Something BIG has arrived!

Branching Tree is a group of families who have co-created an innovative and inclusive residential care community with a community-based day program for young adults with autism and intellectual/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 team 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

  • 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 Northampton, 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 Health, 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 over 30 years of experience in corporate marketing working with McGraw-Hill, The Myers Briggs Company, and HSBC. As the parent of a young man with profound Autism, she previously co-founded Special Kids Connect, a California nonprofit created to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Sabrina currently works as the Director of Marketing for League School for Autism, and lives in Walpole, MA with her husband, Mike, daughters Madeleine and Gabrielle, two cats, and two dogs.

  • Kathy O'Donnell 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 currently lives with her husband, Phil, in Northampton, MA, and they are the proud parents of Jeffrey and Sarah. Jeffrey is one of the residential adults living at Branching Tree’s Oak House in Williamsburg, MA.