ABOUT US
Empowering individuals with disabilities through meaningful support, personalized programs, and inclusive community opportunities. For over 40 years, we’ve been committed to helping every person live, work, and thrive with confidence.
OUR VISION
We strive to create a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is included, valued, and empowered to live a meaningful and independent life. Our vision is rooted in dignity, opportunity, and full participation in the community.
WHAT WE DO
We provide personalized programs that help individuals build skills, gain confidence, and engage in meaningful activities. Through day services, employment supports, and community-based learning, we empower people to reach their goals and live fulfilling lives.
OUR COMMUNITY
Our community is built on connection, respect, and support. We work closely with families, caregivers, and local partners to create inclusive opportunities where every person can contribute, belong, and thrive.
OUR HISTORY
Coastal Connections, Inc. is a new name and corporate status for a well established, well respected program that provides support to individuals with disabilities in the local community through day programs, advocacy and individualized support. From 1976-1990 two teachers, Deb Plumer and Vicky Hunt worked tirelessly to develop and provide exemplary special education services in the Greater Newburyport Educational Collaborative. In 1990 the school program morphed into Petalworks and began providing services to adults with multiple disabilities earning exemplary certifications for every quality survey performed by the Department of Mental Retardation, our primary stakeholder and funding source at that time.
In 1996, Petalworks moved its operations to the Salisbury area and became part of the rebirth of Crossroads Plaza. Since 1996, our population has grown as has the array of services we offer; from providing services to less than twenty individuals we now provide a menu of services to over one hundred individuals and families including:
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Day programming for adults with mild to multiple disabilities
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Vocational assessment and job supports
In July, 2008 Coastal connections was established as a non-profit by co-founders Vicky Hunt, Deborah Plumer and Sheila Skane, to provide a continuity of services to people with disabilities previously served under the Coastal Education Collaborative.
In summary, Coastal Connections, Inc. is not “new”. Our name and corporate structure may be new, but the entity and all that it is made up of… the people, the policies, the philosophy, the values, mission and goals have been developed and honed over the past 40 years. We bring a wealth of knowledge...academic, financial, philosophical and basic common sense and hard work to this project. We will succeed and the individuals and families we provide service to will benefit from that wealth of knowledge.
The roots we have go deep and the branches of our tree grow slowly, but strong and steady. We believe that everyone has the right to live, work and play in the community; we believe in ‘ability’ and that each of us has something to offer and all lives are enriched by the lives that we help support.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Victoria Hunt, Chairperson of the Board
Robert A. Marconi, Jr. Treasurer
Jennifer Hoffman, Board Member
Julianne Bloise, Board Member
CEO/CFO
Sheila Skane
Accounting / Payroll
Patty Bowen
COO
Sherry Marconi, PTA
Administration
Jessica Skane
Facilities/ Maintenance
Zach Levarity
Joe Donovan
Programs
Sherry Marconi, Co-Program Director
Heather Bates, Co-Program Director
Nursing
Sandra Christie, Nursing Director
Community Integration & Employment
Cheryl Ward, Employment & Community Integration Manager
Linda Young, Community Outreach and Employment Consultant
Anthony Marconi, Community Engagement Associate
Mike Barry, DSP
Human Resources Consult
Maureen Pomeroy
Program Supervisor
Teresa Gorenflo
Data Specialist
Megan Lacerda
Nurses
Heather Bates, Nursing Manager
Denise Murphy, Part time LPN
Lora Marcaurelle, Part time RN
Sharyn Tomkiewicz, Part time LPN
Elizabeth Hughes, Part time RN
Barbara Gaffney, Full time LPN
Interdisciplinary Team (IDT)
Tammy Dobrosielski, PT
Carolyn Timbie, OT
Heather DiFonzo, SLP
Kylee Kurto, BCBA
Staff Supervisor
Sara Pottberg