Kassidy has over 16 years of experience in the special education field, having served in numerous capacities including job trainer, paraprofessional, community mentor, life coach, and residential program director. Kassidy is a certified CT Department of Education School Business Administrator and has also received his Masters of Business Administration. Working in the non-profit sector, Kassidy has developed a comprehensive understanding of the strategic, operational, and managerial aspects of running a non-profit. He has extensive experience in both special education and non-profit management, specializing in strategic, cross functional roles. With a history of successful and progressive leadership, Kassidy utilizes his spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship to match aspirations with finite resources.

As Executive Director, Kassidy’s role encompasses strategic planning, business development, and organizational leadership. He has a deep passion for social entrepreneurship and is a firm believer in the idea that there are always ways to do things better. He thrives on the opportunity to create change and enjoys being able to see a problem, create a solution, and bring ideas to fruition. He believes The Light House not only provides a space for our students to grow but our staff as well. From 9 to 5, he gets to work with some of the most amazing people in disability services who share his vision of creating supports that allow participants to thrive. In his free time, you can find Kassidy working on his house, listening to podcasts or going on adventures with his daughter.

Marlise graduated from Southern CT State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and serves as our HR Manager. She has experience working with clients directly in human services, and also in recruiting and likes that this jobs combines the two. She is thankful to be able to help grow and develop the teams of people that are working day to day with our clients and students. Watching the clients succeed is meaningful. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outside, and going on hikes or to the beach.

Julie received her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and her Master's Degree in Education from Western Governor's University. In 2019 Julie began her studies in Education Administration, earning her 092 Intermediate Administration or Supervision Certification in August 2020, and her 6th Year Degree (Certificate of Advanced Studies) the following December.  In August of 2020 Julie was named Interim Education Director, and officially became Education Director of Light House in December of 2020.

Prior to earning her teaching degree, Julie was a Teacher Assistant at Westerly High School for 12 years where she worked within all of their special education programs including mainstream collaboration, The Resource Hub, Applied Academics, Sever Profound and their alternative classrooms on and off campus including, ACE, LINKS and EXCEL. Since becoming a certified teacher, she has taught in both the public and private sectors. Her public school experience includes fifth grade special education in Westerly, RI, and third grade and Kindergarten special education in Stonington, CT.  She then taught at Waterford Country School, a private special education school for at-risk youth, grades nine through twelve, before coming to The Light House in 2018.

As the teacher at our Annex School, Julie developed programming specific to each student based on their individual strengths and needs to reach their full potential. She became a teacher to make a difference in the lives of kids who do not learn in traditional ways and likes that The Light House allows for flexible thinking, and the use of creative techniques to teaching and learning that is "all about the students". Julie likes to spend her free time with her husband, children, grandchildren, friends and family, shopping, completing home decorating/design projects, or anything that has to do with being on or near water.      

Will has a BA in Sociology and began working at The Light House ten years ago, serving as the co-coordinator of the day program where he was instrumental in developing unique and rewarding vocational training opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental with an emphasis on job coaching and building skills to maintain employment. Will now serves as the Director of Adult and Transition Services where he creates a positive and enriching environment for staff and participants by fostering independence and choice making through community engagement and volunteerism. He enjoys that The Light House offers a person centered customized programming that benefits each individual and that staff work with individuals to help them grow in every aspect of their lives. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, fishing, sports, working around the house, and most importantly, spending time with family and friends.

Kellie has an Associate's Degree in General Studies with a Biology focus and came to The Light House with over 20 years of bookkeeping experience in both corporate and non-profit settings. As bookkeeper and office manager, she enjoys the collaborative spirit of The Light House as well as having the opportunity to use her office skills to assist the company in its mission to serve individuals with disabilities. She says that watching clients succeed in their daily lives and being a part of that success has been very meaningful. In her free time, Kellie enjoys live music performances, traveling, entertaining friends and family and going to the beach.

Jeremy comes to The Light House with a background as an Art Instructor, Operations Supervisor, and Operations and HR Manager. In his role as Operations Manager, he oversees both the transportation and facilities departments, and is in charge of all operational issues within our campuses. He likes the constant changing challenges he faces each day, the wonderful and caring staff that work at The Light House and the amazing students. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys the outdoors, video games, and traveling.

Robin joined The Light House in 2018 as the Literacy/Instructional Aide at our Annex Learning Campus. Robin enjoys seeing each student grow through the reading program. Robin’s favorite part about working at the Light House is being with her students. In her free time, you can find Robin hiking with friends, walking her dog, spending time with family and getting ready to see her son off to the Coast Guard! 

Kelsey studied nursing at Three Rivers Community College and has been working for DDS for several years. As DDS Program Coordinator, Kelsey is responsible for managing, training, and supporting direct care staff as well as overseeing and coordinating all program activities. In addition to being responsible for all DDS-related administrative tasks, she also acts as liaison to parents and providers regarding plans to meet the unique needs of the individuals we serve. Kelsey loves working at The Light House where she feels like she can be herself, while encouraging those we work with to do the same. Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her daughter, hanging out with family, hiking, and the beach.

Bobbi Jo joined us after working extensively with Arc and will be in charge of our new DSO located in the center of Niantic.  Bobbi Jo is responsible for managing, training, and supporting direct care staff as well as planning and directing all program activities at her site while working closely with our DSO program located in New London, CT.  When Bobbi Jo is not at work she can be found doing her favorite hobbies including running, going to local beaches and finding new and exciting places to hike around Connecticut.
 

Jill earned her Bachelor's Degree is Environmental Design from UMass Amherst and is currently working towards 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.

Sharon earned a dual Bachelors 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 prior to relocating to the south, and is happy be back to reconnect with her students and their families.  Sharon and her husband Chris enjoy spending time with their four children and 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 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 Main Street 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.

Bryanna (Bry) Paskowitz has been working in the field of education throughout Connecticut for the past eight years. She graduated from Connecticut College with a major in human development and a minor in multicultural psychology. Bryanna received her Master's degree and teaching certification in Special Education with a concentration in educational psychology from the University of Connecticut. Additionally, she obtained her 6th-year graduate degree in the field of special education transition to adulthood from the University of Connecticut. In her free time, you can catch her playing tennis, watching Marvel movies, or writing. She has written and published two multicultural children’s books entitled "We Can Be Anything!" and "We Can Be Anything Too!

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.

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.

Kevin is currently completing his Business Administration Degree at Middlesex Community College. In his role, Kevin assists in the handling and organizing of day to day operations of our Central Office. Kevin looks forward to working with individuals that share in his drive and determination to strive to be better today than yesterday. In his free time you can find Kevin going on walks through a local beach, or spending time with family and friends.

Eric is a graduate of William M. Davies Technical High School in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Prior to working at The Light House, he was a foreman for American Eagle Painting and owned his own construction company for over a decade. As Building and Grounds Manager for The Light House, Eric is responsible for overseeing and training our custodial staff as well as all building maintenance including repairs, updates, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. He also ensures all grounds are maintained including landscaping. Eric says that he loves interacting with the individuals we serve and likes that there is a lot of variety in his job responsibilities. In his free time, Eric enjoys spending time with his kids, is always willing to help someone out with a house project, and enjoys fishing.

In 1987, when Kathy started working as a paraprofessional at the Little White School House in Mystic, she had never worked with anyone with a disability. She quickly realized how much passion she had for the work, and in 1992, recognizing the need for an inclusive place for individuals of varying ability, Kathy founded The Light House with a goal of providing community based functional academics for students with disabilities. Kathy believed that it was important to integrate students directly into the community through vocational training, social programming, and regular outings. The program started out in a rented church space with only two employees. Between 1992 and 2017, she expanded The Light House to three campuses that now serve over 100 individuals from all over Southeastern Connecticut and integrate the community in every aspect of learning. 

Since leaving The Light House, Kathy has continued on her mission of creating a more diverse community. She founded the Girl Power Collaborative, a fundraiser for non-profit agencies dedicated to advancing women’s rights in our community. She also works closely with Horses Healing Humans, assisting them with finding funding for Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy for people with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.

Kathy is a leading advocate for inclusivity in Southeastern Connecticut and has spent her life creating opportunities and advocating for individuals regardless of their perceived ability. Her work has undoubtedly changed countless lives for the better, and has made our community a better place to live and work in.