Meet Our Team

MEET ALLIE’S DREAM TEAM

MEET OUR STAFF

KATHERINE FOSTER
PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Hi, I am Katie Foster. I have over 10 years of experience working with direct care, to managing day programs and group homes. I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University in 2017 and my Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University in 2018. I am a single mom to my son Logan who helps inspire me every day. I coach youth soccer in the spring and fall. It has always been my dream to run a day program that includes art, music, education, dance, exercise, and most importantly, an accepting and loving environment for all.

MARITZA MORGAN
DIRECT SUPPORT PRO

Hi, I am Maritza Morgan. I have 20 years working as a Special Education paraprofessional in the elementary and high school system. Assisted teachers with lesson preparation, speak multiple languages, and supported individuals 1:1 and in group settings. At Allie’s Dream, I encourage self-fulfillment and independence. It’s a wonderful place to be. I have a true understanding of their challenges first-hand, raising a daughter who has intellectual disabilities. As a caregiver to my family and to my daughter, it comes naturally.

SHAMARI SOCKWELL
DIRECT SUPPORT PRO

Hi, I am Shamari Sockwell. I have more than 6 years of experience working with individuals with cognitive, mobility and specific disabilities. I’m a very positive person who looks at all things in a creative, unique way. I am most passionate about getting to know each individual I work with and learning their own way of communicating. My goal has always been to make a positive impact in someone’s life. My favorite quote is “Use your SMILE to change the world, Don’t let the world change your SMILE”… because it’s the little things that count.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

	LILI VASILEFF, PRESIDENT OF ALLIE’S DREAM, INC. AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lili is the proud single Mother of two extraordinary adult children, Nathaniel and Alexandra, both of whom have inspired her to make the change in the world she passionately believes is possible for individuals with special needs. Championing sibling and special needs causes her entire life, she served many years on the Board of Directors of Friends of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital; Yale Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs; and as founding parent of CT Parent Advocacy Center. She received the prestigious Dr. Barbar Award from Friends of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital for leadership, service and advocacy in the community for creating the “Siblings Program” a contribution to the lives of families with special needs children. Allie’s Dream is her vision for ensuring full immersion in the arts with learning-based themes that inspire creativity, joy and expression. Never one to give up, Lili pushed the mountain with her nose to make it happen finally!
	KYLE BRANDAY, VICE PRESIDENT Kyle Branday, MPT, C-PS, CDN, is a dedicated Physical Therapist and a staunch advocate for those in need. He is a graduate of Quinnipiac University and prides himself in setting the high standards for patient care. Kyle’s passion to better the lives of people in his community continues to be a driving force in his life. Kyle has been a member of the Board of Directors for Allie’s Dream since 2013 and has been honored to be appointed as the Vice President of the Board. It is his hope to help grow Allie’s Dream to benefit our community and proliferate the goals and vision of this tremendous organization.
	BONNIE BOTWICK, DIRECTOR I am a retired certified k- 12 reading and writing teacher. I worked with both students and teachers in my field. Educationally, I have a Masters and a post graduate degree. I know Lili and Allie both personally and professionally. Having had a child with special needs, I felt an immediate kinship and was awed by Lili’s intelligence and positive attitude. It was also wonderful to interact with Allie and get to know this delightful young lady. I immediately wanted to be affiliated with Allie’s Dream.
	KIM PETRILLO, DIRECTOR I am a seasoned nurse with over 30 years of experience in clinical care, as well as, with special needs individuals and the elderly. I have had the pleasure of caring for Allie from the time she was in public elementary school and for the last decade in her home care setting. I am honored to be on the Board for Allie’s Dream 💗.
	ROBERT “WOODY” WILKINS, DIRECTOR Executive Director and founder of Dances With Wood. DWW is a program that heals and restores the spirits of hospitalized children with cancer and other serious illnesses. I am pleased to serve on the board of Allies Dream because the program represents an exciting new approach to providing educational and empowering programs to an important group of young adults with special needs.
	LYNN MCCRYSTAL, DIRECTOR Having spent multiple decades in the not-for-profit world, Lynn brings a commitment for passionate leadership and value-based inclusive choices for persons with abilities and disabilities. Originally educated and registered as an Art Therapist, Lynn has shown the ability to cultivate unique partnerships and develop innovative programs, while remaining steadfast in her commitment to the arts. Her expertise includes the development of social enterprises, day support programs, autism-specific services, grant writing and staff development. Lynn believes strongly in the vision of Allie’s Dream and is pleased to offer her voice and support.