Massachusetts
Group Living Services For Adults
Our Group Living programs are available in the North Central, Southern and Western regions of Massachusetts. We provide individualized, holistic, evidence-based services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have significant challenging behaviors related to autism spectrum disorders, mental health disorders, and problematic sexual behaviors.
The Group Living program is designed to:
-
Improve the quality of care for individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities who have medical and/or behavioral health needs.
-
Services and Supports are delivered to individuals in a trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner based on program goals and best available evidence of service effectiveness.
-
Provide assessment and recommendations regarding diagnoses, medication, and treatment.
-
Provide a safe home-like living environment while utilizing evidence-based treatment methods.
-
Promote each individual’s right to self-determination and self-advocacy.
-
Provide education and training to caregivers and support teams.
-
Expand access to mental health services.
-
Enhance and improve each individual’s acquisition of skills through comprehensive assessments, personal goal development, and consistent implementation of Individual Service Plans.
-
Prepare individuals to transition along the continuum of care to the be supported in the least restrictive setting in their local communities.
Management Staff
Leah Andrews
State Director, LCSW
Leah Andrews is the State Director in Massachusetts. She has both Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work from Stephen F Austin State University in Nacogdoches TX, and is a Licensed Certified Social Worker in Massachusetts. Leah has worked in adult residential services since 2005, starting at Pathway to Possible in Newton and then working as Director of Services for Work, Community, Independence in Waltham. Leah brought her background in Independent Living and Acquired Brain Injury homes to her current position as State Director in November 2020. Leah also volunteers as a Big Sister, and loves to spend time with her family and dogs.
Jodie Chaisson, MPA
Regional Director, North Central Region
Jodie serves as the Regional Director in the North Central region which encompasses seven homes. She came to Life Connections with a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and over 7 years’ experience in leadership roles. In addition to her professional life, Jodie has personal experience with her own children having disabilities and a brother with an intellectual disability. Over the past 5 years she has put her focus on human services and is a strong advocate for human rights and dignity.
Gayle Brady
Associate Director of Nursing
Gayle is the Associate Director of Nursing for Massachusetts. She has eight years of experience as a nurse in our Group Living programs and began her career as a nurse supporting adults with developmental disabilities over fifteen years.
Gayle has felt the most fulfilled when she’s been able to provide guidance, advocacy, and supports to help others grow and plans on dedicating the rest of her career to continue to do just that. In her personal time, Gayle enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and restoring furniture.
Kristen Wood
Regional Director, Western Region
Kristen is the Regional Director of Western MA. She has worked in the field of human services for the past twenty-five years. She began her career while she was in high school as a Certified Nursing Assistance at a local nursing home. Kristen has taught Human Rights and Human Sexuality to new employees. She enjoys teaching others to help them improve their own skills and she also believes it to as a way build a strong and compassionate team. Kristen enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has a great love for all things outside in nature.
Contact us today:
107 Scott Drive
Leominster MA 01843
Phone: (978) 534-0812
Fax: (978) 534-0814
Contact us today:
Address:
60 Rogers Street
Suite 2
Manchester NH 03103
Phone:
(603) 625-8825
Fax:
(603) 625-8875