CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Dotty is a lifelong disability advocate, educator, and nonprofit co-founder with over 30 years of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She is a facilitator for Pathways to Friendship at The Arc of Massachusetts and co-founded HOPE NC, a nonprofit advancing inclusive housing and community. Dotty has led statewide initiatives focused on housing, human rights, and systems change. Grounded in compassion and person-centered values, Dotty lives in Rockport, MA, and is the proud parent of Emma and Dylan.

CO-FOUNDER & TREASURER

Mike has an extensive marketing and finance background working with several Fortune 100 corporations, including HSBC, Citizen’s Bank, and CVS, leading customer acquisition, engagement, and retention programs. He is also a co-founder and former Treasurer of Special Kids Connect in Monterey County, CA. Mike is the dedicated father of Marcus, a non-speaking young man with profound Autism and an intellectual disability. Mike resides in Walpole, MA with his wife, Sabrina, their two daughters, Madeleine and Gabrielle, cats Riley & Charlie, and dogs Benny & Sandy.

CO-FOUNDER & CLERK

Sabrina brings to Branching Tree her breadth and depth of experience in corporate marketing, nonprofit leadership, and as the parent of a non-speaking young man with profound Autism and an intellectual disability. She currently works as the Director of Marketing for League School for Autism, and previously co-founded Special Kids Connect, a California nonprofit created to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Sabrina lives in Walpole, MA with her husband, Mike, daughters Madeleine and Gabrielle, two cats, and two dogs.

BOARD MEMBER

Kathy has been a fierce advocate for her son, while also working to improve life for similar families. Kathy was Chair of the North Reading Special Education Parents’ Advisory Council and also collaborated with Autism Housing Pathways, founding its FAMS workgroup. Kathy is thankful for her experience as a software QA engineer, a career that prioritized persistence, creativity, research, technical, and communication skills, preparing her to work with disability policy.  Kathy lives with her husband, Phil, in North Reading, MA, and they are the proud parents of Jeffrey and Sarah.

BOARD MEMBER

Melissa Devine has more than 25 years of experience facilitating inclusion and developing programming for learners with high support needs. She began her career with Hopkinton Public Schools, ACCEPT Education Collaborative, and Medfield Public Schools before before becoming the Director of Autism and Inclusion Programming at Brookline Public Schools. Melissa joined CASE Collaborative in 2021 as the Assistant Executive Director, where she remains today. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education Administrative License. Melissa lives in Walpole, MA with her family and enjoys hiking and skiing.

BOARD MEMBER

Deborah Pacheco is a special education leader with experience in program compliance, residential education, and organizational training. As the Senior Administrator of Special Education Compliance for Springfield Public Schools, she is dedicated to building collaborative, equitable systems that ensure students receive high-quality, compliant, and compassionate special education services. Deb was previously Director of Residential Education at League School for Autism, and held leadership positions in training and quality assurance. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Johnson & Wales University.

BOARD MEMBER

Erin Lynch is the Gift Officer & Communications Manager at House of Possibilities (HOPe), where she supports mission-driven fundraising and meaningful community engagement. She began working with Special Olympics 18 years ago, where she now serves a program coordinator and coach, receiving their Community Impact Award in 2024. Through her involvement with The Arc of Massachusetts’ Pathways to Friendship, she creates meaningful connections between people with and without disabilities and inclusive community-building efforts. Erin holds a BSBA in Marketing from The Catholic University of America and a Master’s in Public Policy & Administration from UMass Amherst.

BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Casey Fein is a Pediatrician at Northampton Area Pediatrics. Growing up with an older brother diagnosed with nonverbal autism, he studied physics and engineering at Tufts University before completing his pre-med coursework at Hunter College in New York and medical school at Boston University. His training and chief residency were completed at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Casey has an interest in children with complex medical and developmental needs and pediatric mental health. He, his wife, and their two daughters enjoy the vibrant Jewish community, culture, and nature of the Pioneer Valley. Casey enjoys running, singing, playing piano and guitar, and spending time with his family.