May News and Events

As we welcome May, there is so much to look forward to across the Chapel Haven community. This month is filled with exciting changes, important announcements and special events that reflect the heart and spirit of CHSC. We’re excited to share what’s ahead and highlight all that makes Chapel Haven shine.

Have a news item to contribute? Send them to Denise Hawkins

Inside CHSC - Campus News, Program Highlights

Announcing our Updated Program Name

ASAT: Autism Supports and Transition

We are pleased to share that Chapel Haven is officially changing the name of the ASAT program from Asperger Syndrome Adult Transition to Autism Supports and Transition.

This decision follows thoughtful conversations with our residential students, community members, and staff. When the DSM‑5 removed Asperger syndrome as a diagnosis in 2013, Chapel Haven spoke with the ASAT community, and many felt strongly that the name reflected their identity. Today, with more understanding of Hans Asperger’s troubling historical associations and a shift in how the autism community views the term, it is clear that it is time to move forward.

The new name—Autism Supports and Transition—better reflects who we are and what we do. It captures the full range of supports the program provides, as well as its strong transition‑focused foundation. Most importantly, it aligns with our values of inclusivity, respect, and person‑centered care.

The announcement was shared with the ASAT community and was warmly received. We are excited for this next chapter and grateful to everyone who contributed to this important change.

Join us in Welcoming Christine Lai

Senior Vice President, Development

We are excited to share that Christine Lai has joined Chapel Haven Schleifer Center as our Senior Vice President of Development.

In this role, Christine will partner closely with President Mike Storz and our strategic planning team to guide CHSC’s fundraising and development efforts during an important period of growth and financial need. She will also play a key role in building the development department itself and fostering a strong, organization‑wide culture of philanthropy. Her work will focus on strengthening donor relationships, identifying new funding opportunities, and shaping a development strategy that supports long‑term sustainability.

Christine brings an exceptional background in nonprofit leadership and advocacy. She is the Cofounder and Founding Executive Director of the Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.), a nonprofit that has provided more than $1.5 million in grants to under‑resourced families across 80+ school districts in Connecticut and Westchester County. She has built and led all of S.E.L.F.’s programmatic work, including its Legal Aid and Attorney/Advocate Grants Programs.

Her leadership extends across the region: Christine currently serves on the Villa Maria School Board of Trustees and has previously held roles with NEXT for Autism, Columbia University’s Fairfield County Alumni Relations Committee, and as Chair of the Board of Directors for Abilis, Inc.

Her work has earned numerous honors, including the Greenwich Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, the New England Patriots Difference Maker Award, the Greenwich YWCA Women Who Inspire Award, and the Moffly Media Light A Fire Award.

We are thrilled to welcome Christine to the CHSC community and look forward to the expertise, energy, and heart she brings to this important role.

Announcing New Social Media Contest:

"Mike's Lunch Buddy Challenge"

We’re excited to launch a fun new quarterly contest for all Chapel Haven adults. Each quarter, participants are invited to submit a short video or letter sharing why they would like to be Mike’s Lunch Buddy and enjoy a special one‑on‑one lunch with President Michael Storz. Whether you want to talk about your goals, your Chapel Haven story, a favorite hobby, or simply why you’d make a great lunch companion, we want to hear your voice.

Every participant will be entered into a raffle where one winner will be selected every quarter to have lunch with Mike Storz. The winning video or excerpts from a letter will be featured on CHSC’s social media accounts. This is a wonderful opportunity for our adults to express themselves, build confidence, and connect directly with leadership in a fun and meaningful way.

Join the Lunch Buddy fun by emailing your video or letter to Denise Hawkins at dhawkins@chapelhaven.org.

Entries must be received by June 15, with the winner announced by June 30^th. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!

Milestones and Moments

Celebrating Achievements

Congratulations to Emma!

Emma has officially mastered her Metro‑North Railroad travel skill and is now able to take the train home independently to visit her family. This has been one of Emma’s personal goals since joining REACH, and achieving it reflects her growing confidence in communication, planning, problem‑solving, and responsible decision‑making.

Emma is truly embracing Chapel Haven’s mission of living independently and accessing the world beyond SAIL. We’re so proud of you, Emma!

Congrats to CHSC Board member Michael Dimenstein

Michael Dimenstein, a CHSC Board member and retired Yale-New Haven Hospital executive, was honored with his wife, Hedda Rubenstein, on April 26th in a fundraising event called Music for Our Mission, supporting the wonderful work of the Jewish Foundation of Greater New Haven.

CHSC President Michael Storz was proud to be there in support of Mike, Hedda and the important work of the foundation.

Congrats, Mike and Hedda!

Staff Recognized for Embodying

CHSC Core Values

Celebrating CHSC Living Our Core Values Award Recipients

Please join us in congratulating (l. to r) Kevin Fitch, Corey Scott and Iris Silva, all nominated for the Caring Collaboration Core Value Award for their outstanding dedication to the CHSC community.

SAIL Director Erik Rambush is proud to recognize the SAIL second‑shift team for exemplifying true Caring Collaboration. As a new director still learning the department—especially the evening operations—Erik witnessed the team step up seamlessly during a recent call‑out. Without being asked, staff immediately took on additional procedures, shared timely information to support quick decision‑making, and demonstrated a level of camaraderie and positive energy that made a meaningful impact on the individuals we serve.

A heartfelt thank‑you to Kevin, Corey, and Iris for your teamwork, professionalism, and commitment. Your collaboration sets the tone for the entire SAIL community.

In the News – CHSC Features & Mentions

On April 27, Chapel Haven Schleifer Center was featured live on WTNH‑TV’s CT Buzz in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.

President Michael Storz was joined by ASAT student David, who shared his personal journey and accomplishments during his two years in the Autism Supports and Transition (ASAT) program. David spoke proudly about the skills he has built, the confidence he has gained, and his meaningful work experience at WHELEN—an inspiring example of how vocational training opens doors to independence.

During the segment, Michael highlighted Chapel Haven’s 50‑year mission of empowering neurodivergent adults to live independent, self‑determined lives through education, employment, and community integration. Together, Michael and David offered viewers a genuine look at the transformative impact of the ASAT program and the supportive community that surrounds all CHSC adults.

Watch TV Segment Here

Pay It Forward

Thank you to the parents and CHSC adults who have taken the time to share their positive experiences with Chapel Haven Schleifer Center by writing a Google review. You, too, can change a life. Testimonials from satisfied parents go a long way! Please click below and leave your review!

Click here to write your Google Review

Take an At a Glance Tour

Held on the first Thursday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. EST, interested families are invited to take an At A Glance tour with CHSC. These one‑hour, on‑campus tours offer an introduction to either the REACH or ASAT program. Led by our Admissions team, the tour includes the opportunity to meet student ambassadors and learn more about our approach to empowering adults to live independent and self‑determined lives.

Space is limited! Select a date and register below.

At a Glance Tour