Tricia Piacentini is an educator with more than 20 years of experience. As a parent of two adult sons on the autism spectrum, creating opportunities for people with disabilities has been a life-long passion. Tricia has a Master’s Degree in General Education from Lesley University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Fitchburg State University.Tricia started her career as an educator while working for Early Intervention, a program through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Later, in her role as a special education teacher, Tricia worked with administration to create, develop, and implement a program for students on the autism spectrum for Amesbury Public Schools. Additionally, Tricia has worked as a Home Trainer, teaching students with special needs how to generalize their skills across home and community settings. Tricia continues to work with students with a variety of disabilities including autism, adhd,and language-based learning disabilities, in a co-taught classroom, where students are able to receive services in an integrated setting. Tricia maintains three teaching licenses including Elementary Education, Moderate Special Needs, and Severe Special Needs and holds an Autism Endorsement through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Tricia knows first-hand that adults with disabilities can build rich and meaningful lives through their work. Nothing gives Tricia more joy than watching students prove to themselves how very capable they are.

Tricia lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons.

Lara Raymond received a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Rivier University, and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from SNHU. Most recently she was the Adult Autism Specialist for the Northeast Arc’s Support Center, providing resources, and social opportunities to adults in the Lowell area. This followed 7 years of supporting those with developmental disabilities in New Hampshire. This

included time supporting adults as a direct support professional, working with NH START, a program that specializes in supporting individuals with both a developmental disability and a mental health diagnosis, as well as time as an employment specialist with a local day program. She currently provides mentoring services to adults on the autism spectrum, through the Northeast Arc. Lara is energized when able to implement person-centered approaches, which she believes enables individuals to set and achieve

their goals. Lara lives in southern NH with her husband, young daughter, and dog. She is an active member of the Lions Club. In her free time she enjoys attending concerts, baking, and taking beginner Irish step dancing lessons.

Kara has 20 years of School Counseling experience working with students from Kindergarten through grade 12. She currently holds a School Counselor/Admissions Counselor position at VLACS, the public virtual school for New Hampshire and has also worked as a Middle School Counselor in a public school in Massachusetts.

Kara is passionate about working with students to help them reach their full potential.

Kara lives on the north shore of Massachusetts with her husband and two young children. In her spare time

she loves to spend time with her family outdoors and enjoys gardening, hiking, camping and boating. 

At home, Erin has an extremely hard working younger sister with Prader-Willi Syndrome, a very rare genetic autism spectrum disease. She has seen firsthand at home that individuals with disabilities can defeat all odds and build a meaningful livelihood for themselves. Outside of work, Erin enjoys running and playing the oboe. She lives near Boston, MA with her cat named Butter.

My experiences have ultimately led to an incredibly fulfilling teaching and coaching career. As a teacher, coach and mentor, I have a passion for sharing my journey, and for inspiring others to find the passion to do the same.