BENHAVEN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager at Totoket
Adrianne Mahoney is the Residential Manager at Totoket. She began her career supporting individuals with autism/IDD in 2001. In 2015 she joined the Benhaven residential department, servicing adolescents in our student home as Direct Support Provider (DSP). Later becoming a residential manager in 2018 for the student homes and adult home. Her mission is to support people to lead happy & healthy lives.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Psychiatrist
- Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine
Dr. Westphal has worked with Benhaven as a psychiatrist since 2007, has been on the Board of Directors since 2012, and has served as the Director of Psychiatry since 2018.
Dr. Westphal is an assistant professor at Yale School of Medicine with a primary appointment in Yale's Division of Law and Psychiatry and a secondary appointment at Yale Child Study Center. He serves as a consulting forensic psychiatrist on risk for Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. He has a clinical and research focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and is particularly interested in clinical risk assessment and ASD, as well as other topics related to ASD and the legal system.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Children 's Behavior Services Director
- Clinical Director of Children 's Behavioral Services
Ms.Dworkin Kaye, M.S., CCC/SLP is Clinical Director of Children's Behavioral Services (CBS) at Benhaven, Inc. A Board-Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist she created and has administrated the program since 2017.
Prior to joining Benhaven, Ms. Dworkin Kaye was employed by a private agency, public school districts statewide, and CREC's River Street Program for Young Children with Autism. In addition, she was instrumental in crafting the first Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) course sequence to be approved inside of a Communications Disorders Program through Elms College. She also taught required BACB core courses as an instructor at Elms. She currently serves as a director on the board of CTABA, the Connecticut state behavior analytic organization.
Arlene received her master's degree in Communications Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), New Haven, Connecticut in 1978 and her certification as a BCBA in 2007 after completing her coursework through the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts. She has been a presenter at a variety of conferences including CT-ABA, ABAI, BABAT, ASHA & CSHA, and has been an invited speaker at school events in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
An editor of Behavior Analysis for A Lasting Change, First Edition and author of Getting To Know ME: A Primer About Autism Spectrum Disorders, Ms. Dworkin Kaye has demonstrated skills as both a practitioner and writer. With over 40 years of experience providing services to children with developmental disabilities, she wakes up each day, excited to see positive growth in the children, families, and staff that are part of the Benhaven CBS family!
Job Titles:
- Analyst at Benhaven Children 's Behavioral Services
is a board-certified behavior analyst at Benhaven Children's Behavioral Services who has worked with children on the spectrum for about 8 years. After attending Lasell University with a major in psychology, Ashley began her journey as a registered behavior technician at Benhaven when she knew she found her passion. From there, Ashley decided to pursue her master's degree in applied behavior analysis from Western Connecticut State University and finally obtained her BCBA in February 2021. She believes that building strong relationships with the children and families that she serves is the key to implementing effective intervention. It is a number one priority of hers to make services fun, engaging and enriching for everyone. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys going to the beach, traveling to new places, and spending time at home with a good book and her three cats- Milo, Mika and Evie!
Job Titles:
- Shared Living Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager at Nakash
Brian Williams is the Residential Manager at Nakash and is a certified a PMT instructor. Brian started his Benhaven career at Benhaven as a Director Support Professional in 2008. In 2013, Brian moved to Nakash taking on an Assistant Manager position before becoming the Residential Manager in 2019. Brian enjoys working in the student home and teaching the residents living skills, while providing structure to their lives which in turn, helps them move on to their adult homes to lead lives of meaning and purpose.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- Board Chair & Acting Secretary
Mr. Casper has been involved with Benhaven since 2013 and previously was Secretary of the Board. Previously, he was a member of the Sarah Seneca Residential Services Board for over ten years. Sarah Seneca is a non-profit agency dedicated to providing individualized residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and autism.
Mr. Casper is currently the Executive Vice President and the Chief Operating Office of Connex Credit Union, headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina and his MBA from Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut.
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst and Special Education Teacher
is a board certified behavior analyst and special education teacher with over 25 years of experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a teacher in a public school, she took great pride and delight in helping to improve the quality of life of her students and their families. She spent several years as a behavior analyst in the same school district prior to coming to work at Benhaven. Cathie believes family involvement is critical to the success of her clients and works to develop positive relationships.
Job Titles:
- Contracted School Psychologist
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst and a Special Education Teacher
Colette Serrano is a board-certified behavior analyst and a special education teacher who has been working in this field for over 12 years. Her passion has been working with people with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities, and helping families learn how to better manage behavioral challenges. Throughout her career, she has worked with young children and adults, across central and southern Connecticut. She was inspired to enter this field because of her sister who has autism, and truly loves working with the families and siblings of her clients. Colette likes to meet individuals and families where they are at, and build on their skills and self-confidence through positive interactions and fun. She is currently employed as a high school special education teacher in a public high school, as well as a BCBA at Benhaven Behavior Services.
Job Titles:
- Regional Administrator for Both Region 5 and Region 1 at the Department of Children
Job Titles:
- Clinical Coordinator
- Clinical Director
Cynthia Beesley is responsible for the creation and oversight of behavioral and clinical programming for each resident of Benhaven, while incorporating best practices in the field of supporting people with autism and developmental disabilities. She is responsible for creating and upholding behavior and clinical policies that are aligned with DDS licensing regulations.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physical Education & Health Teacher, Also PMT Trainer
Job Titles:
- Occupational Therapist ( OT )
Job Titles:
- Certified OT Assistant ( COTA )
Eileen joined the Board of Directors in April 2023. Her connection with Benhaven is through her son Sean, who has been with the agency since 2020. As the mother of Autistic twins and a son with mental health challenges she is able to give a unique perspective. Eileen brings passion, compassion and heart to the table.
Eileen's education includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and A Master of Science Degree. She loves to create in various artistic media while also being fascinated by human health and physiology. She has recently shifted to mixed media explorations launching Eileen Clark Art, LLC this summer. She is a member of Guilford Rotary as well as Guilford, Madison and Clinton Art Societies. In addition, she serves on The Board of Directors at Vista Life Innovations.
Eileen lives along the shoreline with her husband Dave. They enjoy working in the yard, taking trail walks, field trips, cooking, and baking.
Job Titles:
- Certified Special Education Teacher As Our Vocational / Transitional Teacher, Also Physical / Psychological Management Trainer ( PMT ) Coach
Job Titles:
- School Operations Coordinator
Heather Ferrara: Heather is a DDS qualified provider. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in social work from Southern Connecticut state university and her Master's Degree in social work from UCONN. She is a Licensed Masters Social Worker. Heather has worked with the IFS program since 2022 and has provided positive behavioral supports to individuals on the autism spectrum and other neurodiverse populations as well as those with intellectual disabilities and since 2018. She helps individuals identify goals that are important to them, and assists them with action steps to achieve those goals. She believes each person has unique strengths and preferences which are prioritized when working towards their vision for their best life.
Iceis Elliott joined Benhaven in 2023 as the Individual and Family Services Director. She is a charismatic and dedicated licensed social worker with over 12 years of experience in the Human Service field. Iceis obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Springfield College in 2018. She has honed her leadership skills and demonstrated the ability to drive positive change for individuals who face limited access to resources and support. She possesses a strong work ethic and a passion for working with individuals with autism, cognitive disabilities, and mental health conditions.
Job Titles:
- Certified, Licensed Speech / Language Pathologists
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology at the Yale Child Study Center
Dr. McPartland is an Associate Professor of Child Psychiatry and Psychology at the Yale Child Study Center. He is a licensed child psychologist and Director of the Yale Developmental Disabilities Clinic.
Dr. McPartland's program of research investigates the brain bases of neurodevelopmental disabilities to develop biologically-based tools to improve detection and treatment. He is the Principal Investigator of the Autism Biomarkers Consortium for Clinical Trials, a nationwide effort to identify biomarkers to support intervention research in autism. His contributions to the field have been recognized by numerous awards, and he has been named a Fellow of the American Psychological Association's Division on Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder. He believes strongly in the mission of Benhaven, and he is grateful for the opportunity to serve on its board.
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst
Jamie Jensen is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for 10 years. Jaime began her journey as an undergraduate intern at a private school for children and adolescents with Autism when knew she found her passion. After completing her graduate certification at the University of North Texas and becoming a Board-Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst, Jaime knew she wanted to become more involved in the field. She then received her master's degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis at Ball State University. Since becoming a BCBA, Jaime has worked across school, community and home settings with ages ranging from 3-21. Jaime feels there is such great reward and value in building strong and trusting relationships with families to carry out most effective interventions. She enjoys living an active plant based lifestyle, spending quality time with her family and dogs, and traveling to warm places.
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst
is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Benhaven Children's Behavioral Services. She graduated Fordham University with a bachelors in psychology and dance before working as a behavior Technician for Benhaven. Shortly after this, Janel knew she wanted to get certified as a Behavior Analyst so she could impact more students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She continued onto graduate studies with Capella University where she obtained her Masters in Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Janel strongly believes ABA can help influence meaningful behavior change and teach adaptive skills to help improve the lives of those diagnosed and effected by autism spectrum disorder. Outside of her work in ANA, Janel teaches dance and enjoys spending time with her friends, her family and her dog Riley.
Ms. Johnson began working at Benhaven in 1992 as a consultant and helped form The Learning Network which was Benhaven's consulting branch of the organization. During her time at Benhaven, she supported person-centered planning and designed positive futures plans for children and adults. In addition, she facilitated what was called The Benhaven College and taught others to complete functional assessments of problem behaviors called Behavioral Overviews and ecological designs which highlighted teaching positive behaviors to replace negative behaviors and create positive physical, social and teaching environments which would decrease problem behaviors and make learning new behaviors easier.
Ms. Johnson consulted within and outside of Benhaven including working with others in the states of Connecticut, California, Tennessee, Arizona, New Jersey, and New York. Throughout her career she was involved with many of the top professionals in the field of positive behavior support and families and individuals with differing abilities who all had a mission to support positive change in the lives of people and in their communities. She retired from Benhaven in 2015.
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager at Marlen
Jennifer Bodyk is the Residential Manager at Marlen. Jennifer received a BA in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and has over 30 years of experience in the Human Service field. Since arriving at Benhaven as the Residential Manager of Marlen in August of 2004, Jennifer has led the overall management of the home, staff training, development of day and residential supports, and community experiences. Jennifer is passionate about ensuring the gentlemen at Marlin are offered opportunities to enhance their lives, and fostering maximum skill development. Jennifer values the opportunity to have built a strong team to provide quality support, compassion, and enrichment for the gentleman living at Marlen.
Ms. Helene began her career in 1979 as a volunteer at Benhaven during high school and continued in the summers during college. After graduation, she was hired as a teacher. Ms. Helene has been an administrator at the school since 1992 and promoted to School Director in 2001.
Ms. Helene received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine and spent her junior year at the Universidad de Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain near Madrid. She received her Special Education Teaching Certification, her Master's degree in Special Education and Administration Certification from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), New Haven, Connecticut.
Ms. Helene serves on the Board of Directors for the CT Association of Private Special Education Facilities (CAPSEF), most recently as President (2019-2023). In that role, she has participated in numerous state level workgroups.
Over the years, Ms. Helene has been an active member of her community serving on several boards and committees and volunteering at her church.
Ms. Helene began her career in 1979 as a volunteer at Benhaven during high school. She has been an administrator at the school since 1992 and promoted to School Director in 2001.
Ms. Perkins is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Connecticut and has more than 20 years of experience supporting people within home, school and community settings.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Member of the Board
- President
Mr. Cabral is the Executive Director and joined Benhaven in 2023 after a career in public administration serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and supporting their families.
Ken Cabral returned to the provider community after a 25-year career in state government including Connecticut and Washington, DC. His career has focused on person centered and family centered service in the field of Autism, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Child Welfare. He has a passion and commitment to supporting people and their families.
While in Washington Ken worked at the Development Disability Administration (DDA) where he served as the Director of Operations providing leadership and oversight of the provider community in DC, the Home and Community Based Waivers, Intake and the DDA budget. Prior to his return to Connecticut, Ken's professional career was focused on working with children, families and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Since returning to Connecticut, Ken has served as the Regional Administrator for both Region 5 and Region 1 at the Department of Children and Families and the Director of Family Services Strategy at the Department of Developmental Services.
Ken's focus fully aligns with Benhaven's mission of enabling people with autism and pervasive developmental disorders to participate in community life, exercise productive control over their own lives, have meaningful relationships and associations, be gainfully employed, and experience happiness and personal satisfaction.
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst and a Special Education Teacher
Kimberly Turiano is a board-certified behavior analyst and a special education teacher. She has been working in the field for more than 12 years. Kim attended Southern Connecticut State University for her undergraduate degrees, majoring in both elementary education and library science. After working as a 1:1 special education tutor in a public school district, she decided to pursue her master's degree in special education, with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder, from SCSU. After teaching in an adjusted curriculum, self-contained classroom for more than nine years, she decided to pursue a sixth-year certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis and received her BCBA in May 2021. She believes that forming positive relationships with children and their families is the key for building upon their skills, self-confidence and implementing successful intervention services. In her spare time, Kim enjoys learning new hobbies, cooking, reading, and spending time with her dog, Finnegan. Kim is currently employed as a special education teacher in a public elementary school, as well as a BCBA at Benhaven Children's Behavioral Services.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager Provides Support to the Director and the Family Support Specialists ( FSS ) in Managing the Administrative Aspects of Services. This Includes
Kristen Perzan: The office manager provides support to the Director and the Family Support Specialists (FSS) in managing the administrative aspects of services. This includes: budgeting, billing, payroll, training/processing new employees, intaking new individuals into the program, and tracking proper documentation.
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst
is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst at Benhaven's Children's Behavioral Services who has worked with children on the autism spectrum for 15 years. Lauren fell in love with the field of Applied Behavior Analysis while working as a paraprofessional in the public-school setting. She became a Registered Behavior Technician and learned the foundations of ABA. Lauren decided to pursue a master's degree and earn BCBA credentials to help more clients achieve their goals. She provides support for children and their families in home, community, and school settings. Lauren firmly believes that teamwork through working collaboratively with families is the best way to develop the most effective treatment plan and meet their child's individualized needs.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Academy Director
- Director of Benhaven Academy
Dr. Grimm has worked in the field of ASD for over 35 years. She is the Director of Benhaven Academy, which provides services and supports to individuals with ASD using a person-centered approach. She is also the managing consultant for Benhaven Learning Network, a consultant group that provides services to children, families, and schools supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Dr. Grimm has a bachelors and certification in Elementary Education, certification and master's in special education, her sixth year/certification in Educational Leadership and a Ph.D. in Leadership. She has worked on both state and federal task forces to further the understanding of effective practices for the education of individuals with ASD and was a key author of the CT State Guidelines for Serving Children and Youth with ASD. The focus of her work has been on developing competencies in those who support and teach individuals with autism.
Dr. Grimm is the Director of Benhaven Academy, which provides services and supports to individuals with ASD using a person-centered approach.
Linda Grimm, Director: Certified Elementary Education Teacher, Certified Special Education Teacher and Administrator, PhD in Leadership; more than 35 years' experience in the field.
Job Titles:
- Career & Transition Director
Ms. Jones began working at Benhaven School in 1984, first as a paraprofessional, Certified Special Education Teacher, and then as an Educational Consultant and Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She is currently the Director of Career and Transition Services.
Ms. Jones has a passion for helping individuals of all ages foster the skills necessary to be happy, productive members of their community. Throughout her career, Ms. Jones has worked with children as young as two years old and adults as old as fifty, which gives her a unique perspective in terms of the programs and supports available to help an individual meet their own personal goals and objectives.
As a paraprofessional and later a special education teacher, Ms. Jones developed individualized programs for her students, focusing on independence and community skills. Ms. Jones also worked for several years in public school settings, helping to develop specialized programs and supports for individuals, as well as training certified and non-certified staff in best practices and the implementation of new programs. In her current role as Director of Career & Transition Services, she creates and implements individualized and highly tailored programs for individuals who have already or will soon age out of educational programs and are seeking support and assistance in entering the workforce.
Ms. Jones graduated from Albertus Magnus College, New Haven, Connecticut in 1986 and went on to get her special education certification and master's degree from Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), New Haven, Connecticut. In addition, she received her post-graduate certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Pennsylvania State University. She is also certified in Customized Employment in the State of Connecticut.
A strong believer in community supports for all individuals, Ms. Jones has volunteered at the COVE, a bereavement group for children and their families, and for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut.
Job Titles:
- Certified OT Assistant ( COTA )
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Residential Director for the Residential Division
Lynn Bellucci is the Administrative Residential Director for the Residential Division. She has been with Benhaven since 2019, starting off as the Administrative Assistant for the Residential and Children's Behavioral Services divisions. Lynn went on to become an assistant manager and then a manager in the residential division. In her current role as the Administrative Residential Director, her responsibilities include recruitment, hiring, and onboarding, personnel management, training maintenance, and licensing oversight. She also serves as the department's Medication Administration Certification Coordinator.
Job Titles:
- Certified Behavior Analyst
is a board certified behavior analyst who has over 20 years of experience providing services with children with developmental disabilities in home settings. Lynn began in birth to three where she learned the foundations of ABA and how to successfully work within a transdisciplinary team. Within those years as an early interventionist, Lynn felt the need to grow within the field. She returned to school and received her bachelors degree in communication disorders at Southern Connecticut State University. Her passion has always been working with people with autism spectrum disorder which led her to complete her masters at The University of Saint Joseph where she received a masters degree in applied behavior analysis. Lynn combines her backgrounds in early childhood education, communication disorders and behavioral intervention in a way that brings a "wholistic" approach to her supervision and development of treatment plans. Her eagerness to learn and grow in the field is endless, as is her adoration for the children and families she has the pleasure of working with.
Job Titles:
- ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Member
- Student Service Facilitator & Family Liaison, Title IX Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager at Oliver
Michael Martin is the Residential Manager at Oliver and a certified PMT instructor. He began his career at Benhaven in 2012. Michael has played a part in providing rich and diverse supports for the gentlemen who call Oliver home and is a strong advocate for the men. Michael was promoted to Residential Manager in 2020. He has enjoyed leading the team in a positive direction and supporting the amazing staff who work at Oliver.
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager at Blue Trail
Michael Priore is the Residential Manager at Blue Trail. He began his career at Benhaven in 2007 and has over 20 years of experience in the field. He initially began supporting the residents at Nakash, moving on to Oliver and eventually became the Residential Manager at Blue Trail. Outside of Benhaven, he has been a life-long musician, playing various instruments including guitar, bass, and piano and enjoys writing music.
Katoya Purvis is the Residential Manager at Old Coach. She has over 12 years' experience supporting people in their residence to be independent. Katoya started out as a direct support professional, eventually becoming an Assistant Manager, until she stepped into the role of Residential Manager at Benhaven. Katoya has compassion for the individuals she supports and is grateful to the dedicated staff and administration. Through her work, she emphasizes a high quality of living, building lifelong relationships and rewarding experiences between the residents and staff.
Ms. Tonia Holland is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Benhaven. She joined Benhaven in 2017 after working as the Director of Operations for SARAH Tuxis, a provider of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout her career she has served on several committees which includes Milford & Orange Chamber Health and Wellness committee, Chamber of Orange Women's leadership group, Agency on Aging Inter-Agency Council Committee, Concerned Citizens for People with Disabilities Committee and the SOCT SHRM Board as the Director of Diversity.
Ms. Holland is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Benhaven. She joined Benhaven in 2017 after working as the Director of Operations for SARAH Tuxis, a provider of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager at Johnson
Nyasha Rivera-Diaz is the Residential Manager at Johnson. Nyasha began her career at Benhaven in 2017, and became the Residential Manager in 2023. Nyasha is passionate about working at Benhaven because she enjoys supporting our residents to be on a path to a meaningful and productive life. In her spare time, she enjoys being a parent to two boys (a year and a half and four months old), in addition to traveling.
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager of Rosenberg
Pete Golanski is the Residential Manager of Rosenberg. Pete started his career at Benhaven in 1995. He initially was hired as a job coach in the employment program. Throughout his years at Benhaven, Pete held several direct care roles, including a residential advocate for a gentleman, as well as master teaching assistant. Continuing his pursuits, Pete worked primarily at Rosenberg, becoming an assistant manager and eventually in 2022, the Residential Manager of Rosenberg. Pete is an avid science fiction reader and lover of Philosophy.
Richard Joseph: is a Qualified DDS provider. He attended SCSU and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology and received a master's degree from Albertus Magnus College. Richard has worked with Benhaven in the IFS program since 2007 and has provided Positive Behavioral Supports to many challenging individuals with autism. Richard has helped his individuals foster a better sense of self.....and has also helped improve their independence by increasing their Activities of Daily Living and various strategies to cope during difficult situations. Richard believes that everyone has a purpose to find happiness and wants to tap in to everyone's full potential of each of the individual's he serves.
Benhaven has been a big part of Robin's life for many years. Larry Wood and Robin have been married for 42 years. Together, they raised William (Bill), who has autism. For over thirty years, Bill has benefited from the excellent supports and services he has received from Benhaven.
Robin has served in a variety of positions over the course of her career. She was a special education teacher; she held senior administrator positions in a non-profit organization; and she provided employment consulting services across the country. She also assisted school districts in Connecticut and Massachusetts to successfully include students with disabilities into their school system. Robin spent almost twenty years employed by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS). As the Director of Family Support Strategies, she reported directly to the Commissioner of DDS and was responsible for helping the department to design and deliver respite, family support, employment, and self-determination services.
As a member of the Benhaven board, she hopes to continue to advocate and help plan for the best possible services for families.
Ms. Picard started her career at Benhaven in 1996 as a volunteer. Over the years she has held almost every position in our residential program. She has served an advocate for our individuals and as a leader for our employees. In 2011, she became a Residential Manager for one of the group homes. There she helped transform the lives of the four residents and team. Sam takes the lead on many teams and for many trainings throughout the residential program. In 2019, she was honored to follow in the footsteps of Stephen Simonson to her current position, Residential Director.
"I am proud to carry the Benhaven mission into the next phase of growth and stability. My focus is on providing great lives for our residents by ensuring healthy and robust approaches to staff training and development." - Sam Picard
Sam Picard started her career at Benhaven in 1996 as a volunteer and has held almost every position in our residential program. In 2019, she was honored to follow in the footsteps of Stephen Simonson to her current position, Residential Director.
Sam Picard is responsible for Residential Services, both for the residents and employees. She is responsible to build the leadership capabilities of her management team, and to ensure that the mission and philosophy of Benhaven is realized in each of our home settings fostering independence, dignity and community inclusion for each resident. She is responsible for creating and overseeing the budget for residential services and for all program development.
Sarah Cyr, Program Specialist: Certified Special Education Teacher, MS in Special Education, nearly 40 years in the field, works to support teams in program development
Job Titles:
- Residential Manager at Northside
Sarah Rosenberg is the Residential Manager at Northside. Sarah began her career at Benhaven in 2008 in the Individual and Family Support Division as a Behaviorist. She moved to the residential division in 2013, and joined the Northside team in 2015. In 2019, Sarah became the Residential Manager at Northside. Sarah enjoys reading a book while at the beach.
Job Titles:
- Consultant for Benhaven Learning Network
Sheila Flanagan is an Educational Consultant for Benhaven Learning Network and provides consultation to public schools. Sheila has been a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for over 13 years as wells as a Licensed Behavioral Analyst (LBA), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a certified teacher. She received her bachelor's degree in teaching from Eastern Connecticut State University and completed her master's degree in Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University. Sheila furthered her education attending Penn State University completing her post graduate certificate in Behavior Analysis. Sheila has over 31 years of experience working with people with autism and other developmental disabilities. Her expertise includes school consultation, program development, data analysis and staff development. She has knowledge and experiences in behavioral assessment and interventions including functional behavioral assessments, reinforcement-based strategies and ecological assessments. She has supported people through the process of Futures Planning and also has extensive knowledge in completing Independent Program Reviews.
Mr. Wizner has served on the Benhaven Board of Directors since 1994. He is the William O. Douglas Clinical Professor Emeritus at the Yale Law School, where he taught and supervised law students representing, among others, families with children on the autism spectrum in special education cases in a disability rights clinic. He and his students often partnered with Benhaven in those cases.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Member
- Information Technology Specialist
Mr. Igoe joined Benhaven in 2017 after a career as a practicing attorney in New York City. With expertise in corporate finance and corporate regulation, he served as Vice-chairman and Chairman of a large national law firm and then as CEO of a global lawyers professional Liability Insurance company for its member national and international law firms.
Mr. Igoe and his wife have raised their 38 year old son with Autism who lives independently in the New Haven community and continues to benefit from the special services provided by a team of dedicated Benhaven professionals.
Job Titles:
- Shared Living / CCH Coordinator
Zach Jones is the Shared Living/CCH Coordinator. He began his career at Benhaven in 2016 as an Instructional Assistant at Benhaven Academy. He moved into the Transition Specialist at Benhaven Career & Transition Services and continued to offer support to the students there. Zach progressed, and became a Senior Transition Specialist which involved oversight of day-to-day schedules, maintaining data systems, transportation needs, community networking as well as earning his certification in Customized Employment. In 2023, Zach expanded upon his professional endeavors and took on the role of Shared Living/CCH Coordinator. Zach enjoys all things related to sports and enjoys attending sports venues.
Benhaven Shared Living Services has a nurse who consults with this program to coordinate overall health related issues and behavioral support from BCBAs and Behavior Therapists. Each person continues to see their own primary care physician and any specialists he or she needs.