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OUR TEAM
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KASSIDY BROWN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Kassidy has over 20 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.
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JULIE HILL
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
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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 projects and anything that has her in or near water.
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MARLISE STELLNER
HR MANAGER AND TITLE IX COORDINATOR
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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.
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KELLIE GRAHAM
OFFICE MANAGER AND BOOKKEEPER
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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.
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​JEREMY OSTROUT
OPERATIONS MANAGER
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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 and traveling.
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WILL ROBINSON
DIRECTOR OF ADULT AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
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Will has a BA in Sociology and began working at The Light House 14 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 Employment 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 spending quality time with his wife and daughter, camping and hiking with family and friends, and fly fishing with his labrador retriever Fisher.
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KELSEY BROWN
MANAGER OF ADULT DAY SERVICES - New London
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Kelsey studied nursing at Three Rivers Community College and has been working at The Light House for 9 years. As Manager of Adult Day Services - Community Campus - New London, Kelsey is responsible for managing, training, and supporting direct care staff as well as overseeing and coordinating all program activities. She 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 children, hanging out with family, hiking, and the beach.
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BOBBI JO RAMSEY
MANAGER OF ADULT DAY SERVICES- Niantic
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Bobbi Jo joined The Light House after working extensively with The Arc and is Manager our Adult Day Services - Community Campus 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 Community Campus 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, hiking around New England, and spending time with her family and pets.
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RACHEL CHIMILESKI
MANAGER OF EMPLOYMENT SERVICES - LH WORKS
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Rachel graduated from the State University at Oneonta, NY with a Bachelors in Psychology. She joined The Light House in 2022 as an Employment Specialist for LH Works and is now the Manager of Employment Services. "I am privileged to support the men and women in our program". Rachel aims to create a safe place to make mistakes and work through struggles, a place for job seekers to always know they can ask for help, and independence gained through a "teach, not do" philosophy. When not at work Rachel loves swimming, creating new art projects and spending quality time with friends.
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SHARON PALLATTO
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
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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.
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TAMMY HART
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
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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.
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HERMIONE SYLVERSTER
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
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Hermione earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Relations from UCONN, her Master’s of Arts in Teaching from Sacred Heart University, and completed the Special Education Program at Southern Connecticut State University. Hermione comes to the Lighthouse with 20 years of teaching experience at a therapeutic day school in the area for students with special educational needs. Hermione is dedicated to giving children the care and support needed to learn and grow. When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog Lily.
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ASHLEY CAMBISACA
TEACHING ASSISTANT
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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.
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LAURA TRACY
TEACHING ASSISTANT
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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.
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MARITZA MEUSE
TEACHING ASSISTANT
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Maritza joined The Light House in 2023 as a Paraprofessional
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ROB SHEPHERD
TEACHING ASSISTANT
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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.
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ROBIN MARQUAND
TRAINING AND SUPPORT SPECIALIST
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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 her 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!
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JILL MASSIMINO
ENRICHMENT and AFTER SCHOOL COORDINATOR
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Jill earned her Bachelor's Degree is 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.
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KELLY ROZOWSKY
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
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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.
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STEPHANIE REILLY
TRANSPORTATION COORDINATOR
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​Stephanie joined The Light House in May of 2022 as a Paraprofessional. When the opportunity for advancement arose she applied and is now the Transportation Coordinator. Stephanie is responsible for managing, training and supporting staff on transportation, as well as overseeing and coordinating all transportation for program activities and transportation to and from the Learning Campus. In addition she is responsible for maintaining the fleet of vehicles across all locations. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys hiking, the trampoline park, going to the beach, fishing and spending weekends in her home state of Maine with her two beautiful children.
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REBECCA HAWKINS
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
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Rebecca graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a BS in Public Health. She comes to The Light House with 20 years of various Administrative experience in the business and education fields. In her role, Rebecca assists in the day to day operations of our Central Office. Rebecca was one of the founding parents for a non-profit chapter of Hands & Voices in Hawaii. She has a love and passion not only advocating for children but for parents as well. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, playing card games, baking, making jam, bowling and reading. She has two feisty cats that compete with her kids to keep her life interesting.
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ERIC MCGOWAN
BUILDING AND GROUNDS MANAGER
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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.
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KATHY GREENE
FOUNDER
Retired
Retired
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.
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