6th Annual Caregiver's Symposium 2026:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds transformative potential to bridge digital divides, fostering accessibility and efficiency. This session demystifies AI's role in creating a more inclusive digital landscape while addressing its inherent challenges. Participants will learn practical applications of AI, including crafting effective prompts and identifying safe, reliable strategies for assistive technologies. We will explore the dualities of AI—the advantages of automation and inclusivity, alongside risks such as misinformation, biases, and privacy concerns. By the end of this session, attendees will confidently navigate AI's benefits and pitfalls, equipped to empower their communities. Join us to discover how AI can amplify opportunities and foster a more equitable digital ecosystem for all.

Presenter: Dr. Lauren Tucker
Associate Professor, Special Education, Southern Connecticut State University

Dr. Lauren Tucker has a dual certification in special and regular education with expertise in assistive technology, universal design for learning, online learning, and technology implementation. She conducts assistive technology evaluations, consultations, and trainings around the state of Connecticut. Dr. Tucker passionately promotes universal design to enhance learning and accessibility for all individuals. Her research focuses on universal design, assistive/instructional technology, implementing communication and visual supports in community experiences, specifically the theater.

Caring for the Care Partner: A Roadmap to Resilience
‍To quote Roslyn Carter: “There are only four kids of people in this world. Those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who need caregivers.” This quote speaks to how it is a part of human nature care for and be cared for by others.   But we know this is not a simple task.  Care partners are often so focused on the needs of those they care for, that they neglect their own health and well-being in the process.  To be a resilient care partner, one must be able to find their sense of self, purpose, belonging and peace. More importantly, they need to know where to turn for support. The Caring for the Care Partner presentation highlights the many facets of what it means to be a care partner, first with sharing statistics and figures that represent the current trends to show what a common occurrence this is. We will review how to care for the care partner by first acknowledging the challenges, as well as prioritizing self-care, wellness and purpose amidst this role.  We will share tips and strategies that could help to reduce stress, encourage wellness, and provide validation. Lastly, we will share some available resources including technological innovations that can help to support a care partner, so they do not have to be on this journey alone. The overall goal of this presentation is to educate, empower, and support those who are providing care to others, whether it be in a formal or informal capacity.
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Melissa Garthwait, BSW,CDP
‍Resource Coordinator, Hartford Healthcare Center for Healthy Aging Melissa Garthwait, BSW, is a Resource Coordinator with the Hartford Healthcare Center for Healthy Aging in Torrington, CT. Melissa has worked in both long-term care and community-based settings in Connecticut. She always had a passion for working with older adults and their families, by helping them navigate the often-daunting sea of resources that may be available to them. Melissa is a certified CHOICES counselor, helping individuals explore their Medicare options. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner and assists care partners as they navigate the journey of caring for loved ones with Dementia. Melissa has experience not only professionally, but personally, by being a care partner for her 93-year-old father. Melissa is always seeking opportunities for continued learning and education in the field of Geriatrics, with the goal of sharing this knowledge with those she serves.

Communication skills for professional and family member caregivers of those with special needs, as well as understanding and responding to the individual means a more meaningful environment and experience for both the caregiver and person living with special needs. This session will offer skills for the caregiver and the reasons behind those skills.

Presenter: Chris Abilgaard, Ed.D., N.C.S.P., N.C.C.,
Director, Social Learning Center, Department of Psychology, The University of Hartford

Chris earned his Doctor of Education in School Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialization in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Neurodiverse Learners. Chris also holds a Graduate Certificate from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in Behavioral Interventions in Autism. Along with being a Visiting Assistant Professor & Jackie McLean Fellow in the Department of Psychology Chris is the owner and director of the Social Learning Center (SLC), LLC. located in Cheshire, CT. The SLC offers a range of therapeutic services including mental health counseling, educational consultation, professional development, executive function coaching and parent advocacy. While still maintaining a clinical case load, numerous school consultations and national speaking engagements, Chris brings his 20-year background and expertise in neurodevelopmental disabilities, mental health counseling and school psychology to both undergraduate and graduate students.

In addition to his clinical, consultation and supervision duties at the SLC and teaching at the University of Hartford, Chris is publishing a book with Routledge Publishing in 2025 entitled “Effective Counseling Techniques When Working with People with ASD & Their Families”.

Lunch Panel Member: Natalie Shurtleff
AARP
Natalie Shurtleff is responsible for developing and executing state, federal, and local advocacy activities on behalf of the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization’s nearly 600,000 members in Connecticut. She will have a particular focus areas involving livable communities, health care, and long-term services and supports issues. As part of the role, Shurtleff will develop and execute AARP advocacy and community engagement campaigns that include grassroots mobilization, lobbying, media, community resources and organization, policy expertise, and political knowledge in support of AARP legislative and policy goals at the local and state level. Prior to joining AARP, Shurtleff worked for the American Cancer Society/American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network since 2013, most recently serving as a Senior Grassroots Manager for Connecticut and Rhode Island. While there she successfully led advocacy efforts to ensure access to quality health care for patients from their cancer diagnosis through survivorship, achieving legislative victories across multiple states. She also managed volunteers to effectively engage with lawmakers and public officials on important policies and developed and leveraged relationships with key coalition partners. Shurtleff has also worked at Community Executive Income Development, Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc., and Connecticut Working Families. Shurtleff graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Minor in Women’s Studies.

Lunch Panel Member: Christine Faressa
Christine Faressa is the founder of Sun, Moon & Stars (SMS), a nonprofit she co-founded in 2016 to support families with children on the autism spectrum. What began as a Supper Club grew into a wide range of programs, including support groups, adaptive sports, holiday events, and an adaptive swim program. Driven by her son Domenic's autism diagnosis, Christine has helped enhance the lives of countless families, raising funds and creating inclusive community connections. She serves on several boards, including the Watertown Board of Education and EdAdvance, and has been nominated to the Connecticut Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council. With a background in medical sales and nonprofit management, Christine is committed to fostering collaboration and inclusion for autism families.

Lunch Panel Member: Holly Seymour
Program Director for the CT Chapter of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association

Holly Seymour is the Program Director for the CT Chapter of the American Parkinson’s disease association. I have spent 12 years in the senior living industry and enjoyed connecting resources for families. I joined the CT chapter board of directors in 2021 and when the program director position was posted at the beginning of 2023,  as she knew it was her calling to serve the community in a professional capacity.

In her work serving as Program Director- she leads 4 support groups as facilitator. These groups are mixed – welcoming those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their care partners and close family and friends. Additionally, she leads a virtual Young onset group that helps those diagnosed with Parkinson’s before age 50 and are still working and caring for their families. Since starting at APDA Connecticut 2 and a half years ago she has increased support groups state-wide from 12 to 40. She oversees the chapters community grant program and financial hardship program and has in interest in grant writing in the coming year to help expand services throughout the state. She takes calls for information and referrals for those residing in Connecticut and these calls range from searching for a neurologist to speech therapist or counseling services for a care partner. She works collaboratively with professionals across the state to deliver education programs and conferences each year.

Holly’s passion for supporting caregivers stemmed from when she joined the CT chapter as a volunteer back in 2017- to facilitate a support group in Glastonbury. She had met a caregiver who was advocating for his wife with Parkinson’s, and it awakened this passion for serving the Parkinson’s community. Since then she has expanded her knowledge of Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders to best support those she serves and works diligently to help all she meets the best she can. Holly resides in South Windsor Connecticut with her husband Chris and their children- Savannah age 9 and Camden age 1 ½.

Lunch Panel Member: Steven Rubin
Attorney Steven L. Rubin has earned the distinction of Certified Elder Law Attorney from the National Elder Law Foundation. He has been in training for his dream job as an attorney, since he was 5 years old. His trustworthy, shoot-from-the-hip, “pull no punches” approach is appreciated by clients. Most of his passion stems from the fact that Steve knows what it’s like to sit on the other side of the desk.
While Steve was in law school, his mother was diagnosed with ALS and given less than a year to live. He was thrust into a number of roles that his clients often find themselves in — caregiver, advocate, provider, and concerned loved one.
While his mom lost her battle to ALS, Steve vowed never to give up the fight. He finished Widener University School of Law and has dedicated his career to helping his clients deal with tough issues — such as death, incapacity, disability, special needs, social security, asset protection, litigation and taxes – and providing that assistance in the best and least stressful way possible.
Attorney Rubin was born in New Haven and has been a life-long Connecticut resident. He graduated from Cheshire High School and the University of Connecticut (UCONN) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While attending the University of Connecticut, Attorney Rubin was a member of the governing counsel for the Housing Board of Directors and the vice president of the Jewish Student Association. He graduated UCONN a member of Phi Alpha Phi — the national political science honor society.
Attorney Rubin then attended Widener University School of Law in Pennsylvania. While attending Widener, he was a member of the Trial Advocacy Honor Society and participated in numerous Moot Court arguments. He was also a founding member of the Animal Rights Legal Society and Treasurer of the Environmental Law and Policy Society, involvements that put into action his values and ideals.
Attorney Rubin has passed the Bar in Connecticut, New York, and Florida. He is a member of organizations that reflect his career directions and active participation: Connecticut Bar Association; the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association; the New York Bar Association; the Florida Bar Association; the Connecticut Bar Association Young Lawyers; the Florida Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; the New York Bar Association Young Lawyers Division; New Haven Bar Association, New Haven Bar Association Young Lawyers; New Haven Bar Association Public Service Committee; the New Haven Bar Association Trusts and Estates Committee; Court Relations Committee; and the American Bar Association. His practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, estate administration and probate, Title XIX (Medicaid) planning and eligibility, Life Care Planning, business continuation, disability and special needs planning, trust planning and administration, and related tax matters.
Attorney Rubin volunteers his free time at the Veterans Legal Clinic, providing free advice to veterans who otherwise could not afford legal representation. When not working, Steven enjoys reading books, watching and attending sporting events, and spending time with his dog and family. He is a fundraiser for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Association, and the American Cancer Society. Attorney Rubin also volunteers his time at soup kitchens and other philanthropic activities.

Lunch Panel Member: Sunny Richards
Senior Vice President of Community Programs at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (CHSC)
Sunny Richards is senior vice president of community programs at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center (CHSC). Since 1993, she has served hundreds of CHSC adults and their families as they transition from the REACH Program to living independently in the community, and later, back to campus by way of our Schleifer Adult Independent Living Program (SAIL). Sunny oversees the  Supported Living Program (SLP), Schleifer Adult Independent Living Program (SAIL), Recreation Program (Rec.) and Benefits programs.  She enjoys fostering relationships within the Westville community and is skilled and passionate in assisting CHSC families as they navigate Federal, State and Local government entities. Sunny is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology

Communicating Effectively and Understanding Dementia-Related Behaviors
‍Communication, understanding and responding to dementia-related behaviors are important parts of caregiving. Learning these skills can create positive emotions and experiences for both the caregiver and person living with dementia.

Presenter: Carolyn DeRocco
‍Vice President of Programs and Education at the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter

Carolyn DeRocco has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations from St. Joseph’s College, Long Island NY with a Certificate in Counseling and a Certificate in Human Services. She has been employed at the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter for more than 18 years. Prior to her work at the Alzheimer’s Association, she served for more than 20 years as a Therapeutic Recreation Director working with individuals with dementia in a skilled nursing facility and for more than 25 years as a support group leader for individuals diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers. She is a member of the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council and a former board member of the Connecticut Geriatric Society.

Less Emojis, More Emotions: Transitions from Technology Time to Social Time
‍In this training, participants will learn effective strategies for setting boundaries around technology use. Participants will learn everything from how to use parental controls to their advantage, to how to make technology more social in nature, and how to harness the power of technology to increase interest and engagement in non-technological play and games.

Presenter: Edward Sweeney, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA (CT)
‍Senior Board Certified Behavior Analyst, The Hangout Spot LLC

Edward (“Teddy”) is a Senior Board Certified Behavior Analyst who loves coming to work every day and is passionate about providing effective and ethical treatment for all of his clients. He enjoys making meaningful connections and skill building with clients through play-based teaching. Upon receiving his undergraduate degree from Drew University, Edward was unsure of his next step. He had always envisioned working in a laboratory setting, but that all changed when he was introduced to UNIFIED sports. This opened the possibilities of building skills through sports and other games. To that end, Edward began his career as a Therapeutic Support Staff at SPIN Inc. in Philadelphia. While at SPIN, Edward found that he enjoyed working with clients, but he was also interested in all of the work that goes on behind the scenes like conducting assessments, developing plans, and training staff and families. This led to him pursuing his Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Upon graduation from his Master’s program at Arcadia University, Edward completed his BCBA requirements while working as a Lead ABA Instructor at EASTCONN’s Bridges Community School. After completing his supervision hours and passing his certification exam, Edward has spent the last year as a BCBA at Hubbard Day School in Stamford, CT.

Presenter: Seila Mosquera-Bruno
Connecticut Commissioner of Housing

Seila Mosquera-Bruno was appointed the Commissioner of Housing by Governor Ned Lamont in 2019 and re-appointed for his second term in 2023. As Commissioner, Seila leads the state agency responsible for all affordable housing matters including new construction, preservation, homelessness support for the State of Connecticut.

Under Seila’s tenure, the Dept. of Housing has completed construction on 14,000 housing units - and counting - since 2019 with over 6,400 currently under construction.

The Department of Housing administers $200 million for homeless support services annually and more than $800 million for development and preservation.

The Department also administered $600MM in COVID emergency relief funds; created a COVID emergency rent relief program; redesigned congregate emergency shelters with the use of hotels and the creation of micro units; reimagined the homeless shelter experience by adding on-site wrap around services and recently created regional “HUBS” across the state to serve as walk-in access points for residents needing emergency support services.

In 2024, Governor Lamont Appointed the Commissioner as Chair of the newly established Connecticut Interagency Council on Homelessness, a panel of agency leaders tasked with strengthening the state’s homelessness prevention and response efforts.

In the last three years, Seila has been responsible for creating two signature programs to accelerate development and homeownership: Time To Own, the state’s first down payment assistance loan program for first time homebuyers. Since its launch in late 2022 over 6,000 Connecticut residents have become homeowners with an average age of 34 and annual income of $70,000.

The second, Build for CT a workforce specific, gap financing program for developers building market-rate housing, launched as a direct response to rising costs from supply chains and inflation. The state’s investment secures a minimum of 20% high-quality affordable units within the existing development plans. Since late 2023, the program has generated more than 1,900 new units with over 500 set aside for middle-income residents.

Seila is the Board Chair for the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA), the state’s quasi-public organization dedicated to financing the production and preservation of affordable housing.

Her participation in community service is extensive. She currently serves as Vice President of the CT Municipal Development Authority, a board member for the Capital Region Development Authority, and a board member of the Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA).

Previously she served on the board for Connecticut Legal Rights, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, Santander Bank, Connecticut Housing Coalition, the National NeighborWorks Association and the National Real Estate Development Advisory Council of NeighborWorks America and a member of the Home Connecticut Steering Committee.

As an affordable housing developer herself for more than 20 years in Connecticut, Seila has developed partnerships with financial institutions, service providers, advocates, and nonprofits, municipal leaders, government officials, private developers, architects, and thought leaders in the housing space.

Prior to her appointment, Seila was the President and Chief Executive Officer of NeighborWorks New Horizons (NWNH) a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing opportunities and neighborhood revitalization. After joining NWNH in 1994, Seila served in many different capacities and became the Executive Director in 2003. Under her leadership, the organization expanded operations beyond New Haven County to New London and Fairfield Counties, managed 38 employees and $100 million in Assets.

Seila holds a master’s degree in urban studies from Southern Connecticut State University, a B.A. in Business Administration from Charter Oak College, and a fellow of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. She is also a frequent guest lecturer on housing policy at Yale and NYU.

Presenter: Heather Butterfield
Heather Butterfield is an Assistive Technology Specialist at Oak Hill’s NEAT Center, where her passion for enhancing accessibility and independence drives her work with individuals across the lifespan. With a background in occupational therapy, Heather brings a wealth of knowledge in using assistive technology to support a variety of diagnoses. Her hands-on experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of how technology can empower individuals to live more independent, fulfilling lives.

Presenter: Nicole Feeney
Nicole, Senior Director, oversees the innovative arm of Oak Hill’s programming, collectively known as Oak Hill's Integrated Center, which includes multiple locations (i.e., NEAT Center) throughout Connecticut, including an affiliation with Easter Seals. The Integrated Center programming currently includes an outpatient clinic (mental health), clinical specialty (occupational, physical, and speech and language therapies, and augmentative alternative communication), assistive technology, relationship & sexuality education, durable medical equipment reuse, and blindness services.  With years of experience in special education, assistive technology, and leadership, Nicole has spent much of her career providing ongoing support and resources, as well as direct service to individuals with disabilities.