Play with Grace

Carmelina Mosher, MA, L.P.C.: President

Sandra Gutierrez: Vice President 

Edith Pagoni: Co-Vice President

Sharon Barnabei: Treasurer 

Deborah Napelitano: Secretary

Donna Rindos: Member at Large

Thao Thi-pham Doran, D.O.:  Advisor to the Board

Carmelina Mosher, MA, LPC: President

Carmelina has an M.A. degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Holistic Health and is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). She is an ordained minister and has a private practice as a psychotherapist, expressive arts therapist and life coach in Hamden, Connecticut. She has more than 30 years of experience in psychology and education and is an expert in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Traumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Carmelina’s vast experience has been in positions such as psychotherapist, expressive arts therapist, psychoeducational specialist, recreation supervisor, teacher (art, poetry, music, dance, drama, playwriting with children in mainstream and special education from preschool through 12th grade), homebound tutor of the full curriculum of subjects in the regional public school system, and in the admissions department of an independent living facility for adults with disabilities, writing full-scale evaluations and assessments. As a psychotherapist and expressive arts therapist, Carmelina utilizes the arts, including visual arts, poetry, dreamwork, music, stress management and creative visualization in providing individual, couples and family therapy in her private practice. She is trained in special education, psychodrama, Jungian psychology, Music therapy, Codependency, Addictions, Inner Child work, and Gestalt therapy. Carmelina’s specific areas of specialty are: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorders, Depression, Grief/Bereavement, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Somatoform Disorders, and EAP Services. Carmelina is also an internationally known artist, a singer-songwriter, video and board game inventor for therapeutic use, poet, polyglot, and author of original illustrated faerie tales, some with original sing-along songs. She is the director and founder of Play with Grace Theatre, an expressive drama and original musical theatre program for specially-abled adults. Carmelina was recognized in 2014 by the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut for her outstanding effort and success in helping others, and improving lives through assistance, awareness and compassion for people with disabilities. She has a gift for bringing out the creative genius in others.

Sandra Gutierrez: Vice President 

Sandra (Sandi) is a non-denominational ordained licensed Minister who loves working with inner city youth and its communities by providing good deeds whenever possible. Sandi is a project manager and has extensive experience in the medicaid/medicare managed care and its communities. She worked for 23 years alongside executive teams of Fortune 500 companies in NYC. Sandi specializes in administrative leadership for community outreach and customer service. She is known for exemplary academic performance and leadership skills throughout the NYC Medicaid/Medicare industry. Sandi is also a certified Reiki Master and Sound healer and practices sound healing through the arts of drums, gongs, sing bowls and flutes. She is inspired by demonstrating love, kindness and compassion by assisting those in need around her and in her community.

Edith Pagoni: Co-Vice President

As the Vice President of "Play with Grace," a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Edith champions initiatives that enhance community participation and empower individuals with intellectual disabilities. Previously, she leveraged her business acumen and networking skills to promote cultural dialogue and inclusivity, serving as a board member of Wolcott Charity Classics and as a judge for student filmmakers at the Marco Island Film Festival. She also founded "Kneads: A Fresh Vision for Special Education," a nonprofit foundation that has organized over 182 social events and significantly enhanced support systems for families in need. Additionally, Edith has served on the Human Rights Commission for Eden Autism Services, advocating for the rights and inclusion of individuals with autism. Currently, Edith is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative in the Greater Waterbury Area and New Haven County, Connecticut. This project focuses on establishing educational workshops, showcases, and exhibits that are inclusive of all abilities, aiming to create a supportive community environment that fosters social interaction, connectivity, and a focus on the arts. Driven by her strategic vision and deep commitment as both a professional and a mother, Edith is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.  

Sharon Barnabei: Treasurer

Sharon has worked in IT as a SAS/SQL programmer for the last 32 years in the insurance and banking industries. Her connection with Play with Grace began 10 years ago when her specially abled daughter with Down Syndrome first took the stage. This enriching partnership continues today as her daughter benefits from the program by improving her self-confidence, her socialization skills, problem solving skills and motivational skills. Sharon is also actively involved with the advisory board for the North Haven Special Olympics team. She is dedicated to providing more opportunities and support for all members of the specially abled community. Sharon holds a Masters from Albertus Magnus in Business Administration and a Bachelors from the University of Connecticut in Computer Science\English. She is also an active civilian member of the CT National Guard Soldiers and Family Readiness Group for the 192nd Combat Engineers.

Deborah Napelitano: Secretary

Deborah (Debbie) has spent 20 years in the health care field and is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She has specialized in overseeing group homes with patients with traumatic brain injuries, visiting and caring for patients in their homes, and training adults on becoming home health aides. Debbie’s volunteering positions have included a farm (Purpose Farm) where she assisted children who have special needs.  She has volunteered at Horses healing Humans, where she assisted with rehabbing people on horses.  Debbie worked for Contact, a suicide hotline where she answered phone calls from people in crisis.  She started volunteering at Play with Grace Expressive drama program in the Spring of 2023.  Working with this population has brought her such joy. Debbie currently runs the Play with Grace Bowling League.

Thao Doran:  Advisor to the Board

Thao Thi-pham Doran, D.O. serves as an advisor in The Eyes of Wings. She is a board certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, BLS, Reiki Master, Sound healer and holds a certificate for TuiNa Acupressure. Dr. Doran has more than 20 years of experience working in healthcare in outpatient care and primary care. She currently practices at Prohealth, providing outpatient care; at Optum, where she supervises the Nurse Practitioners; and at Greenstem clinic, where she provides primary care/integrative medicine, incorporating traditional medicine with alternative care.

Dr. Doran’s rich volunteering experiences include a mission trip to the Phillipines, providing anti-tobacco education to the community, providing a nurturing environment for grieving children and their families, provided an enriching environment for inner city children. Her interests include holistic medicine, integrative medicine/lifestyle medicine, international medicine, and vanity medicine. She is a member of AOA and AAFP.

Donna Rindos: Member at Large

Donna was a stay-at-home mom after her daughter was born with downs syndrome. Prior to this she was an office manager for her family business. Donna has had volunteer positions including room mother for her son and daughter at the Milford elementary school and PTA President at the local middle schools.  She was also Superintendent on the parent advisory board and a Parent group member on the local high school board and hockey team.  Donna has assisted with special Olympics for ten years and has been a Mentor at Play with Grace for the past 15 years to present.