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
Christine Faressa
President & Chairman of the Board
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Chloe Taylor Langer
Board Member
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 two daughters since 2006.
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
Corinne Rubbo is a devoted mom of two sons - one with Autism and the other with ADHD. For the past 16 years, Corinne and her family have been neighbors and close friends with the Faressa family. Over the years, their bond has grown deeply, with both of Corinne's sons and Domenic Faressa becoming the best of friends. Corinne and her family have been passionate supporters of Sun, Moon and Stars, bringing not only their heartfelt dedication but also valuable personal insight and lived experience to the group.
Corinne Rubbo
Member At Large
We’re passionate about working with small business owners and offer the accounting and tax services to address today’s financial challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities.
2 Trap Falls Rd Ste 506, Shelton, CT 06484
Phone: 203-891-6433
Edwards Ingram
Sun, Moon & Stars Certified CPAs
www.edwardsingram.com
Founded in 1971 by attorney Francis J. Grady, our firm has been a trusted legal resource for Waterbury and nearby towns. In 1980, Thomas V. Riley opened his own practice in Woodbury, and by 1984, the two joined forces to form Grady & Riley. Beyond legal services, our attorneys are deeply committed to the community, serving on nonprofit boards and dedicating their time to local initiatives.
Grady & Riley, LLP
Sun, Moon & Stars Board Attorneys
www.gradyriley.com
Sharon Gialo brings over 8 years of Social Media expertise and a foundation in application programming. She launched her business in 2009 as a digital photo organizer, converting legacy media into digital files and creating slideshows for personal and business use. As her firm evolved, she began helping local businesses embrace the fast-growing world of social media. Her mission: to support small businesses in branding, creating, and maintaining compelling social media content.
Sharon Gialo
Marketing Liaison
Ambassadors
Ambassadors Roles
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Connect with new Sun, Moon & Stars families
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Foster community within their respective towns
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Provide guidance and support to families
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Explain how Sun, Moon & Stars programs and activities are facilitated
Ambassadors Responsibilities
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Minimum of one (1) year as member of Sun, Moon & Stars activities
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Active in events and activities
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Active in fundraising
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Approved by Sun, Moon & Stars Board of Directors
Represented Towns & Contacts
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Watertown: Christine Faressa christine@sunmoonandstars.org
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Thomaston: Stacey Salvietti (203) 228-7079
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Torrington: Jimnahs Miller jimnahs@yahoo.com
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Bethlehem: Monica Oldakowski (203) 518-2260
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Woodbury: Monica Oldakowski (203) 518-2260
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Southbury: Chloe Langer cctlanger@gmail.com
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Middlebury: Chloe Langer cctlanger@gmail.com
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Waterbury: Lorrie Garvins (203) 583-9960
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Naugatuck: Aimee Celozzi (203) 598-5199
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Prospect: Tina Marsan nardella10@gmail.com
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Derby: Katie Biga gemini677@yahoo.com
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Ansonia: Sharri Lungarini (203) 449-7249, slungarini@gmail.com
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Wolcott: Sherry Petruccione spetruccione@gmail.com
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Spanish Speaking/Bilingual: Katherine Montoya (203) 650-3627
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Hospital for Special Care Questions: Lisa Candera (860) 212-6956
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