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Nonotuck’s Neighborhood DECEMBER 2025

Jennifer Roy and Amanda Stanislas (L-R) were among the employees from our 425 Prospect Street office who helped collect and drop off donations for the Northampton Survival Center

A Letter From George Fleischner

Dear Nonotuck Community, December 2025, the last month of the year. Like it or not, the month of December moves me to reflect on the people, places, and shared commitments that make up my life and the life of the community of Nonotuck. This month’s stories shine a powerful light on the love, respect, and interdependence at the heart of my life and of the Nonotuck community. The newsletter begins by highlighting our Conz Street, Northampton office, an office steeped in Nonotuck history, including some of the longest-standing shared living relationships in our entire organization, as well as some of our longest-tenured employees. We also share the results of our 2024 staff survey, which offered encouraging feedback from our employees across Massachusetts. Hearing that so many staff members of Nonotuck feel fulfilled, respected, and connected reinforces our belief that people flourish when they are part of a culture built on mutuality and trust. This aligns directly with our Key Agency Principles, which call us to honor each person’s contributions and to operate with kindness, civility and accountability. November also brought an opportunity for learning and reflection as we hosted Nonotuck’s Native American Heritage Month event, now available to watch online. Nonotuck Clinician Ronda Tobey helped educate the Nonotuck community on the horrors of intergenerational trauma, as well as the importance of ally-ship. Finally, you’ll find a moving profile of Esther Morgana and Gail Geremia, whose shared living relationship exemplifies the love, authenticity, vulnerability, and long-term commitment that guide every part of Nonotuck’s mission. Their story beautifully illustrates that when two people choose to share a home and their lives, both grow in connection—and both experience the joy of being truly known. Taken together, these pieces reflect the values that have guided us since our founding: love, respect, interdependence, and the deep belief that every person deserves a genuine home, meaningful relationships, the sense of belonging and the opportunity to live an authentic life. Thank you for being part of this community. As we close out 2025, I am deeply grateful for the dedication, compassion, and spirit you bring to Nonotuck each day. I wish you and your loved ones peace and warmth during this holiday season. With much appreciation and gratitude, George

Office Profile: Conz Street Northampton Working with Nonotuck’s Conz Street Northampton office is like taking an institutional history lesson. The office employs and supports some of the longest-tenured people in Nonotuck’s history, including Care Manager Dan Zimmerman, who has been with Nonotuck since 1992, as well as several families who were among the first to embrace shared living in Massachusetts. Care Manager Laurie Bell has also been part of the Conz Street team since 2002. Nonotuck was founded in Hampshire County in 1972 by parents of children with disabilities seeking alternatives to institutions like the Belchertown State School. Over the years, Nonotuck has had offices throughout the Pioneer Valley before settling into its current location on Conz Street. The Conz Street office supports families like the Johnsons, who have three generations of shared living caregivers and more than 30 years of partnership with Nonotuck. Their caregiver lineage includes Ruth, who worked for Nonotuck in the 1980s, and Ray and Dodie, who are current caregivers in Erving. Read Ray’s story here. Tom Joyce is another shared living provider supported by the Conz street office. He celebrated thirty years of shared living with Ron Campbell in 2023—Ron has since unfortunately passed—and continues as a shared living caregiver to this day. Read about Ron and Tom’s life together here. These longstanding relationships—- and because of where it is—-make Conz street a living history of Nonotuck. “Nonotuck’s roots are in Hampshire County. We have folks in our services and caregivers who have been here since the very beginning,” says Janet Yurko. “They really are rich in history and stories, and that’s a testament to those long-standing relationships. Twenty-five to thirty years later, they’re still doing Shared Living, still working with us.” As CEO and someone who has shepherded Nonotuck’s evolution for decades, George H. Fleischner sees Conz Street as a reflection of everything the agency stands for. “Conz Street reflects the very best of Nonotuck, our history, our values, and the deep relationships that have shaped us for more than fifty years,” he says. “The commitment of the caregivers and staff continues to inspire us as we grow as an agency and their example will help ensure that our future remains rooted in the same compassion and connection that sparked Nonotuck’s founding.” That history extends to Conz St. Program Directors Nichole Bourke and Janine Conklin, who bring close to two decades of cumulative experience to Nonotuck (10 years and 9 years respectively). Nichole handles the northern part of Western Massachusetts—towns including Greenfield, Hadley, Orange, and while Janine handles Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, and Westfield.

Office Profile: Conz Street Northampton - Cont. Both describe the Conz Street office as close-knit, enjoying shared activities like bowling and pool, and organizing volunteer efforts like a clothing and food drive the group is undertaking this fall. They point to the office’s embrace of civility and kindness—two of Nonotuck’s core values—as especially meaningful. “I’ve had a couple people tell me that this is the first place they’ve ever worked where anyone asks them how they are,” Janine says. “We have full staff meetings once a month and we always talk about it—right at the top of the agenda is civility and kindness.” In addition to her work as a Program Director, Nichole also serves as co-chair of Nonotuck’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) Committee. Although Nonotuck has upheld DEI&B efforts in various forms since the 1990s, Nichole helped spark its current chapter after a 2020 conversation with CEO George H. Fleischner about revitalizing the initiative. Since then, under her leadership, the committee has hosted thoughtful monthly events and discussions where employees explore topics ranging from cultural identity and heritage to cuisine and community. For her leadership, Nichole was honored by the Association of Developmental Disability Providers (ADDP) and has also served as an invited speaker on the Juneteenth holiday at an ADDP event. “I enjoy being part of a space that encourages open dialogue, self-reflection, and growth,” Nichole says. “I get to collaborate with colleagues who are passionate about fostering inclusivity and belonging throughout Nonotuck. I appreciate the opportunity to help shape initiatives that not only celebrate diversity but also create meaningful connections and understanding across our organization. It’s rewarding to see how our discussions and actions can inspire both personal and organizational change.”

Staff Survey: We’re Happy!

Nonotuck Resource Associates is celebrating outstanding results from its latest Happiness Survey, conducted in partnership with Amazing Workplace. The survey found that an incredible 95% of Nonotuck employees feel happy and satisfied in their work—placing the organization far above national benchmarks for workplace well-being. The findings reaffirm Nonotuck’s strong culture of Safety, Belonging, and Meaning, where employees feel supported, included, and connected to a mission that matters. Respondents praised Nonotuck for creating an environment where they feel respected, valued, and part of a caring community. “These results reflect who we are,” said George H. Fleischner, President and CEO of Nonotuck. “When people feel loved, respected, and fulfilled in their work, that energy radiates throughout our organization and to the people we support every day.”

Nonotuck Hosts Tobey for Native American Heritage Month Nonotuck was proud to host our own Ronda Tobey in celebration of Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) this November. The event took place on Tuesday, November 25 at noon, held virtually over TEAMS. Ronda has worked for Nonotuck as a Clinician in our Plymouth office for over ten years. Her presentation explored historical trauma among Native Americans, delving into the profound and lasting effects of colonization, forced relocation, and cultural genocide on Indigenous communities. Ronda defined historical trauma, exploring its roots in events such as the Trail of Tears, residential school systems, and assimilation policies that aimed to erase Native cultures. Key topics included the psychological impacts of intergenerational trauma, where the effects of past atrocities continue to affect descendants today. The presentation highlighted case studies and personal narratives, illustrating how trauma manifests in mental health issues, substance use, and community disintegration. Additionally, the discussion covered the parts of the brain affected by trauma, as well as resilience and healing practices within Native communities—emphasizing the importance of cultural revitalization, community support, and therapeutic approaches that honor traditional beliefs. The aim was to foster understanding and empathy, encouraging dialogue about healing and reconciliation while recognizing the ongoing struggles faced by Native Americans today. “Ronda brings great depth, compassion, and strength to her work at Nonotuck. Her willingness to explore the complex history and ongoing impact of trauma in Native communities, while also highlighting their resilience and healing, speaks to who she is as both a clinician and a person. We are incredibly fortunate to work alongside of her and to learn from her.” – Nonotuck CEO & President George Fleischner

About Ronda Born in North Carolina, Ronda is a former Miss Indian North Carolina and an Eastern Blanket Dancer. Now residing on Cape Cod, she continues to promote healing and empowerment for individuals and families. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored as the 2024 Massachusetts Counselor of the Year, 2024 NAADAC Lora Roe Memorial Addiction Counselor of the Year (National Conference), and recipient of the Association of Developmental Disability Providers (ADDP) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Award. Ronda is a licensed independent addiction counselor in Massachusetts.

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PBS Profile: Esther and Gail

Esther Morgana, her partner Jaime, and Gail Geremia share far more than a house in Leominster, MA—they share a daily life shaped by companionship, care, and the genuine mutuality that defines Nonotuck’s approach to Shared Living. Theirs is a rich life shaped by shared activities—bowling, board games, and trivia among them. Gail often jokes that her favorite moments are when she beats Jaime and Esther, especially when one of them throws a gutter ball. Outside the time they spend together, Gail maintains a strong sense of independence and keeps to the routines she loves, especially her weekly bingo nights, an activity she often shared with her fiancé, Steve. She’s is a fixture in her community, making friends at bingo games, The Fitchburg Senior Center, and at Ginny’s Helping Hand, her favorite local thrift store. The results speak for themselves. “The best thing that ever happened to me is living here,” says Gail. “I get lots of love here. Esther and Jaime are really nice people, and I love living here — going to bingo, going to the casino, going out to eat, playing cards, bingo here at the house, and shopping.” Gail is quick to point out that the relationship goes both ways. “Esther takes care of me, and I take care of her,” she says. “When Esther’s sick, I help her out. I ask if I can make her some tea or soup. Even when she’s not sick, I take out the trash, I clean, I vacuum.” “I do love her very much. I don’t ever want to leave here.”

Positive Behavior Supports Gail and Esther’s relationship reflects the trust, care, support and shared decision-making that define Shared Living, which is also central to how Nonotuck views Positive Behavioral Supports. At Nonotuck, we use the ideals of Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) as part of our ongoing effort to truly understand the person being supported. PBS is about recognizing each person’s individuality, strengths, personality while supporting their autonomy and ambitions and helping build their community of friendships. Although PBS is a philosophy fairly recently enforced by Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS), its person-centered approach fits in nicely with Nonotuck’s core values. In every shared living home, PBS reinforces what Nonotuck has always stood for — that every person deserves not only safety, but dignity, respect, love, an authentic life and the freedom to make choices that shape their own story.

Work Anniversaries

1 Year of Service

11 Years of Service

Nylma Rivera – Direct Support Professional, Northampton (12/11/2024)

Laura Creed – Direct Support Professional, Northampton (12/12/2014) Saman Him – Care Manager, Lynn (12/12/2014)

2 Years of Service Zoe Ayinbora – Clinician, Lee (12/18/2023)

13 Years of Service

Sarah Douk – Care Manager, Lowell (12/04/2023)

Cheryl Wentworth – Care Manager, Auburn (12/10/2012)

3 Years of Service

17 Years of Service

Elizabeth Lynch – Program Administrative Assistant, Auburn (12/05/2022)

Grayson Fleischner – VP, QE Central/West Services, Easthampton (12/10/2008)

4 Years of Service

23 Years of Service

Daniel LeBlanc – Direct Support Professional, Northampton (12/27/2021)

Laurie Bell – Care Manager, Northampton (12/09/2002)

Joseph Mitchell – Asst. RN Quality Coordinator, Auburn (12/06/2021)

8 Years of Service

38 Years of Service George H. Fleischner – President & CEO, Lee (12/10/1987)

Tiffany Choun – Registered Nurse, Lowell (12/04/2017)

Nonotuck’s Neighborhood Now Hiring We’re hiring across Massachusetts! Human resources, shared living caregivers, direct support professionals, registered nurses, and more! APPLY TODAY!

Like what you read? Email Murray@nonotuck.com with your favorite story this month and you could win a gift card!

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