The Arc New London County
Board of Directors
Executive Committee:
John Fournier, President – has been a member of The Arc New London County since 1996 and previously served on the Board of Directors from 1996-2002. A Program and IT Manager with extensive experience in the technical services industry, John holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. John also is a member of the National Down Syndrome Congress and its Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress chapter. He lives in Norwich with his wife Denise and son Tom, who is an adult living with Down Syndrome.
Enrico DeMatto, Vice-President – served as Director of Special Services in our local schools for many years. He now works as an independent consultant to local districts supporting people with intellectual disabilities. He is an active adviser to The Arc New London County in the areas of new business development and personnel.
Linda Rhodes, Secretary – is dedicated to inclusion for people with disabilities and is a Speech Language Pathologist in the Colchester Schools.
Emily Fournier, Treasurer – also serves as Treasurer of The Arc Connecticut and is a Certified Public Accountant. Her brother, Tom, is an adult living with an intellectual disability.
Directors:
Diane Aubin, Immediate Past President – offers a lifetime of experience in special education and is a tireless supporter of The Arc. Her commitment is rooted in her early days as a single mom and teacher, when she won an Arc scholarship. In addition to having served as our Board President, Diane is Board President for The Arc Connecticut. She also serves as a special education teaching consultant and contractor for the Stonington Schools.
Dennis Starling, Client Representative – an Arc member since 2006 when he joined the recreation program. He has also served as a Vice President on the board of Self Advocates for many years and remains an active member today. Dennis is very passionate about helping others and serving as a voice for his peers. He has lived in various group homes but now lives independently with his wife of two years. Dennis draws upon his past experiences to help him and others advocate for change.
Shannon Aiello – has been an active volunteer with The Arc for twelve years and has served on the Board Directors for the last six. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Radford University and focused her graduate work at the University of Wisconsin in Special Education. Shannon also holds a Master Gardener Certificate through the University of CT, a rigorous 16-week program designed to train volunteers committed to sharing their passion and enthusiasm for gardening, education and outreach with their communities. Her volunteer work includes education and landscaping projects for local non-profits, including several of The Arc group homes, as well as coaching The Arc’s Special Olympics bowling team. Shannon continues to donate her time and artistic talent to making The Arc a beautiful place for both staff and participants.
Dawn DeCristofaro – is a Vice President with Chelsea Groton Bank. Prior to being promoted, Dawn was an Assistant Treasurer and Commercial Loan Officer. Dawn has been with Chelsea Groton Bank for 12 years and also served as the Commercial Credit Manager where her responsibilities included developing new business prospects and interacting with Branch Managers regarding loan referrals from prospective commercial customers. Dawn co-chairs The Arc’s Pirate Party committee.
Mary Anne Duchene – is the mother of a young woman with Autism and a Registered Nurse who has been in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, helping transition people into their communities. She currently is advising The Arc New London County in ways to optimize the newly refurbished Sensory Rooms.
Wendy Mis – holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and is the Director of Health in Colchester, CT. She resides in Griswold with her husband and two school age children. Wendy has a brother with developmental disabilities and has served on a private provider board for five years.
Attorney Alan Messier – provides volunteer legal services for The Arc. Alan had a family member with intellectual disabilities.
Alice Munyan – serves as Executive Director of The Mashantucket Pequot Nation Tribal Council and was instrumental in outfitting the Community Integration Program’s Garden Room.