Something BIG has arrived!

Branching Tree is a group of families who are co-creating an inclusive residential care community with a community-based day program for young adults with autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our combined lived experiences ensure that the community will remain values-driven and responsive to real-life needs. Our vision centers on fostering belonging, dignity, and meaningful connection for every person. Meet our co-founders below.

About Us

Logo with the words shared, inclusive, community and a stylized leaf design.

Branching Tree is committed to providing inclusive housing and meaningful daily experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering independence, dignity, and well-being. We empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives through strong community connections and a true sense of belonging.

Our Mission

Abstract illustration of seven leaves in shades of green and purple.

Watch Our Announcement Video

  • Person-centered supports

  • Meaningful relationships

  • Interdependence vs. isolation

  • Shared leadership and decision-making

  • Sustainability and stewardship

  • Respect for the whole person

Our Values

  • Smiling woman with short blond hair, wearing a yellow top, standing in front of a patterned tapestry with birds and floral designs.

    Dotty Foley

    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.

  • A smiling bald man wearing glasses and a navy blazer, in front of a bookshelf filled with books.

    Mike Manno

    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.

  • Close-up photograph of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing pearl earrings and a dark red top, outdoors with green trees and sunlight in the background.

    Sabrina Manno

    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.

  • Kathy Bustin

    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.

  • Smiling woman with short blond hair, wearing a yellow top, standing in front of a patterned tapestry with birds and floral designs.

    Melissa Devine

    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.

  • Deborah Pacheco

    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.