I began at MFAP in 1996 and have grown the agency from a $50,000 a year budget to the present budget of $500,000.  As the position implies, I am responsible for all aspects of the agency’s operation. These demands require that I rely on and delegate to my staff of 6 employees.

Among the principal tasks I perform are: Grant Writing, Special Events, Fundraising, Clinical Supervision, and operating as a liaison with the community at large. Along with the work here at the agency, comes the importance of interacting and cooperating with other AIDS Service Organizations in the greater Norwalk area and statewide. In that spirit I am the co-chair of the Norwalk HIV/AIDS Consortium.

My life has been intertwined with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse for many years. I have had many friends and colleagues that were impacted by the virus.  My first job in the AIDS field was as a counselor at McKinney house in Stamford.  This was back in 1990 when having HIV meant sickness and death.  I took over running that program and was forever impacted and somewhat traumatized.  In 1996 when I came to MFAP, the HIV/AIDS climate had changed and the mortality rate had dropped by 70%.  I settled into the new position and looked at how to begin the process of reintegrating those living with the virus back into mainstream society.  Today MFAP has numerous programs and services, and I am pleased with the picture I have painted.

As Program Supervisor I oversee the Case Managers, Drug Treatment Advocate, Prevention Case Manager and the Medical Adherence Program. Additionally I serve in an administrative capacity collecting data and information for the Executive Director as required by the various grants and funding sources.

I have a passion for helping people maintain a healthy and productive life. I have seen clients go from struggling in life, to helping them gain their independence.

In an effort to help MFAP continue its work, for the past 5 years I have organized and produced the Comedy Jam, a successful fundraiser. The Comedy Jam serves the agency not only as a fundraiser, but as a community building event with laughter and fun for everyone involved.

I have been working in the HIV field since 1994 and was the first adolescent’s case manager in the State of CT. I became involved in HIV/AIDS because I had family members that were living with the virus.

In January of 2004 I joined the MFAP staff as Project Manager. My duties include helping with the Gay Bingo fundraisers, creating and organizing various mailings, seminars and events as well as assisting the Executive Director with administrative, clerical and organizational duties. I also interact with the Case Managers, providing a resource for them whenever I can.

As a person living with the virus, I am glad to offer my personal experiences and insight in dealing with HIV/AIDS. My successes and challenges may serve as valuable tools that others might use to solve problems, often allowing me to see how my personal experiences impact the lives of those around me.

 I am committed to working with the HIV/AIDS community. Beyond my position here, I am a Co-Chair of the New Haven/Fairfield Counties Ryan White Planning Council.