I am honored to serve as Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, and I am grateful to Governor Ned Lamont for the confidence he has placed in me through this appointment. It is an honor to continue serving the people of Connecticut and the DDS community in this new role. 

As I begin this next chapter, I would also like to thank Commissioner Jordan Scheff for his leadership, partnership, and dedication to the individuals we support. Over the past 12 years, Commissioner Scheff helped advance important initiatives, strengthen relationships, and guide DDS through both challenges and opportunities. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside him and wish him all the best in the future. 

For those who know me, not much is changing. For those who may not, I would like to share a little about myself. 

For the past ten plus years, I have had the honor of serving at DDS in a variety of roles, most recently as Deputy Commissioner. Before joining DDS, I began my career as a Direct Support Professional and went on to serve as a Respite Coordinator, Employment Specialist, Director of Day & Residential Services, and Executive Director. 

Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to learn from individuals, families, staff, providers, advocates, and community partners. Those experiences have helped shaped who I am and reinforced my belief that our best work happens when we listen, learn, and work together. 

One of the most meaningful parts of my time at DDS has been the opportunity to connect with many of you through our Fourth Tuesday Forums. Through these conversations, individuals, families, providers, advocates, and community partners have shared their experiences, perspectives, challenges, and successes. 

Those conversations have reinforced something I have long believed. Some of our most valuable lessons come from lived experience. The insights shared through these forums have helped shape my understanding of what matters most to the people we support, and they will continue to guide me as Commissioner. 

As we move forward together, my commitment is simple. I will listen. I will learn. And I will remain accessible.