Julie began her career in special education in 1997 as a teacher assistant at Westerly High School, RI, supporting students in the general education classrooms, resource room, as well as in the alternative programs. In 2009 she graduated from Western Governors University with a Bachelor’s in Special Education and Elementary Education, and in 2013 with a Masters in Education. She was a Special Education Teacher in the Stonington School District teaching 3rd grade and kindergarten before moving into the private sector of special education. 

Julie taught Life Skills at Waterford Country School, a private non-profit special education program for at-risk youth before moving to The Light House Annex in 2018 as the Teacher/Manager. In 2020 Julie earned her 092 Intermediate Administration Certification and 6th Year Degree of Advanced Studies from Sacred Heart University and was named Education Director. As Education Director, Julie oversees all aspects of the school programs and works closely with public school districts and Light House teachers, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals to deliver exceptional services to the students we serve. 

Julie worked closely with Kassidy and the school team to expand the school program to ages 5-22, capacity from 30 to 40, and create a 3rd classroom (soon to be 4th). This growth led to the purchase of a new school building where all students and staff can collaborate and grow ‘under one roof’. Julie is excited to be part of The Light House’s growth and is grateful to be part of a team that makes a difference in the lives of students and families. She likes to spend her free time with her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, and family, traveling, completing home decorating project,s and anything that has her in or near water.  

Ashley graduated from Rivier University with a Bachelor's in Biology and brings 12 years of experience in the special education field to her role at The Light House. She began her journey as a paraprofessional in 2023 in the transition classroom and later advanced to a substitute teacher in the same classroom, where she continues to make a significant impact. Currently, Ashley is pursuing her Master’s in Special Education through The University of Hartford to further enhance her skills and knowledge.

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Ashley is deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn within The Light House family, and she is passionate about supporting students in their educational journeys. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys planning her next trip to Disney, playing with her puppies, camping, and spending time with her family in New Hampshire.

Laura worked as a wellness practitioner, and direct care worker for adults with developmental disabilities for years before arriving at The Light House. Her favorite thing about her job is watching her students attain everyday successes through their consistent efforts in the program’s unique school and community-based learning environment. Laura has a BA in English Literature with a minor in Global Peace Studies from the University of Connecticut. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and nature photography.

Robert (Rob) Shepherd, originally from Niantic, pursued his education at Fitchburg State University in Massachusetts. For the past five years, he has been an integral part of The Light House community, commencing his journey as a Community Mentor within the residential program, emphasizing independent living. He currently gives his all in the Transitional Classroom at The Light House's Learning Campus, as a Teaching Assistant.

Beyond his professional commitments, Rob cherishes moments with his wife and two children. His creative spirit finds expression through diverse mediums — be it collecting, writing, drawing, crafting short videos, and taking photographs. He also likes to share cheesy jokes to make others around him laugh.

Brian is a dedicated Training and Support Specialist at The Light House, where he plays a vital role in fostering growth and success. He joined The Light House in 2022 as a Paraprofessional, where he developed a strong foundation in supporting individuals and helping them overcome challenges. His passion for guiding others, combined with his hands-on experience, naturally led him to transition into his current role, where he now provides comprehensive training and support. Brian believes that meaningful relationships and collaboration are key to personal and professional development. He is committed to equipping individuals with the tools and confidence they need to reach their full potential.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys fishing, hiking, and watching movies. His dedication to empowerment and growth continues to leave a lasting, positive impact on those he supports.

Kelly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Education from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She earned her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy with a focus in school-based occupational therapy from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. She has been working as an occupational therapist since 2014, initially in a hospital setting working with adults. In 2016, Kelly transitioned to the school setting working at the Cotting School in Lexington, MA. There she worked with students with complex physical, cognitive, and developmental differences. Kelly returned to the Connecticut shoreline with her husband to raise their two young children. She joined the Light House in 2023 and loves interacting with all of her students every day. Kelly strives to instill confidence in her students to complete activities of daily living and foster the skills needed for her students to live a fulfilling life post-graduation. When not working, Kelly loves to ski, hike, and go to the beach with her family including their dog, Lily.

Paula is a dedicated Speech-Language Pathologist who has contracted with The Light House since 2015 and joined our staff full-time in 2024. With a BA/BS in Biology and Natural Resource Management and Engineering from UCONN and a Master's in Communication Disorders from Southern Connecticut State University, Paula has developed a deep passion for helping students find their voices, whether through speech or Assistive Technology and Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

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At The Light House, Paula is an integral part of a collaborative team that works to empower students by helping them communicate as independently as possible. She specializes in identifying each student's strengths and barriers to communication, working closely with them to reduce the level of support they need in a positive, safe environment, ultimately promoting greater independence. 

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In addition to her role at The Light House, Paula runs a private practice, Sound Speech Therapy, in Old Lyme, CT, where she specializes in working with complex communicators, autistic individuals, and people with speech sound disorders. Outside of her professional life, Paula enjoys rowing, spending time near the water, and cherishing family dinners.

Sharon earned a dual bachelor's degree in Special Education and Psychology from Wagner College in Staten Island NY, and her Masters degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Sharon comes to the Light House with twenty-two years of teaching experience in both Georgia and Connecticut.  Sharon originally joined the Light House in 2015 before relocating to the south and is happy to be back to reconnect with her students and their families.  Sharon and her husband Chris enjoy spending time with their four children and their four-legged children Charlie and Luka. 

Tammy earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University as well as a Master's in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She brings over twenty years of experience in the Ledyard School District to our Main Street Learning Campus. Tammy loves working with her students at our Learning Campus and developing curriculum that incorporates life and vocational skills as well as community engagement. In her free time, you can find Tammy traveling to new and exciting destinations, practicing guitar, or rooting for her favorite New England sports teams.

Ashley graduated from Goodwin University with a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and a minor in Psychology. Every day is a new day for Ashley here at the Light House which is why she really enjoys working and interacting with all of the students. Ashley is grateful to have such a rewarding job that prioritizes the students and strives to meet their every need. She looks forward to continuing to help them learn and grow. When she is not at work you can find her out on a softball or soccer field, cooking, or at home spending time with her four dogs, friends, and family.

Maritza embarked on her journey with The Light House in 2023 as a Paraprofessional with no clear expectations, but quickly found a deep sense of belonging through the love, support, and shared mission of the team. Her experiences with the students, paired with the knowledge and appreciation she gained along the way, have fueled her growth and commitment to the field. Maritza holds a Bachelor's degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Psychology.

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Outside of her role at The Light House, Maritza enjoys unwinding as a self-proclaimed "couch potato," while also making time for friends and family. She is passionate about continuous learning and is always seeking new opportunities to enhance her education and contribute to her community.

Robin joined The Light House in 2018 as the Literacy/Instructional Aide at our Annex Learning Campus. Robin has moved on to become our  PMT instructor, as well as the Training and Support Specialist for the Learning Campus. She enjoys seeing each student grow through our program and her favorite part about working at the Light House is the one-on-one time she gets with our students. In her free time, you can find Robin hiking with friends, walking her dog, spending time with family, and proudly telling anyone who will listen about her son in the Coast Guard! 

Jill earned her Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Design from UMass Amherst and graduated in 2024 with her Master’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation from SUNY Cortland. Jill's favorite part about working at The Light House is seeing students gain a sense of joy and self-esteem through the exploration of leisure activities. In her free time, you can find Jill gardening, cooking, and crafting with her young daughter, as well as serving as a co-troop leader for the Girl Scouts.