recipes when cooking, gardening and hosting family celebrations.
Anne graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1991 with a degree in special education. She completed her master’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University in special education with a focus on early childhood. Anne joined Reachout, Inc. in 2019 with over 20 years of experience as a certified special educator and preschool consultant in a variety of pediatric settings including public and private schools, outpatient clinics and early intervention. She has a passion for the early years where she can help empower parents to be their child’s best teacher and watch the joy of accomplishment as they play, learn and grow together. Special interests include play-based practice, autism, sensory integration and social-emotional development. Anne enjoys trips to Maine and Vermont and exploring the outdoors with her husband and three kids.
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Social Workers
Beth graduated from UConn in 2005 with a master’s degree in social work and also has an associates degree in alcohol and chemical dependency. Beth has spent 20 years working within different agencies to help families and children. She joined Reachout in 2008 and has been running many types of parent support groups over the years. Beth helps families find the right resources in their communities. She is referred to as the “resource specialist” at Reachout. Beth enjoys working with families to help them on their path. Outside of work, she keeps busy with her husband and two children. Beth enjoys spending time on the water and attending many of her kids school/sporting events. She enjoys reading and spending time with friends.
Beth completed the requirements to become a licensed clinical social worker in 2023 and is licensed by the State of Connecticut as an LCSW.
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Early Intervention Associates
Upon completing her Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Connecticut, Debra took employment with the Southeastern Hearing and Speech Clinic in Norwich, CT and the Morton Speech Clinic in Hamden, CT. Shortly thereafter she worked with the Wethersfield school system assisting Speech Language Pathologists at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school levels. Sensing a desire to specialize in pediatrics, Debra began her work with Reachout, Inc. in 1997 where she has extended her knowledge of child development to families and caregivers. Her professional passion is fueled by her desire to create a partnership with families and assist parents in learning how to foster their child’s unique potential. Debra is honored to work alongside her talented colleague and relishes the opportunity to learn something new from them everyday. Professional special interests include: verbal apraxia, oral-motor/feeding development, sensory play, autism spectrum disorder and behavioral shaping. In addition to Debra’s dedicated work at Reachout, Inc., she and her yellow Labrador Retriever are registered as a therapy animal team with Pet Partners of America. Throughout her voluntary work with Pet Partners, Debra shares the benefits of the human-animal bond. Debra also holds a certificate in pediatric yoga and strives to teach the importance of mindfulness, movement, breath, and relaxation.
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Administrative Assistants
Jeannie’s journey with Reachout began in 2001 when her son was born with a genetic disorder. At that time, she had been head teacher in a toddler room for a NAEYC accredited daycare and was very knowledgeable on the development of children. Reachout helped her learn how to use and adapt her skills and knowledge to support her son’s development while empowering her to be not just his mother, but his strongest advocate. In 2007, she was fortunate to be able to continue her journey with Reachout as an Early Intervention Associate. After thirteen years of supporting families in their child’s development, her journey continues as she transitions into more of an administrative roll, assisting families in scheduling and navigating insurance benefits. Rest assured, that in whichever position she meets you, it will be with a smile!
Jill graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Relations. After going through the Birth to Three system herself with her own children, she now enjoys helping new families through the process. In addition to supporting a wonderful Reachout Inc. staff, Jill is always happy to witness the progress, and the smiles, of all the Reachout children.
Marty likes working with children and families because she enjoy interacting with people from different backgrounds, tradition, and cultures, and she values the life experiences that it provides.
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