Our Roots
.png)
_edited.png)
A small group of families whose children with developmental disabilities shared the same classroom began organizing weekend activities together, creating opportunities for friendship, connection, and community.
1976
1978
As their children grew older, the families began looking ahead. They shared a common concern: What would happen when their children became adults and were no longer supported by the school system? Together, they began planning for a future where their loved ones could continue to live full, meaningful lives in their community.
That vision became a reality when the families formed a limited partnership and opened CLASP’s first group home in Westport on Kings Highway.
1982
More than four decades later, CLASP has grown from that single home into a network of more than a
dozen residences including a supported apartment
program, providing safe, welcoming homes and caring
around-the-clock support. In 2019 CLASP founded a day program at the Daniel E. Offutt Community Center in Bridgeport, offering meaningful opportunities for learning, creativity, recreation, skill-building and community connection.
TODAY
Tracy Flood
President
tflood@clasphomes.org
Tracy joined CLASP in 1984, working weekends while finishing graduate school. Like many members of the CLASP family, what began as a temporary job quickly became a lifelong calling. Over the years, CLASP has become not just her career, but her extended family.
Her favorite part of leading CLASP is that every day brings the opportunity to learn something new and connect with the remarkable individuals, families, staff, and supporters who make the organization so special.
Robin Hammond
Development Director
rhammond@clasphomes.org
Robin joined CLASP in 1999 as a part-time Administrative Assistant and became Development Director in 2007. Since then, she has helped grow CLASP's community of donors and supporters while sharing the organization's mission with compassion and enthusiasm.
She is the driving force behind Taste of Westport, CLASP's signature fundraising event, and is passionate about building relationships that help ensure a brighter future for the people CLASP serves.
Octavia Catana
Vice President, Finance
ocatana@clasphomes.org
Octavia has been part of the CLASP family since 2006 and oversees the organization's financial operations. She earned her MBA from the University of New Haven and holds a bachelor's degree in Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest, Romania.
Octavia's favorite part of CLASP is its family atmosphere and the supportive community that makes it such a special place.
Amy Sorensen
Director, Human Resources
asorensen@clasphomes.org
Amy joined CLASP in 2021 as Director of Human Resources, bringing with her a longstanding passion for supporting adults with developmental disabilities. She is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and developing the exceptional staff who make CLASP's mission possible.
Outside of work, Amy coaches the Shelton Special Olympics Ski Team and volunteers as an adaptive ski instructor. She loves being part of organizations that make a positive and lasting impact on people's lives.
LeeAnn Howard
Director of Quality Assurance
lhoward@clasphomes.org
LeeAnn has been a valued member of the CLASP team for nearly 20 years. She began her career at CLASP as a Direct Support Professional where her dedication to the individuals we serve quickly became apparent. She later took on the role of Manager at our Oldfield Road home before advancing to her current position as Quality Assurance Manager.
In her role today, LeeAnn helps ensure that CLASP continues to provide the highest standard of care and support across our homes and programs—a responsibility she takes on with tremendous knowledge, dedication, and attention to detail.
When she’s not at CLASP, you can often find LeeAnn at the dog park, spending time with her four-legged friends.
Pat Peele
Program Director
ppeele@clasphomes.org
Pat has dedicated her career to caring for people in a variety of settings and at every stage of life. She has been a valued member of the CLASP team since 2005 and is inspired by the genuine care and respect shown to the individuals CLASP supports, as well as the family-like culture shared among staff.
Throughout her years at CLASP, Pat has learned so much from the people she has had the privilege of supporting. They have taught her patience, compassion, and the importance of celebrating every accomplishment—no matter how small.
Tamara Nelson
Program Director
tnelson@clasphomes.org
Tamara joined CLASP in 2024 as a Program Director. Tamara comes with years of residential experience. With a wealth of experience and a passion for community service, Tamara brings a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to our organization.
Lisa Figueroa
Program Director
lfigueroa@clasphomes.org
Lisa has worked in the human services field for more than 20 years, beginning her career as a Direct Support Professional advocating for individuals with disabilities. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of roles, ultimately becoming a program director.
Since joining CLASP in January 2026, Lisa has quickly become part of the CLASP family. She values the organization's supportive, team-oriented culture, where everyone works together with compassion, respect, and a shared commitment to enriching the lives of the people CLASP serves.
Tina Martire
Behavior Specialist
tmartire@clasphomes.org
Tina joined the CLASP family in 1992 as Behavior Specialist and has been a valued member of the team ever since. Known for wearing many hats—including serving as CLASP's resident artist—she brings creativity, compassion, and dedication to everything she does.
Marie Belizaire
SLA/Med Coordinator
mbelizaire@clasphomes.org
With more than 25 years at CLASP, Marie has been a dedicated member of the CLASP family since April 2001. Before joining CLASP, Marie worked as a LPN at Connecticut Hospice, bringing valuable healthcare experience and a compassionate approach to her work.
What has kept her at CLASP for so many years is the people. She treasures the relationships she has built with the residents and her coworkers. Her favorite thing about CLASP is how the people feel like an extended part of her family.
Suzanne Dimenna
Registered Nurse
sdimenna@clasphomes.org
With 30 years of nursing experience and a Master’s degree in Nursing Education, Suzanne brings extensive clinical knowledge and a passion for teaching to her role as a Nurse Consultant at CLASP. She also works as a staff nurse on a cardiac unit and teaches nursing students in the clinical setting.
At CLASP, she enjoys building relationships with the individuals we support and serving as a resource for staff through education, guidance, and support with health concerns. She especially values being part of a team committed to providing compassionate care while promoting each individual’s independence and quality of life.
Kate Tini
Development Associate
ktini@clasphomes.org
Kate joined CLASP in 2024 after previously working as an Executive Assistant at a private equity firm. With a personal connection to the special needs community, she was excited to bring her experience to an organization dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the community.
As part of CLASP’s Development team, Kate supports all aspects of fundraising, communications, and community engagement, helping to build awareness and strengthen support for CLASP’s mission. She especially enjoys helping bring CLASP’s signature fundraising events to life and connecting the organization with the broader community.
Maria Wilson
Accounting Assistant
mwilson@clasphomes.org
Maria joined CLASP in 2022 as an Accounting Assistant, bringing with her a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Sacred Heart University and many years of accounting experience. Maria's favorite part of CLASP is its welcoming, family-like atmosphere and the opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to helping others.
Chantal Billings
Benefits Coordinator
cbillings@clasphomes.org
Chantal joined CLASP in 2022 as Client Benefits Coordinator after a successful career in accounting with both private and global companies. Looking for a more meaningful and rewarding path, she found her home at CLASP. She enjoys being part of a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to making a positive difference.
Mike Garvey
Office / Accounting Assistant
mgarvey@clasphomes.org
Mike joined CLASP in 2026 as the Administrative Assistant. He has a background in Accounts Payable and Charity Organizations. He served in AmeriCorps in NY for 2 years and continued to serve in his community by working for Habitat for Humanity in Westchester. He enjoys working for CLASP as it serves the disabled community. He believes in the work; he believes in helping those who cannot help themselves.
.png)
Tina Boll
Registered Nurse
tboll@clasphomes.org
Tina has 34 years of nursing experience, including 23 years specializing in nursing for individuals with developmental disabilities. She has brought a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and dedication to her role at CLASP since joining the team in July 2024.
She especially enjoys getting to know each person and the unique personality they bring to the CLASP community.
“The individuals we serve are truly bright lights. Getting to know them is the best part of my job—they always make my day better.”
"Through all the years of growth, the vision of our founding families remains at the heart of CLASP: a place where every individual can feel at home, be part of a community, and have the opportunity to thrive."
- Tracy Flood, CLASP President
Our Team
Odette Green
SLA Manager
ogreen@clasphomes.org
Odette began her journey with CLASP in 2015 and quickly discovered a passion for supporting others. Over the years, she has served in several roles and today proudly manages CLASP’s Supported Apartment Program while also teaching pottery at the CCO.
What began as a job has become much more—the individuals she supports and the relationships she has built have truly become family.
Outside of CLASP, Odette founded Titanium Promotionz, a charity that supports families in need in Jamaica with school supplies, essential items, and other assistance. She believes that no matter how successful we become, we should always reach back and help someone else along the way.
.png)
Board of Directors
Bruce Katz
Bruce, an attorney and CPA, is the brother of one of the people we serve. His hobbies include sailing, running, and home improvements. He has been on the CLASP Board since 1989.
Allison Agliardo
Allison is a Professional Engineer working for an A&E firm in New York. She grew up in Wilton, CT. Her brother John participated in CLASP programming in the 1980s. Allison is a graduate of Boston College and University of Colorado. She is an avid cyclist and runner.
John Chidsey
John is a 1970 graduate of Fairfield University. He began his career in banking in 1971 at the Putnam Trust Company of Greenwich which was bought by The Bank of New York in 1995. He retired from The Bank of New York in 2007 as Vice President in the banks Trust Division in Greenwich. He is the uncle of Mark who resides in a CLASP group home.
Marc Hawley
Marc started in the mortgage business in 1993 after getting his degree in Economics and International affairs from the University of Maine and went on to join Landmark Financial Group. He grew up in Fairfield and Easton and currently resides in Darien. Marc is a devoted brother to Ben, who has lived with CLASP since its inception. He enjoys crewing on a sailboat that he races with the Norwalk Islands Sailing Fleet in his spare time. Marc joined the CLASP Board in 2009.
Patricia Loh
Patty, a special education teacher, taught elementary school age students in Fairfield for more than twenty years. Her brother, Tommy has been a resident in a CLASP group home for years. She and her husband, Robert live in Fairfield and are blessed with three grown children and two grandchildren.
Coming soon...