Expressive Drama
with Original Music
for Specially-abled Adults
Play with Grace Expressive Arts Programs, Inc is a 501(c)3 nonprofit creative arts organization which serves as a model for community integration for specially-abled adults in Connecticut.
Founder, artist/therapist Carmelina Mosher’s Play with Grace Expressive Drama program has engaged wide and diverse participation throughout Connecticut for over 25 years. Due to a widespread interest in having this program available to those with special needs, Carmelina enlisted the help of a team of parents and advocates, many of whom are also arts and human services professionals to custom-design more programs like Play with Grace Expressive Drama, including a bowling league, multi-media arts courses, cooking, sign language, and special events designed to serve this community of extraordinary people.
Having seen the enormous value that this project holds for its participants, the Play with Grace team is dedicated to expansion. This innovative program provides participants a unique opportunity to discover a new set of interests and talents, and to build skills and self-confidence.
Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. We offer a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups to get involved and make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Play with Grace: 3-minute video introduction
Our PWG Bowling League begins again Thursday January 9- March 27, 2025 6-730 pm
$120. (Includes supervised bowling, 2 games per week, Bowling shoes, 2 free practice games, pizza & awards banquet)
DON’T MISS OUT!
AMF BOWLING ALLEY, 525 Main Street, East Haven, CT
A 4-week class, taught by Ron Viesti, Jr
$80
February 4, 11, 18, 25 3:30-5:30
North Haven Recreational Center
7 Linsley Street, North Haven, CT 06473
4 week Healthy Cooking Courses currently held at Carmelina’s Garden, 172 Welton Street, Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Established fine artist and therapist Carmelina Mosher, MA, LPC developed a unique Expressive Drama program that for over 25 years now, has engaged wide and diverse participation throughout the state of Connecticut.
Due to a widespread interest in having this and other expressive arts programs available to those with special needs (Downs Syndrome, Autism Spectrum, etc.), Carmelina formed the Play with Grace Musical Theatre program, which serves this community of extraordinary people, some of whom are nonverbal.
Play with Grace offers two terms:
"Songs of Life" in the Spring
"Taking Flight" in the Fall
This innovative Expressive Drama and Music program provides participants a unique opportunity to discover new interests and talents, and to build on talents, skills and self-confidence.
Our mentor and participant partnerships encourage individuals to learn from and support one another in their personal and collective goals.
Be a Star!
Stars will choose archetypes to portray and will perform an original song based on their character and personal message to the world.
Our Stars need your support. As mentors and community volunteers, you can help boost their confidence and courage so they are comfortable enough performing in front of a live audience.
We also offer internships and practicum hours for students from local colleges.
Special Events in the Spring and Summer are outdoors in our Play with Grace Garden theatre. In the Fall & Winter months, we utilize local theaters for our rehearsals and performance.
Each Star chooses an Archetype (Character) to portray, and discovers their message to the world
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
The Art of Positive Transformation
We currently have an outdoor garden venue in Hamden, Connecticut. Our space is available to rent for your private and small public events, including your wedding, which we can also officiate.
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.
See what audiences are saying about Play with Grace Expressive Arts Programs. From the stunning performances to the beautiful original music, people are raving about this one-of-a-kind experience:
I have observed Ms. Mosher's professional efforts first-hand as my daughter, a 27-year old woman with Down's Syndrome, has greatly benefited from these creative/ therapeutic services. This was a very liberating experience for my daughter, as she was a given a full range of expressive and artistic opportunities under Ms. Mosher's able direction. I am confident that by expanding her innovative programs, more individuals with disabilities will learn how to imagine and create in remarkable new ways -- these new modes transcend their physical and mental limitations.I want to also express as a parent how gratified we were to see that our daughter's creative and artistic growth truly flourished with Carmelina's "above and beyond" personal care and empathy. Our daughter clearly discovered new ways to cope with a challenging world under Carmelina's direction. Along with other parents, we attended wonderful theatrical productions -- with music, movement, dance, and drama -- directed by Carmelina. Only a highly skilled therapist could have evoked such a high degree of response from her disabled actors -- she is in short, a "miracle worker."
Philip (parent)
Carmelina has worked with our daughter for the past 8 years both individually and in creative art/therapy classes. Over the years my wife and I have noticed tremendous growth in our child Carmelina's efforts. Our daughter has gained a new confidence in herself that she was unable to find elsewhere. She found her voice on stage! She started in expressive drama as a stage hand and today she is Center Stage. She learned leadership skills which have enabled her to be a leader amongst her friends. Programs excel because of individuals like Carmelina Mosher. She helps make parents dreams come true for their cognitively disabled child.
Peter (parent)
I enthusiastically support "Taking Flight", an expressive drama program under the guidance of the talented Carmelina Mosher and with the collaboration of Jarrod Law. My friend Jarrod is a 41 year old African American man with non-verbal autism who has made a book with me that includes his drawings and my writing. Jarrod's principal goal in life is to help those with autism see their essential value which is best done by showing them that they can achieve things not previously thought possible. He knows through first-hand experience that art is transformative, and wants to share that with everyone.
Cheever (lawyer, artist)
I am so excited about Play with Grace and being a mentor in the program. I know that such programs and workshops enhance the quality of life and self-expression for the participants. Creative endeavors assist people with disabilities to live better lives and have more control over the challenges that affect them in their environments. This is certainly very applicable to autism due to the particular nature of the disorder and the need for effective integration of the senses through creative expression. Creative activities in many forms help people to deal with the issues of their lives, deepen their enjoyment of life, and assist them in relating to others in a cooperative community setting. All of us are very positively affected in a culture that supports the arts for everyone.
Sarah (human services professional)
I have matured considerably by working with Carmelina, especially by using painting and drawing to learn about myself and to cope with problems. I also want to go further with all of this and want to participate in "Play with Grace" drama program. I believe autistic people may be especially creative and I think that many forms of creativity could actually change how autism is approached. I would be thrilled to be a participant in this program.
Jennifer (client)
Listen to some of our songs on SoundCloud, ReverbNation, Spotify, Amazon, i-Tunes, and Pandora.
The amazing original songs of Play with Grace are written and composed by Carmelina Mosher and James Hayes, with tunes that will leave you humming for days.
All our songs are inspired by our Stars.
Pink and Purple, c. 2011 Carmelina Mosher & Play with Grace
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