Navigating Independence
Housing Solutions
Smart Technology
Our Team
Over the past 70 years, MidState Arc has been led by a team of professionals dedicated to advocating for our community in Connecticut. Through the advancement of cutting edge techniques and assistive technology, we can help each individual living with IDD become more independent and accepted in today’s challenging society.
Pamela Fields
Pam has served with MidState Arc for over 40 years. Her experience with service supports, activity in advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities, and partn...Read More
Pamela Fields
Designation:
Chief Operating OfficerDepartment:
Leadership TeamPam has served with MidState Arc for over 40 years. Her experience with service supports, activity in advocating for the rights of people with developmental disabilities, and partnership in creating an Assistive Technology Training Center has grown MidState’s annual budget of $3MM and 80 employees to over $11MM and 200 employees.
pfields@midstatearc.org
203.238.8362
Becky Blazejowski
Becky is a CPA with extensive nonprofit experience auditing organizations in the state. She currently sits on the nonprofit committee of the CT Society for Certified Public Account...Read More
Becky Blazejowski
Designation:
Chief Financial OfficerDepartment:
Leadership TeamBecky is a CPA with extensive nonprofit experience auditing organizations in the state. She currently sits on the nonprofit committee of the CT Society for Certified Public Accountants and serves on the steering committee for the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.
bblazejowski@midstatearc.org
203.238.8364
Maritza Dell
Maritza prides herself on finding ways to improve systems and ensure quality of care and support for every person utilizing the agency. She was drawn to the human service field for...Read More
Maritza Dell
Designation:
Chief Operating OfficerDepartment:
Leadership TeamMaritza prides herself on finding ways to improve systems and ensure quality of care and support for every person utilizing the agency. She was drawn to the human service field for personal reasons, along with a belief that those with IDD should have the same opportunities as everyone else to become independent and be accepted into society.
mdell@midstatearc.org
203.238.8377
Maryellen Rivers
Mary oversees the maintenance management of the administrative building, offsite program areas, and group homes. She was instrumental in implementing the renovations of the main bu...Read More
Maryellen Rivers
Designation:
Facilities DirectorDepartment:
Leadership TeamMary oversees the maintenance management of the administrative building, offsite program areas, and group homes. She was instrumental in implementing the renovations of the main building on Research Parkway, which currently houses four program areas and the administrative offices.
mrivers@midstatearc.org
203.238.8363
Matt Puttre
His passion and excellence focuses on assisting people move from group homes and/or nursing homes into their own homes with the use of technology to assist and support them. Curren...Read More
Matt Puttre
Designation:
Director of Residential ServicesDepartment:
Leadership TeamHis passion and excellence focuses on assisting people move from group homes and/or nursing homes into their own homes with the use of technology to assist and support them. Currently, he oversees 11 residential group homes, as well as the residential In-Home Supports (IHS) and cluster division, which supports 67 individuals in the community, has over 120 staff members, and has with an annual budget of $7.4MM.
MPuttre@midstatearc.org
203.238.8374
Courtney Spector
Courtney is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years’ experience with various populations including children/adolescents and families through geriatrics, working with...Read More
Courtney Spector
Designation:
Clinical DirectorDepartment:
Leadership TeamCourtney is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years’ experience with various populations including children/adolescents and families through geriatrics, working with children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as other psychiatric disorders. Currently, she specializes in assisting people with intellectual disabilities and behavioral challenges overcome obstacles in their lives.
cspector@midstatearc.org
203.238.8394
Amy R. Mindell
With over 30 years of experience as an Assistive Technology Specialist, Amy developed a program that provides a full range of assistive technology services to students with disabil...Read More
Amy R. Mindell
Designation:
Director of Community Outreach & Assistive TechnologyDepartment:
Leadership TeamWith over 30 years of experience as an Assistive Technology Specialist, Amy developed a program that provides a full range of assistive technology services to students with disabilities, faculty, and educators across the state, ensuring full access to higher educational settings.
She presents at national assistive and educational technology conferences on innovative uses of assistive technology to support learners with a wide range of disabilities as they strive to have full access to education, employment, and independent living.
arubinmindell@midstatearc.org
203.238.8365
Latavia Harge
For 16 years, Latavia worked with kids and adults in the human service field as a Direct Support Professional. To expand her experience, she moved into a management role. She takes...Read More
Latavia Harge
Designation:
Day Services DirectorDepartment:
Leadership TeamFor 16 years, Latavia worked with kids and adults in the human service field as a Direct Support Professional. To expand her experience, she moved into a management role. She takes pride in ensuring the quality of service for the individuals supported while growing her department and staying in line with the budgets.
LHarge@midstatearc.org
203.238.8361
Kathryn Wood
Kat brings 22 years of dedicated service to the Human Service field, and is currently pursuing her B.S. in Legal Studies with Post University. She has supported children and adults...Read More
Kathryn Wood
Designation:
Director of Community IntegrationDepartment:
Leadership TeamKat brings 22 years of dedicated service to the Human Service field, and is currently pursuing her B.S. in Legal Studies with Post University. She has supported children and adults living with disabilities and neurodiversity. Kat began her journey in 2001 with MidState Arc as a Direct Support Professional where she was able to learn what it truly takes to make an impact on someone's life. Throughout her career, she has brought creativity, compassion, and a person-centered approach to the positions she has held. All of her experiences have aided in her growth and professional development.
Currently, Kat directly oversees the Individual Supports and Cluster Program at Midstate. Her vast knowledge of Assistive Technology, inclusive of Remote supports, ensures that the needs of the individuals being supported are met and that they are each thriving and living their best lives. She has a strong team of Managers and Direct Support Professionals that relies on her guidance for the overall success of the programs and people supported. .
kwood@
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Sarah Barry
Sarah works with Matt, helping to oversee Midstate Arc’s Residential Group Homes. She has been in human services for nearly 20 years and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from...Read More
Sarah Barry
Designation:
Assistant Residential DirectorDepartment:
Leadership TeamSarah works with Matt, helping to oversee Midstate Arc’s Residential Group Homes. She has been in human services for nearly 20 years and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology from Central Connecticut State University. She supervised a youth emergency safe home and a medically complex youth group home. More recently Sarah was working with individuals and families that have experienced domestic violence by providing shelter and housing services. Sarah has spent years working with those who have experienced incredible trauma. She has seen the positive and the negative that can come from working with a trauma survivor. She has focused on working with staff to understand the impact of trauma and how developing healthy relationships is one of the most positive ways to help individuals reach their goals.
Theresa Buchanan
Serving Midstate Arc for a second time, Theresa Buchanan, HR Director returned to the agency in December 2021. A former job coach in the late 1980s, thirty years later Buchanan fou...Read More
Theresa Buchanan
Designation:
Chief Human Resource OfficerDepartment:
Leadership TeamServing Midstate Arc for a second time, Theresa Buchanan, HR Director returned to the agency in December 2021. A former job coach in the late 1980s, thirty years later Buchanan found herself once again striving to serve the mission of Midstate Arc. Her long career in the human resource management field encompasses public service for the towns of Southington and East Hartford. During her tenure, Buchanan has also worked in the private sector establishing new human resource departments for smaller companies. Bringing to the position Buchanan maintains two certifications in the human resource field, SHRM CP and PHR. Having a master’s degree in organizational leadership, Buchanan is also an associate professor teaching human resource management for Post University. Embracing the team approach, Buchanan serves the needs of Midstate Arc with a department of human resource generalists and a training coordinator. Their focus is to hire staff that understand the rewarding experience employees will find in the service of individuals with disabilities. Understanding the challenges presented during these unprecedent times, Buchanan strives to provide a high degree of value to the employment experience of Midstate Arc employees.
Marsha Beckford
Marsha Beckford is a managing attorney for the Connecticut Foreclosure group with McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC. Ms. Beckford oversees attorneys and staff in referrals and Fir...Read More
Marsha Beckford
Designation:
*Board ChairDepartment:
Leadership TeamMarsha Beckford is a managing attorney for the Connecticut Foreclosure group with McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC. Ms. Beckford oversees attorneys and staff in referrals and First Legal ensuring compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. Additionally, Marsha represents clients by arguing motions in pursuits of their rights and participates in mediation to achieve amicable resolutions if necessary. Attorney Beckford utilizes the totality of her real estate experience from residential closings to landlord tenant law to best serve each client
“The people at midstate are amazing and helped me and my loved one reach new levels of independence!.”
Board of Directors
Marsha S. Beckford – Board Chair*
Geri Kogut – Vice Chair
Kathy Cavicchioli – Treasurer
Pauline Bouffard – Secretary*
Sandy Maier-Schede – Director
James Zafiris – Director*
Barry Sheftel – Director*
Peggy Embardo – Director/Immediate Past Chair*
* – Indicates a family member of a person with IDD.