Our Mission

Rooted in Gospel values that affirm the dignity of every person, Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs fosters the educational, spiritual, and social well-being of people with disabilities at Saint Catherine Academy and our Adult Services Program, and support for faith formation and inclusion in the parishes and Catholic schools of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

Since 1999, Saint Catherine Academy has offered a high-quality alternative education for young people with disabilities of all faiths.

Through Our Core Values...

  • We respect the dignity and diversity of each student.
  • Our program is individually designed for each student.
  • We serve students of all races, ethnicities, faiths and economic backgrounds.
  • Our policies and programs celebrate diversity.
  • We focus on the total well-being of each student.
  • Our holistic approach to education emphasizes the relationships of what and how we learn.
  • We create an atmosphere that is supportive and welcoming where each child feels a sense of belonging.
  • Our facility is intentionally designed to support the educational program.
  • We celebrate the abilities and successes of each student.
  • Our teaching staff is highly qualified to meet the needs of each student.
  • We seek to build interpersonal relationships in a nurturing learning community.
  • Students develop socially as well as academically building self-esteem and confidence.
  • We bring hope and joy to our students, families, staff and community partners.
  • Students are transformed through a highly structured, nurturing program.

Our Organization

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael LaBella, Chairman
Diane Auray, Vice Chairman
Kathy Olsen, Treasurer
Michelle Rivelli, MD, Secretary

Charles F. Chiusano
Stephen Donahue
Jerry Hemenway, MD
Edward Lenard, MD
Anthony Minopoli
Joseph Sindelar, Jr.
Dan Smith
Dave Stowe
Stacie Stueber
Monsignor Robert Weiss
Kelly Luff Weldon
Sara Zagrodzky
LEADERSHIP
Laura Grozier, Executive Director lgrozier@stcatherineacademy.org

Lisa Lanni, Director of Education
llanni@stcatherineacademy.org

Racquel Lynch, Director of Adult Program
rlynch@stcatherineacademy.org

Sherrie Fahey, Operations Manager
sfahey@stcatherineacademy.org

STAFF

Sr. Marilyn Muldoon, OSU, Teacher
James Winebrenner, Teacher

Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy are provided through Rehabilitation Associates of Fairfield. Therapists work with teachers to meet the individual education goals of each student.

A Brief History