OuR MISSION
Torrington Area Families for Autism (TAFA) is a local Autism nonprofit organization
started by parents who know first hand what it means to raise a child living with autism. The goal of TAFA is to create a group focused on Autism Advocacy, Awareness and Inclusion. We also offer a support group, group activities, and social opportunities. Exposure and opportunities for socialization make a world of difference to those living with autism and their families.
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.
Danielle Verderame has been working with TAFA since 2017. Above all else in her life, she knows first hand what it means to live the ASD life alongside her son Ben, and is passionate about making the lives of families living with ASD better for each family member. She has a BA from CCSU with a background in art and graphic design and worked in corporate America for almost a decade before transitioning to the realm of special education. Being a mother is a priority above all else for Danielle, and being a mom of a special needs child has launched her into the world of special education and advocacy for her son and all other children. She has worked as an advocate, a family peer support and family systems manager for a Connecticut-based company and is passionate about helping parents navigate their way through the special education process as well as the network of care.
Adam Piechowski has been a member of the TAFA board since its inception. A 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. Adam also has direct experience working in the nonprofit sector, serving as the vice president for the Berkshire Bandits, a local 501(c)3 that supports youth baseball and softball players in the local area. He has coached 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.
LIz Chickos is the proud mom of a 10-year-old son named Owen. Owen has many intellectual, physical and medical challenges that have opened her world to being an advocate and voice for him as he navigates his world. Liz is a finance professional that has worked in the Aerospace industry for 20 years. She joined the TAFA Board as a finance focal looking to help develop long term goals for employment and housing for our adult children down the road. Liz feels fortunate to have made strong connections with Christina and Danielle through the adaptive sports programs that she founded as well as a special needs support group they have attended together. Liz believes that we are a united force along with our fellow board members that will work together to ensure our children and others in our community can live their best life.
John Kolesar is excited about the opportunity to serve the children and parents living with autism as part of TAFA, and to further TAFA’s goal to create a group focused on Autism Advocacy, Awareness and Inclusion. John grew up in Warwick, New York. He received a bachelor’s degree from Pace University in 2012, a law degree from Pace University School of Law in 2016, and a master’s degree from Columbia University in 2020. John currently works as an associate at Harris Beach PLLC. Before joining Harris Beach, John worked at Feerick Nugent MacCartney in South Nyack, New York. John, his wife Kristen and two cats reside in Warwick, New York.
Deanna Cipriano currently works for Canton Public School as a Special Education ABA Paraprofessional. Her previous work experience includes work as a Behavior Therapist for 2 years providing in home services to families for A Brand New Day and Quantum Behavior Consultants LLC., 16 years for Devereux Glenholme School in variety of roles, Residential Instructor and Residential Supervisor, School House Supervisor and Medical Office. As part of the TAFA Board, she aims to continue learning, and help make changes within the community for inclusion for families with Autism.
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.
Tasha LaViera- Tasha is a bi-lingual Community Health Worker in northwest Connecticut. She brings an abundance of knowledge related to the needs of our community. Professionally, she has spent her career in positions servicing a broad variety of needs in the Torrington-area with a focus on creating equity and accessibility for Spanish-speaking families. She is a proud mother to her daughter, Valerie, and enjoys spending time with family and serving the community.
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.
Danielle Verderame has been working with TAFA since 2017. Above all else in her life, she knows first hand what it means to live the ASD life alongside her son Ben, and is passionate about making the lives of families living with ASD better for each family member. She has a BA from CCSU with a background in art and graphic design and worked in corporate America for almost a decade before transitioning to the realm of special education. Being a mother is a priority above all else for Danielle, and being a mom of a special needs child has launched her into the world of special education and advocacy for her son and all other children. She has worked as an advocate, a family peer support and family systems manager for a Connecticut-based company and is passionate about helping parents navigate their way through the special education process as well as the network of care.
Adam Piechowski has been a member of the TAFA board since its inception. A 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. Adam also has direct experience working in the nonprofit sector, serving as the vice president for the Berkshire Bandits, a local 501(c)3 that supports youth baseball and softball players in the local area. He has coached 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.
LIz Chickos is the proud mom of a 10-year-old son named Owen. Owen has many intellectual, physical and medical challenges that have opened her world to being an advocate and voice for him as he navigates his world. Liz is a finance professional that has worked in the Aerospace industry for 20 years. She joined the TAFA Board as a finance focal looking to help develop long term goals for employment and housing for our adult children down the road. Liz feels fortunate to have made strong connections with Christina and Danielle through the adaptive sports programs that she founded as well as a special needs support group they have attended together. Liz believes that we are a united force along with our fellow board members that will work together to ensure our children and others in our community can live their best life.
John Kolesar is excited about the opportunity to serve the children and parents living with autism as part of TAFA, and to further TAFA’s goal to create a group focused on Autism Advocacy, Awareness and Inclusion. John grew up in Warwick, New York. He received a bachelor’s degree from Pace University in 2012, a law degree from Pace University School of Law in 2016, and a master’s degree from Columbia University in 2020. John currently works as an associate at Harris Beach PLLC. Before joining Harris Beach, John worked at Feerick Nugent MacCartney in South Nyack, New York. John, his wife Kristen and two cats reside in Warwick, New York.
Deanna Cipriano currently works for Canton Public School as a Special Education ABA Paraprofessional. Her previous work experience includes work as a Behavior Therapist for 2 years providing in home services to families for A Brand New Day and Quantum Behavior Consultants LLC., 16 years for Devereux Glenholme School in variety of roles, Residential Instructor and Residential Supervisor, School House Supervisor and Medical Office. As part of the TAFA Board, she aims to continue learning, and help make changes within the community for inclusion for families with Autism.
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.
Tasha LaViera- Tasha is a bi-lingual Community Health Worker in northwest Connecticut. She brings an abundance of knowledge related to the needs of our community. Professionally, she has spent her career in positions servicing a broad variety of needs in the Torrington-area with a focus on creating equity and accessibility for Spanish-speaking families. She is a proud mother to her daughter, Valerie, and enjoys spending time with family and serving the community.