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Our Vision

Our vision is to empower individuals on the autism spectrum and their families by fostering a supportive and inclusive community. We are dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance, and personal growth through education, resources, and meaningful connections. By celebrating each unique journey, we aim to create a world where every person feels valued and inspired to thrive, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to shine.

Our Team

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Christine Faressa

President & Chairman of the Board

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Christine Faressa is the founder of Sun, Moon & Stars (SMS), a nonprofit she co-founded in 2016 to support families with children on the autism spectrum. What began as a Supper Club grew into a wide range of programs, including support groups, adaptive sports, holiday events, and an adaptive swim program. Driven by her son Domenic's autism diagnosis, Christine has helped enhance the lives of countless families, raising funds and creating inclusive community connections. She serves on several boards, including the Watertown Board of Education and EdAdvance, and has been nominated to the Connecticut Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council. With a background in medical sales and nonprofit management, Christine is committed to fostering collaboration and inclusion for autism families.

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Mark Faressa co-founded Sun, Moon & Stars with his wife, Christine, and is an incredible part of its support system. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management and has an extensive background in purchasing and inventory management. Mark currently works for Swift Middle School while running a successful direct sales business. 

Mark Faressa 
Vice-President

Abbi Nori Nelson is a long-time friend of the Faressa family and has been an ardent supporter of Sun, Moon & Stars in this capacity since inception. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications. Abbi is a photographer and video producer with 20+ years of experience working at Fortune 500 companies in marketing leadership roles.

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Abbi Nori Nelson 
Marketing Chair

Lori Bonaldi, with over 40 years of experience, has been an Emeritus Principal at Edwards Ingram since 2020. She has served on several local boards, including the Watertown Foundation and Litchfield Bank, and is a founding member of the Friends of the Watertown Public Library. Now semi-retired, Lori resides in Middlebury and enjoys boating and relaxation. 

Lori Bonaldi, CPA
Treasurer

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A Faressa family friend for decades, Christine Miller brings to Sun, Moon & Stars more than 25 years of teaching and educational leadership experience. She has earned multiple honors, certifications, and degrees including a sixth-year degree in educational leadership, a masters’ of science, reading and language arts, and 2016 Teacher of the Year.

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Christine J. Miller
Secretary

Stacey has been a friend of the Faressa family for many years and a supporter of Sun, Moon & Stars since day one. She is a special education teacher,  and has been teaching pre-k children with a variety of disabilities for the past 27 years. Stacey has a master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education and was named Teacher of the Year in 2015.

Stacey Salvietti 
Board Member

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Chloe Taylor Langer is a proud member and supporter of Sun, Moon & Stars, joining in 2016 with her husband and two young sons, particularly for the endless support and opportunities it offers her son with autism. She is an attorney in Woodbury, CT, specializing in estate planning, probate, and real estate law.

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Chloe Taylor Langer 
Board Member

Sarah Jacovino's journey with the Sun, Moon & Stars community began as an instructor for the Starfish Swim Club over five years ago. With a degree in graphic design and a minor in marketing, Sarah brings a creative flair and strategic mindset to her role. Her goal is to merge her design background with her commitment to supporting the autism community.

Sarah Jacovino
Marketing Director

Katherine's daughter was diagnosed with autism and apraxia at 18 months. Through Sun, Moon & Stars, she found support, giving her family a sense of purpose and belonging. Originally from Colombia, Katherine is a CT Parole Officer and has lived in Watertown with her husband and two daughters for 15 years.​

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Katherine Montoya
Bilingual Ambassador

Christina is a Spanish and art teacher, as well as an environmental educator at Flanders Nature Center. As a founding member of Dylan’s Wings of Change at City Hill Middle School, she advocated for children with diverse needs. Christina holds a BA in illustration from SHU and a Masters in Multiple Intelligences from USJ. She enjoys art, gardening, and hiking with her family and dog.

Christina Rinaldi - Tata
Artist-in-Residence

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Abassadors

Ambassadors Roles

  • Connect with new Sun, Moon & Stars families

  • Foster community within their respective towns

  • Provide guidance and support to families

  • Explain how Sun, Moon & Stars programs and activities are facilitated

Ambassadors Responsibilities

  • Minimum of one (1) year as member of Sun, Moon & Stars activities

  • Active in events and activities

  • Active in fundraising

  • Approved by Sun, Moon & Stars Board of Directors

Represented Towns & Contacts

Apply Now

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