How Aspire is growing to strengthen the disability services people rely on. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities need services and supports they can count on. Not just today, but next year and the year after that. Delivering on that takes more than good intentions. It takes an organization that's planning ahead, making smart decisions, and growing in a way that protects what people have come to rely on. That's exactly what Aspire Living & Learning is focused on. "This isn't a moment to wait and see," says CEO Erica Hare. "The people we support deserve an organization that's thinking ahead, making smart decisions, and growing in a way that protects what they've come to rely on. That's the standard we hold ourselves to." That's exactly what Aspire's three-year strategic plan is built to do, strengthening the workforce, expanding access to services, and deepening community connection. And growth is central to it, not as a milestone to hit, but as a responsibility to ensure more people can access the right support without sacrificing quality. "We're not growing for the sake of growing," Erica says. "Every decision we make has to trace back to the people we serve. That's non-negotiable for us." Meet John Whittemore. To help actualize that plan, Aspire has appointed John Whittemore as Associate Vice President of Growth and Advancement. "John understands this work from the inside out," Erica says. "That matters enormously. We needed someone who could help move our strategy forward without losing sight of what's actually happening on the ground." John has worked directly alongside Aspire's programs and teams, and that experience informs how he approaches this role. His operational understanding helps him navigate leadership decisions that are informed by the real impacts of the people receiving support and the teams delivering the service. "I know the faces. I know the names," he says. "I've seen the smiles, and sometimes the tears. Those experiences remind me who all of this is really for." In his new role, John oversees business development, advocacy, and philanthropy. Together those areas form the connective tissue between Aspire's mission and its ability to grow, bringing in the right partners, pursuing the right opportunities, and securing the resources that make it all possible. "People in operations are dealing with real-life situations every day," John says. "When someone raises their hand about a challenge, I understand where they're coming from." Here for the communities that count on Aspire Living & Learning, Inc.. The landscape around Home and Community-Based Services is shifting, and Medicaid funding pressures are real. Aspire is not waiting to see how that plays out. "The organizations that will still be here serving their communities in ten years are the ones making hard decisions now," Erica says. "We take that responsibility seriously. The families we work with are counting on us to get this right." The work happening now, the planning, the partnerships, the investment in workforce, is how Aspire makes sure it can keep showing up for the communities that count on it. "I want people to see Aspire as a pillar in their community," John says. "Not just a place where services happen, but a place that contributes to something bigger." "That's exactly the vision," Erica adds. "We want to be the kind of organization that communities feel lucky to have. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens because we build it intentionally, one good decision at a time."

Aspire Living & Learning to open new Children's Behavioral Health clinic in Connecticut, expanding access for families. Aspire Living & Learning is a private, nonprofit human services, behavioral health, and education organization with a growing, multi-state footprint. A new Aspire Living & Learning clinic in Marlborough expands access to timely behavioral health evaluations and therapy for Connecticut children and families. MARLBOROUGH, CT, UNITED STATES, March 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ - Connecticut families searching for children's behavioral health support know the frustration well: months on a waitlist, months without answers, months watching a child struggle. Aspire Living & Learning is opening a new behavioral health clinic in Marlborough, Connecticut to help address that gap. On April 1, the nonprofit human services, behavioral health, and education organization will open a new children's behavioral health clinic at 5 South Main Street in Marlborough, expanding access to specialized, timely care for children of all abilities, including those who are neurodiverse, autistic, or navigating anxiety and behavioral challenges. The clinic offers psychological, educational, and psychoeducational evaluations; behavior assessments; and therapy, all under one roof, from a team with deep roots in Connecticut. The team brings particular depth of expertise in supporting neurodiverse children, including those with autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services are planned for the future as we expand the clinic's offerings. The need for this kind of specialized, accessible care has never been greater. Nearly 1 in 5 children in Connecticut has a mental, emotional, or behavioral health condition, according to the CDC, and the Connecticut Children's Behavioral Health Plan 2024 Annual Report found that provider shortages have left families waiting six months or longer for evaluations and care. "When children cannot get care when they need it, the impact shows up everywhere in their lives," said Dr. Elizabeth Sellinger, chief of clinical and children's services at Aspire. "This clinic is about ensuring families and schools have access to thoughtful, timely support before challenges become harder to navigate." The clinic is led by Dr. Courtney Cotter, a licensed psychologist and doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst with nearly 20 years of experience, joined by Dr. Marlena Minkos, a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with more than 15 years of experience in Connecticut clinical and educational settings, and Chelsea Colonese, a school psychologist with nearly a decade of experience supporting students statewide. "Every child deserves support that recognizes their strengths and differences," said Dr. Cotter. "Our role is to bring clinical expertise and practical strategies together so children, especially those who are neurodiverse, can make meaningful progress in real-world settings." With more than 20 years of experience working alongside Connecticut school districts, Aspire takes a whole-child approach, supporting children not just clinically but in the schools, homes, and communities where they grow. Aspire accepts Aetna, Carelon Behavioral (Anthem), Cigna, Optum/UBH, and Medicaid (HUSKY). Families using other insurers may inquire about out-of-network options. To learn more or begin the conversation, call 203-527-0083 or visit allinc.org/behavioral-health-services. About Aspire Living & Learning Aspire Living & Learning is a private, nonprofit human services, behavioral health, and education organization with a growing multi-state footprint. For more than 40 years, Aspire has evolved alongside the people it supports, expanding access to person-centered services and supports that help neurodiverse children and adults discover their passions, unlock their potential, and thrive in their communities. Learn more at www.allinc.org. Brittany Ruggiero Aspire Living & Learning [email protected] Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.