Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities

Nathaniel Aroian: Nathaniel is a graduate student at the University of Connecticut obtaining a master’s degree in social work. He aims to work as a Community Organizer in central Connecticut. His focus and interests are community coalition building, public education campaigns, and engaging youth through art and agriculture. He has also enjoyed working as an Instructional Special Ed Paraeducator at the primary level for almost five years. This program focused on behavioral special education. He has worked with administration, teachers, and support staff to create an environment in which kids are both excited to come to school to learn and are given responsibilities that will set them up to become independently successful in their future education. Patience, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills are just some of the invaluable skills he has learned throughout his professional career.

Lauren Bauer: Lauren is a second-year clinical doctoral student of audiology at the University of Connecticut. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The Pennsylvania State University in 2023, where she graduated magna cum laude from the Schreyer Honors College. Lauren’s goals as a clinician are to engage with families, offer them the resources and support they need to navigate the complexities of neurodivergent conditions, and ensure that their children's auditory needs are met with empathy and expertise. Lauren has participated in Dr. Diane Williams’ lab gathering information regarding memory and language processes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder, taught an acting class for neurodivergent children to foster self-expression and individuality through theater and music, and has been a substitute teacher for all ages for over four years. These experiences and many others sparked her desire to become an advocate for both auditory health and neurodiversity. The LEND program’s comprehensive training will allow Lauren to work collaboratively with a diverse team of professionals to develop and implement effective strategies for supporting neurodivergent children and their families.

Mariangelie Beaudry: Mariangelie Beaudry is a graduate student in the University of Connecticut’s genetic counseling program. Prior to graduate school, she studied biology and politics and government at the University of Hartford. As a biology major, she spent time as a lab instructor where she taught first-year students key concepts required to move along in a STEM career. She also participated in genetics research, whether it was in the lab analyzing efficacy rates of CRISPR to make initiatives toward the Undiagnosed Disease Network, or in the literature discovering patterns and connections amongst genetic conditions. Alongside the sciences, she studied politics and government which gave her a larger lens to look through regarding genetics and public health concerns. With this concentration, she participated in literature research related to disparities of people of color in genetic testing. On top of academics, one of her favorite things was being a tour leader for her university. It was an experience where she learned a lot about working with large groups of people and tailoring to their needs while getting to know each of them on a personal level and assisting in making major life decisions. Currently, she is working on projects to create more inclusive environments for patients and people of all communities. She is working on advocacy skills and is excited to learn more in LEND. When she is not studying, she is likely giving her dog belly rubs and playing Animal Crossing on Switch.

Zane Carey: Zane Carey (Pronouns: he/they) is in his 2nd year of his clinical Doctorate of Audiology program at the University of Connecticut. They previously completed an undergraduate degree in Urban and Community Studies at UConn and an undergraduate degree in communication disorders with a minor in Spanish at SCSU. He is also expected to complete a Certificate of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies in Public Health at UConn in December 2024. As an early educator, they taught students across the neurodevelopmental spectrum and supported families as well. He aspires to be an audiologist that works on an interdisciplinary team and looks forward to learning more about others involved with LEND as well. In their free time, Zane takes classes in aerial silks and knits socks.

Katie Cavanna: Katie is a second-year graduate student at the University of Connecticut studying for her master’s in Genetic Counseling. Previously, Katie earned a B.S. in biological sciences from The George Washington University. After earning this degree, Katie completed a post-bac program at the National Institutes of Health as an IRTA research fellow. Her research focused on endogenous retroviruses and their effects on human health. After moving back home to South Glastonbury, Katie worked as a forensic DNA analyst for the State of Connecticut. She processed samples, issued reports, and testified on criminal cases. After 4.5 years, Katie left her role to attend school full-time. Katie is thrilled to participate in LEND this year. She hopes to learn more about all facets of disability in order to better serve her patients and their families.

Anna Cirillo: Anna Cirillo is a second-year graduate student in the Speech-Language Pathology master's program at UConn. She received a bachelor's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology from St. Joseph's University, Long Island. Over the summer, she co-treated children and adolescents with varying speech and language delays and disorders at O'Brien Speech, Language, and Learning PLLC. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate training, she has gained significant experience engaging with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. It is her true passion to continue supporting this population while participating in LEND and following graduation. In her free time, she likes to go on walks, attend indoor cycling classes, and spend time with family and friends.

Jameson Corey: Jameson Corey is a second-year student in the Educational Psychology in School Counseling master's program at UConn. He completed his undergraduate degree at UConn as well and graduated in 2021 with a bachelor's in allied health sciences with a concentration in public health and health promotion. After graduating, he served as an AmeriCorps member at Central CT Area Health Education Center and then served as an AmeriCorps member at Bristol Eastern High School through UConn's College Advising Corps program. This school year he will be interning in the school counseling department at Farmington High School. In his free time, he likes to hike, play pickleball with friends, and read.

Carlie Rose DeFelice: Carlie DeFelice is a second-year Master of Public Health student at the University of Connecticut. She previously earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Anthropology from the University of Connecticut in 2022. While an undergraduate, she worked as a research assistant supporting Connecticut public school wellness policy analysis for the UConn Rudd Center. Additionally, she assisted in a qualitative analysis study exploring the experiences of spousal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the past two years she has worked as a research assistant supporting common and rare pediatric infectious disease studies. In the future, Carlie hopes to pursue a PhD in Epidemiology with a focus on infectious diseases among disabled populations. Her academic interests include post-acute infectious disease conditions such as Long-COVID and Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome and public health preparedness with a focus on supporting populations with disabilities. In her free time, Carlie enjoys reading and hiking and one day hopes to visit all of the U.S. national parks.

Daniel Devault: Bio coming soon!

Emma Forbes: Emma is currently a second-year graduate student in the Doctorate of Audiology program at UConn. She graduated from Luther College in northeastern Iowa with a degree in neuroscience in December of 2022. Emma is excited to participate in LEND, as she hopes it will provide her with foundational knowledge and skills to support children with disabilities and their families in the world of healthcare. In the long-term, Emma hopes to work with children in a pediatric hospital setting. In her free time, Emma likes to read, play music, and be outdoors.

Max Grossman: Max Grossman is a first-year master's student in the School Psychology program at the University of Connecticut. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Sciences and a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences at UConn as well. Upon graduation he hopes to become a school psychologist in a Connecticut high school and work close to home. He is also a high school baseball coach for The Woodstock Academy and hopes to pursue a potential career in coaching baseball at the collegiate or professional level. He is looking forward to what LEND has to offer and getting to learn new strategies and tools to help better him in his future career. His goal as a future school psychologist is to give students of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to have access to the proper mental health care that every child deserves.

Jahedul Hasan: Jahedul Hasan is a second-year Master of Public Health student at UConn. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and finished his residency as an intern doctor from Bangladesh. During medical school, he was involved in several public health awareness campaigns, which inspired him to pursue a master’s in public health. Before joining as a CT LEND trainee, he worked with the American Red Cross VOAD project for the immigrant population as a CT DPH Workforce Development Pipeline Project recipient. He chose to join CT LEND because he is deeply committed to support individuals with disabilities and their families, as shown by his previous experience working with vulnerable populations as a doctor, and the experience from the Connecticut VOAD Project highlighted the importance of effective leadership and advocacy in addressing unique challenges. As a trainee in CT LEND, he is fully committed to explore different aspects of public health. He is eager to build skills in advocacy, leadership, and assessment of disability, and he is confident that this LEND program will prepare him for the challenges he will face as a public health professional in the future. Fun fact: He is a bass guitarist, and music is his passion. Photography and cycling are his favorite hobbies on the weekend.

Emily Jones: Emily Jones is an advanced standing student at the UConn School of Social Work. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UConn in Social Work and American Sign Language with a minor in Sociology. Emily’s area of focus lies in working with the Deaf community, including those who are Deafblind and Deaf+. Her interests are working specifically in an education setting- which come from her prior experience as a paraprofessional and 1:1 aide, along with her personal connections to the Deaf/disabled communities. Emily’s goal in pursuing the LEND program is to fill a much needed gap in mental health services for those with disabilities and hearing loss. She is incredibly excited and humbled to be part of the LEND program to continue her work for disability services and the Deaf population. Emily enjoys knitting, crocheting, and any craft that allows her to be creative.

Safaa Ali Lutfi: Safaa is originally from Sudan, where she earned her undergraduate degree in nutrition. She worked there for five years. She is also a mother of three children. Currently, she is a second-year student in the Master of Public Health program at UConn. Her passion lies in actively improving health equity by empowering communities and promoting local, regional, and national wellness. She is interested in joining LEND to learn more about the various disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, and developmental, and how they affect individuals' daily lives.

Elissa Luzunaris: Elissa Luzunaris is currently a first-year master's student in the Neag School of Education's School Psychology program at the University of Connecticut. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut in the spring of 2023. During the 2023-2024 school year, she worked as a behavior technician in an elementary school in Enfield, CT, supporting children with level 3 autism. This role sparked a newfound passion in her for working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities, particularly children with autism. Through the LEND program, she hopes to further develop her knowledge, leadership skills, and advocacy abilities. After completing graduate school, her goal is to become a school psychologist, working within the K-12 population to help create a safe, supportive environment where students can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. One fun fact about Elissa is that she has a pet Cumberland slider turtle. In Elissa’s free time she enjoys traveling to new places and reading psychological thriller books!

Elizabeth Padgett: Elizabeth is a second year MSW candidate at the University of New Hampshire in the online program. With a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University, a master in Technology Education from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Environmental Management from Duke University, Elizabeth has worked as a tall ship officer, a research scientist, and a science teacher. After raising two children on the autism spectrum and one with a genetic chronic and critical illness she decided to go back to school to bring this acquired knowledge, skill, and experience to benefit other families and individuals in similar situations.

Jason Rubb: Jason is a second-year student in the School Psychology program at the University of Connecticut. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Susquehanna University. While there, he volunteered at a local preschool and Special Olympics program. Jason was inspired to join LEND after coaching an athlete with Down Syndrome. He hopes this experience will allow him to better support other athletes with disabilities. Additionally, he hopes to use the skills learned from this program to help serve students with disabilities as a school psychologist.

Julianna Russo: Julianna is a second-year graduate student at the UConn School of Social Work, focusing on Individuals, Groups, and Families. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychological Sciences from the University of Connecticut in 2023. Julianna loves working with children. Julianna brings extensive experience in working with individuals with developmental and learning disabilities. During her senior year of undergraduate studies, she interned as a paraeducator within the Windham Public School system. In her first year of graduate school, she further honed her skills at a STEM school in Windham as a school social work intern, where she supported children with developmental and learning disabilities and created a nurturing environment for their growth. As she embarks on her time with LEND, Julianna is eager to learn from her peers and educators about effective advocacy strategies, to enhance her ability to support and advocate for her future clients and her community. One fun fact about Julianna is that she loves pottery and hopes to have her own studio one day.

Heather Shipley: Heather is a second-year master’s student in the University of Connecticut’s Genetic Counseling program. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, where she majored in biochemistry and minored in psychology. During this time, Heather volunteered with a therapeutic horseback riding center where she helped facilitate equine therapy for children and adults with disabilities, including individuals with learning disabilities and ASD. This experience inspired Heather to learn as much as possible about being an advocate and ally for the disability community and their families. Her clinical experience thus far in the genetic counseling program has exposed her to diverse patient populations and highlighted the need for advanced training in advocacy for healthcare providers. Heather looks forward to learning and growing from the LEND program and utilizing those insights to support her community.

Melissa Taylor: Melissa is a self-advocate in the LEND program, looking to share her experiences as a person with developmental disabilities throughout her lifespan. Melissa is a Partners in Policymaking graduate of 2018, and is currently working on an employment project with the Partners in Policymaking Alumni Institute. She has served on many state boards and attended Disability Justice events. She enjoys reading, watching documentaries, and writing essays and poetry.

Carolyn Tierney: Carolyn is a dedicated mother, passionate advocate, and LEND Trainee with a deep commitment to supporting her two sons who navigate neurological differences and social-emotional needs. Her journey as a parent—enriched by her family's story of adoption—has fueled her determination to understand the complexities of the laws, systems, and resources available to children with disabilities and their families. Through her lived experiences, Carolyn has identified the challenges that families often encounter, and this insight drives her advocacy work. By participating in the LEND program, she aspires to enhance her knowledge, refine her leadership skills, and empower other families on their unique journeys. Carolyn is dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those she serves.

Emily Tynan: Emily Tynan is a second-year master's student in UConn's Educational Psychology School Counseling program. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Western Connecticut State University. For the last two years, she has been a preschool teacher working with children with a wide range of needs. She is currently interning at a high school in Connecticut and is excited to use what she learns at LEND while helping her students. Outside of school and work, she loves spending time reading, knitting, and doing photography.

Lauren Vitelli: Lauren is a second-year master’s student at UConn in the Speech-Language Pathology M.A. program. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and in Deaf Studies and Sign Languages at the College of the Holy Cross in 2022. Following her undergraduate education, Lauren worked in rehabilitation for patients with acquired brain injuries. As a graduate student, Lauren has worked with both pediatric and adult patients at the UConn Speech and Hearing clinic and the Hospital for Special Care. Lauren is interested in working with the school age population after graduation, with a special interest in augmentative and alternative communication and hearing loss. Lauren is excited to be a part of the LEND program and she hopes to increase her knowledge of policy and advocacy to provide a higher standard of care to patients with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families.