BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF
Throughout the past 70 years, MidState Arc has been led by a team of professionals dedicated to advocate for our community in CT. Through the advancement of cutting edge techniques and now Assistive Technology, we can help those become more independent and accepted in today’s challenging society.
Pamela Fields, CEO
With over 40 years with MidState Arc, her experience with service supports, activity in advocating for 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.
Becky Blazejowski, CFO
A CPA with extensive experience with nonprofits auditing organizations in the state and currently on the nonprofit committee of the CT Society for Certified Public Accountants and serving on the steering committee for the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.
Maritza Dell, COO
Drawn to the Human Services field for personal reasons, coupled with her beliefs that those with IDD should have the same opportunities as everyone else, become independent and be accepted into society, Maritza prides herself on finding ways to improve systems, ensuring quality care and support for every person utilizing the agency.
Mary Ellen Rivers, Facilities Director
Oversees the maintenance management of the administrative building, offsite program areas, and group homes. Mary Ellen was instrumental in implementing the renovations of the main building on Research Parkway which currently houses four program areas and the administrative offices.
Matt Puttre, Director of Residential Services
His passion and excellence focuses on assisting people in moving from group homes and/or nursing homes into their own homes with the use of technology to assist and support them. Currently overseeing 11 Residential Group Homes and the Residential In-Home Supports and Cluster division comprising a staff of over 120 with an annual budget of $7.4MM supporting 67 individuals in the community.
Courtney Spector, Clinical Director
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 specializing in the area of assisting people with intellectual disabilities and behavioral challenges overcome obstacles in their lives.
Amy R. Mindell, Dir of Community Outreach & Assitive Technology.
With over 30 years of experience as an Assistive Technology Specialist, she 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.
Latavia Harge, Day Services Director
Latavia has worked for 16 years with kids and adults in the human services field as a Direct Support Professional and then furthered her experience into management. She takes pride in ensuring the quality of service for the individuals supported while growing her department and staying in line with the budgets.
Kathryn Wood, Director of Community Integration
Kathryn has worked in the Human Service Field for the past 20 years with kids and adults. She began her career at MidState Arc in 2001 as a Direct Support Professional and currently is overseeing the Independent Living Program and Individual Home Support while currently pursuing her BS in Legal Studies at Post University.
Board of Directors
Peggy Embardo - Board Chair*
MaryEllen Kingsland-Eckels - Vice Chair
Kathy Cavicchioli - Treasurer
Marsha Beckford - Secretary
Sandy Maier-Schede - Director
James Zafiris - Director*
Barry Sheftel - Director*
Director/Immediate Past Chair - Geri Kogut*
Pauline Bouffard - Director*
* = Family member of a person with IDD.