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.
Liz Chickos is the proud mom of an 11-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 through his life. Liz is a finance professional that has worked in the Aerospace industry for over 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. Most recently she has been elected President and in this role she is excited to be collaborating with an amazing team of driven advocates who all share the same vision and intentions. Liz feels fortunate to have made strong connections with Christina through the adaptive sports programs that she founded as well as a special needs support group they have attended together. With the opening of Common-Unity Center in 2023, TAFA is excited to be expanding and she is honored to lead this great team!
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.
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.
Ann Sullivan has been an educator for the past 33 years, professionally trained in the Connecticut State University System. Ann earned her bachelor’s degree in education (Special Education and Regular Education) in 1987. Ann spent two years as a Special Education volunteer in the United States Peace Corps in Honduras before earning her master’s degree in special education (with a specialization in Early Childhood.) Ann worked as a Special Education Teacher in the Torrington Public Schools from 2017-2021.
Ann has recently become a member of the TAFA Board of Directors and is passionate about their mission.
Ann has recently become a member of the TAFA Board of Directors and is passionate about their mission.
Mary Maher is a mom of three sons that she shares with her husband Tim. While her kids were young, she was active in many non-profits to support their schools and sports teams. Now that her kids are grown, she has a passion for continuing to help serve the community. She is a finance professional with over 25 years experience and resides in Simsbury with her husband and dog Lucy.