Nonotuck’s Neighborhood AUGUST 2025 At an intimate gathering hosted at The Locker Room in Lee, friends, family, and colleagues came together to honor the beloved legacy of Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin—celebrating her life through laughter, shared stories, and the deep connections she nurtured across the community. Read more about the dinner in this month’s edition of Nonotuck’s Neighborhood.
A Letter From George Fleischner Dear Friends of Nonotuck, Welcome to the August edition of Nonotuck’s Neighborhood! This month’s newsletter is filled with stories of inspiration, reflection, and the transformative power of community. Our opening feature celebrates the creative spirit of Tucker Collins, whose lens and enthusiasm as the WooSox Fan Photographer show us inspiring new ways to connect and shine. We also paused to remember Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin, bringing together her friends, family, and colleagues at The Locker Room in Lee for an evening filled with laughter, shared stories, and heartfelt moments. In recognition of Disability Pride Month, our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee hosted a panel discussion centering voices at the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and disability communities. This virtual event—co-presented with MASS and MassFamilies—highlighted the power of representation, authentic storytelling, and respect in service environments. Lastly, turn back in time with This Month in Disability Rights History, which highlights trailblazing milestones—from the earliest disability-specific legislation to the beginnings of inclusive athletic competitions. These stories remind us how far we’ve come and rekindle our resolve to keep pushing forward. Each of these stories reflects the values that guide our work at Nonotuck. Tucker’s photography and community presence speak to authenticity, living and creating in ways that are true to himself. The dinner honoring Kitty Kelly-Curtin was a beautiful testament to the mutuality of love and respect she cultivated throughout her life. The panel hosted by the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee highlighted the interdependence within and across communities, showing how we can lift each other up through shared experiences. And revisiting key moments in disability rights history reminds us that progress is built on the vulnerability and courage of those who dared to be seen and heard. In gratitude and solidarity, Warm regards, George H. Fleischner President & CEO, Nonotuck Resource Associates
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How He Views the World: Photographer Tucker Collins For Tucker Collins, a camera isn’t just a piece of equipment—it’s a vital outlet, a way to communicate more deeply, and an invitation into his world. Tucker, who receives services from our Auburn office, is a decorated photographer employed by the Worcester Red Sox. With the team—known locally as the WooSox—Tucker has found a second family and an avenue for his photographic talent to blossom. His mother Paula says Tucker’s love of photography can be traced to a day when their family was stuck in New York City gridlock. Paula handed Tucker a camera to help relieve the boredom—and instantly, a passion was born. “I just handed him the digital camera and said, you know, ‘Show me what you see.’ I figured it was digital, so who cares? We’ll just delete the photos when we get to the hotel,” Paula says. “But it got us through the last 20 blocks or so. Then we looked through the pictures and I was like, ‘What? What are these? These pictures are phenomenal.’” “I didn’t see the things he saw,” she continues. “And it really hit me—this is his thing. Because he doesn’t have great speech ability. This is how he shows the world what he sees, how he views it.” Tucker spent the rest of that weekend in New York continuing to take pictures—and he hasn’t stopped since. A fateful encounter with a WooSox ambassador, followed later by a formal interview, led to his current role as the team’s Fan Photographer. In his work, Tucker isn’t focused on the game itself—he’s out among the crowd at Polar Park, documenting joy, excitement, and connection. With the support of a one-on-one job coach, he navigates the stadium confidently, builds relationships with coworkers and fans, and has become a beloved part of the WooSox community. The team even produced a video featuring everyone from executives to players talking about Tucker and his impact. Paula says the job has transformed Tucker’s self-image. “If you ask him about work, he will literally be like, ‘Hi, I’m Tucker Collins from the Worcester Red Sox.’ Like, he’s so proud of it and so excited about it,” she says. The WooSox job has also opened doors to opportunities beyond the ballpark, including gigs photographing fashion shows and university sports.
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How He Views the World: Photographer Tucker Collins Tucker’s photography was recently featured in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day alongside painter Jordan Chaira (who also receives services from Nonotuck) at a well-attended art show at Polar Park. The idea for the exhibit came from WooSox CEO Dr. Charles Steinberg’s wife, a special education teacher and longtime supporter of Tucker, who suggested showcasing his photography during the offseason. Paula proposed holding it on World Down Syndrome Day, and despite the tight timing—just a week before Opening Day—the team at Polar Park enthusiastically made it happen. An ample crowd—including several parents of children with Down syndrome—welcomed both artists, snapping up the bulk of their work and inspiring the WooSox to instantly commit to another show in the future. In addition to selling his photos, Tucker also donated prints to be auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting the WooSox Foundation, which in turn donated the money to the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC). Now, Paula and her family are working to build something sustainable for Tucker to pursue (mostly) independently. They’re in the process of establishing an LLC—owned by a special needs trust—to formalize his work as a professional artist. Their goal is to create a self-sustaining business that will allow Tucker to sell his photos—on canvases, wearables, and other products—and, they hope, grow to a point where he can fund any supports he may need on his own. They’re partnering with companies to handle production and fulfillment, which will enable the business to scale. Paula also hopes to connect with organizations that represent artists with disabilities, believing Tucker’s work—especially his recent floral photography—would be a perfect fit for places like hotels and corporate offices. What began with a traffic jam and a borrowed camera has become a career, a calling, and a vision for the future—one that’s entirely Tucker’s own.
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A Heartfelt Dinner for Kitty Kelly-Curtin Friends, family, and colleagues gathered at The Locker Room restaurant in Lee to honor the memory of Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin recently, with a heartfelt dinner organized by longtime friend and coworker Walto. Maggy brought together what is affectionately referred to as “the crew”—Meaghan, Amanda, Cory, Christian, and Johnathan—each of whom had shared a deep bond with Kitty over the years. Also attending were Kitty’s son Devin and his partner, Dillon and his wife, Kitty’s Life Partner, Nonotuck CEO/President George H. Fleischner, and support staff member Paul. The group spent the night reminiscing about their shared memories at the same restaurant, a place that had long been a backdrop for joyous evenings with Kitty, her family, and Danny MacDonald, her longtime Shared Living companion. The evening was both moving and uplifting, filled with laughter, stories, and a deep sense of connection—a reflection of the kind of community Kitty cultivated wherever she went. “In the 37 years I’ve been at Nonotuck, I’ve experienced a lot of special moments—but this night was something truly meaningful,” said Fleischner. “It was incredibly thoughtful of Maggy to organize it. Sitting there with people who loved Kitty, in the very place we had so many dinners with her and Danny, reminded me of the deep relationships she fostered and the love that surrounded her. It was a beautiful tribute.”
Kitty’s Legacy Kitty Kelly-Curtin passed away on July 8, 2023, leaving a lasting legacy within Nonotuck Resource Associates and the greater Lee community. She played a pivotal role in founding Nonotuck’s Adult Family Care program, served as a Shared Living caregiver for 26 years, and most recently held the position of Executive Vice President of Operations. Her impact continues to be felt across the agency and in the lives of those who knew her best. Find out more about AFC at Nonotuck Find out more about Kathleen “Kitty” Kelly-Curtin
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This Month in Disability Rights History: August 2025 It’s a busy month for firsts, with the first Olympic-style games for athletes with disabilities and the first disability-specific legislation anywhere in the world! Plus, we have important legislation, successful protests, and it’s SMA-Awareness month! That’s Spinal Muscular Atrophy, in case you were unaware.
The First International Silent Games Takes Place: August 10th to 17th, 1924 The Silent Games, held in Paris, France just two weeks after the conclusion of the Olympics also held in Paris, was the first olympic-style event for athletes with disabilities. 148 Athletes from nine countries participated in thirty-one events including Cycling, Swimming and Diving, Track & Field, Football, Tennis, and Rifle Shooting. The games were created by Eugene Rubens-Alcais, a deaf athlete who also founded the International Committee for Sports for the Deaf just after the conclusion of the games. The games are now known as the Deaflympics, and will be held in Tokyo, Japan this coming November.
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord. It impacts the muscles used for activities like breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. Roughly 1 in every 15,000 births in the US will be affected by SMA, with about 2 percent of the population being a genetic carrier. SMA may affect people’s ability to perform some of the functions of life, but does not have a neurodegenerative effect.
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This Month in Disability Rights History: August 2025
Autism CARES Act signed into Law: August 8th, 2014 The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama on August 8th, 2014. It expanded federal support for autism-related services, prioritized collaboration between agencies, boosted early intervention efforts, and enhanced research across the lifespan of autistic people. The legislation emphasized that autism policy must address needs across all stages of life — not just in childhood — helping to build a more comprehensive and responsive support system.
The Blind Persons Act 1920 – August 16th, 1920 The Blind Persons Act 1920 was the first disability-specific legislation anywhere in the world, and it was brought on by a 20-day protest march across the UK to London, organized by the National League of the Blind. In 1918, it was estimated that 20,000 of the 35,000 blind people living in the UK were living in poverty, and that many were being exploited by charity workshops. The act reduced the pension age for blind men from 70 to 50, and allowed blind children to take the same exams as sighted children.
ADAPT Protests for Accessibility in Chicago Transit System: August 25, 1984 On August 25, 1984, wheelchair users of ADAPT (which stands for Americans Disabled for Accessible Public Transit) held a rally at South State and West Jackson Streets to pressure the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to install wheelchair lifts on its mainline buses. Disability activists disrupted CTA board meetings and blocked CTA buses, and in 1985, ADAPT sued the CTA for discrimination. They were eventually successful in Chicago, and this pushed them to protest in Washington D.C. for federal-level laws ensuring accessibility, which helped lead to the passing of the ADA in 1990.
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DEI and B Event Highlight: LGBTQIA+ Disability Community Panel In celebration of Disability Pride Month this July, Nonotuck’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI and B) Committee hosted a virtual screening of select clips from a powerful panel discussion co-presented by Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong (MASS) and MassFamilies. The event amplified the voices and experiences of people at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and disability communities. The speakers shared deeply personal stories highlighting the challenges of seeking acceptance within both their families and broader society. Themes included the power of chosen families, the parallels between disability and sexual/gender identity as intrinsic parts of self, and the emotional toll of constantly needing to self-advocate. Many emphasized how systemic barriers—especially within medical and service settings—compound the difficulties of being seen and respected as one’s authentic self. Advocacy, the inclusion of pronouns, respectful language, and representation were repeatedly named as keys to creating safer, more inclusive spaces. Attendees discussed the importance of representation—especially hearing real voices from marginalized communities—the exhaustion felt by those who must constantly advocate for themselves and their communities, and the ongoing need for education and training, particularly for service providers. Participants further reflected on their own work at Nonotuck, recognizing that person-centered support and proactive allyship are crucial. They expressed a collective desire to bridge gaps in understanding, offer more inclusive support, and ensure that affirming environments exist not just during Pride events, but every day. The conversation underscored Nonotuck’s values in action and a shared commitment to doing better by those they support. “This panel was a vivid reminder of why representation is so essential,” said Nonotuck CEO/President George H. Fleischner. “Hearing directly from people who live at the intersection of LGBTQ+ and disability identities deepens our understanding and challenges us to do better. When those voices are centered, it not only validates lived experience but also inspires lasting change—in our organization and beyond.”
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Work Anniversaries
1 Year of Service Tyler Kingsbury – Assistant Program Director – Brockton – DOH: 08/26/2024 Kristen Wood – Assistant Program Director – Auburn – DOH: 08/26/2024
8 Years of Service Erina Khin – Registered Nurse – Lowell – DOH: 08/14/2017 Yenmy Dominguez – Care Manager – Lowell – DOH: 08/02/2017
9 Years of Service 2 Years of Service Kyla Schofield – Care Manager – Auburn – DOH: 08/29/2023
Adelina McLean – Care Manager – Centerville – DOH: 08/15/2016 Vantha Sarunn – Care Manager – Auburn – DOH: 08/15/2016
Raymond Labady – Direct Support Professional – Brockton – DOH: 08/03/2023 11 Years of Service 3 Years of Service
Sindelle Robles – VP of Nursing & AFC Services – Lowell – DOH: 08/18/2014
Elaine Green – Direct Support Professional – Lee – DOH: 08/22/2022 Laurie Devine – Care Manager – Brockton – DOH: 08/01/2022 Alanna Duong – Licensed Practical Nurse – Lowell – DOH: 08/01/2022
13 Years of Service Deborah Lawton – Accounts Payable Clerk – Prospect Street Northampton – DOH: 08/20/2012
14 Years of Service 4 Years of Service Natalia Ruiz-Trzaska – Central MA Caregiver Developer – Auburn – DOH: 03/07/2016 – Rehire: 08/30/2021 Elvis Masera – Direct Support Professional – Conz Street Northampton – DOH: 08/18/2021
Debra Schnare – VP of Operations – Auburn – DOH: 08/08/2011
26 Years of Service Tammy Laurent – Assistant Program Director – Lee – DOH: 08/30/1999
6 Years of Service Samantha Tan – Registered Nurse – Lowell – DOH: 06/11/2018 – Rehire: 08/12/2019 Kimberly Kell – Registered Nurse – Auburn – Date of Hire: 05/31/2019
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Nonotuck’s Neighborhood Now Hiring We’re hiring across Massachusetts! Human resources, shared living caregivers, direct support professionals, registered nurses, and more! APPLY TODAY!
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