OuR MISSION
TAFA signed their first lease on a building space in April of 2023 (just in time for Autism Awareness Month!) with the mission to better serve children and families impacted by autism through programs, events and activities aimed at increasing equity and inclusion.
TAFA Board Member Bios:
Christina Augliera is the founder and current Director of TAFA. Christina graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2011 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish. Her first job placement after completing college was with an agency servicing autistic students within a public school setting. It was in this placement that Christina learned the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and grew her passion for working with students identified with autism spectrum disorders. Her passion was further ignited when her younger son, Connor, was diagnosed with autism. Soon after his diagnosis, learning effective methods of intervention and creating opportunities for children and families impacted by autism became a personal mission and TAFA was born. Professionally, Christina has worked with a variety of individuals encompassing a wide range of intellectual, physical and psychiatric needs, with a primary focus on those impacted by autism, in a multitude of different service delivery settings. Christina is the proud mother of two children: Cayden and Connor who mean everything to her. She spends her time advocating for autism and hanging out with her husband, Adam, their children and their 2 cats, Cutie and Fargo :) Christina resides in Torrington, Connecticut.
Elizabeth Chickos- Liz is currently serving as the Board President. She carries a Master’s Degree in finance. and is employed as a Senior Financial Manager for Collins Aerospace. In addition to years of experience in the realm of finance, Liz lives in Canton, CT and enjoys spending time with her husband John, her daughter Ally, and her son Owen, who is diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. Owen is the driving force behind Liz’s advocacy for special needs families and led her to incorporate her own nonprofit with a mission to create an adaptive farm called Owen’s Meadow. Liz’s professional affiliations include being an Avon Unico member and TOPS soccer program lead.
Maria Gonzalez- Maria is currently serving as the Board Vice President. She carries a degree in Business Administration and is employed as the Director of Community Services for New Opportunities Inc. in Torrington. Maria lives in Torrington with her two daughters and granddaughter. She also houses an adult individual with special needs through DDS, and has done so for many years. Maria has a lengthy background of serving the community and is an exceptional advocate for our Spanish-speaking population. Her professional affiliations include the Torrington- Winsted Rotary Club, The Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce, The Mayoral Cultural Committee, Torrington P.A.L. Committee, and several positions on many other local nonprofit boards and community committees. Maria has received numerous awards recognizing her work within our community; including The Northwest United Way Woman of the Year Award in 2019 and The Northwest CT Chamber of Commerce Community Leader Award in 2020.
Adam Piechowski has been a member of the TAFA board since its inception. A sixth grade math teacher in the Litchfield Schools Public school system, he brings passion and expertise working with children. In addition to earning a teaching certification from Central Connecticut State University, he also received his master’s degree and network certification in Educational Technology from Boise State University. This adds vital experience in streamlining technology to maximize efficiency throughout the organization. He has coached baseball and taught for over 12 years, providing whole team, small group, and individualized instruction at a variety of age levels. Adam is a dedicated family man currently living in Torrington with his wife Christina and their two boys Cayden and Connor.
Melissa Hebert currently works as a paraeducator for Torrington Public Schools. Over the past 20 years, she has worked with a broad clientele of individuals identified with varying disabilities and needs in the academic, residential and vocational sectors. She is the proud grandmother of five amazing grandchildren; one of whom has autism. Melissa is passionate about ensuring the best quality of life for those on the autism spectrum and their families. She lives in Torrington, CT with her husband, Chris and she enjoys spending time with her 3 adult children and all of her extended family.
Emily Carrin earned her degree in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of Connecticut in 2015 and has published research in attachment theory and relationships. She began her journey as a special education teacher in 2016. Emily earned her master's degree in special education from Central Connecticut State University in 2021 and has had the privilege of working with students pre-k-22 within home, community and school settings. Emily has a broad perspective of experience in special education through working as a volunteer, paraprofessional, teacher and as a parent to her 4-year-old son who is deaf and has autism along with other medical challenges. Emily currently lives in New Hartford with her husband Michael, son Jack, daughter Charlotte and their cat Jasper.
Pat Reynolds- Pat is a retired medical assistant who spent years working in medical offices and emergency medical services (EMS). In her retirement, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her 2 grown children and her 3 grandchildren. She resides in Winchester, CT and loves baking and gardening. Her professional affiliations include being a member of The Winsted Grange and The Veneta Society Women’s Auxiliary.
Emma Pullium- Emma holds an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and is currently employed as a Staff Accountant handling financial statements, accounts receivable and accounts payable. She is a Torrington resident and enjoys spending time with family and travelling. Emma spends many hours in the community volunteering in capacities that support youth. Her professional affiliations include The Veneta Society Women’s Auxiliary and The Winsted Elks Club.
Sandy Mancini- Sandy holds an LCSW and has extensive experience in the field of clinical social work; currently employed by Waterbury Public Schools. Her background includes vast experience in the field of mental health, substance abuse and school social work. Sandy enjoys spending time and travelling with her husband and 2 children, Valentina and Joey. Joey is diagnosed with autism and has propelled Sandy into the dual roles of personal and professional advocate for families impacted by special needs and autism.