The NEAT Team

Kristen oversees Assistive Technology Services at NEAT, managing contracts with agencies across the state and supporting her team in delivering a wide range of services to help individuals achieve their highest level of independence. She is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) with a background in occupational therapy, and prior to joining NEAT, she worked in public schools as well as skilled nursing facilities. Kristen has presented nationally and locally and has provided AT services across the lifespan, with particular passions for smart home technology, educational and workplace accessibility, and leisure-based access solutions. Outside of work, Kristen stays busy keeping up with her two teenage sons.

Kristen can be reached at:
Kristen.Gilfeather@OakHillCT.org

Jamie is an Assistive Technology Specialist at Oak Hill, focusing on finding AT solutions for students and individuals with learning and attention difficulties. He conducts evaluations, consultations, training, and professional development with the goal of increasing independence for those who learn and think differently. He has over 30 years of experience working in education, and prior to joining the Oak Hill team, he was a Language Arts teacher in both mainstream and special education classrooms, an Assistive Technology Coordinator at a specialized school for students with dyslexia, and an independent AT Consultant working with clients throughout the United States. He was also a contributor to Understood.org, a website that provides information and support on learning and attention issues to families and teachers. The best part of Jamie’s job is spending time with students, helping them realize that technology can make school easier for them. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys the fine and performing arts, often venturing out to museums and concerts with his family.

Jamie can be reached at:
Jamie.Martin@OakHillCT.org.
860-286-3166
Follow Jamie on twitter to see where he is presenting and what AT he is passionate about! @NEATWithJamie

Heather completes Assistive Technology Services at NEAT, including AT Evaluations, AT Consultations, AT Trainings, and Adaptive Gaming Services.  Heather has a background in occupational therapy, working with individuals across the lifespan in both nursing homes and school-based settings.  In addition, she has furthered her education by completing an Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program, earning a certificate in assistive technology applications. Heather provides assistive technology services to individuals across their lifespan, specializing in helping individuals with complex needs.  She has a strong devotion to implementing technology to empower individuals to live more independent and fulfilling lives, specifically within school-based settings and through adaptive video gaming.  In her personal life, Heather enjoys skiing, cooking, and spending time with her friends, family, and dog Duke.

Michele provides Assistive Technology services throughout the state, serving individuals of varying needs. She has a background in Occupational Therapist, and is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP). Prior to joining the NEAT team, she worked in clinical day treatment schools, inpatient creative rehabilitation services, and short-term rehab environments. She has also been a certified Crisis Prevention Intervention dementia train the trainer, working with families, group homes providers and health care providers. Michele’s educational background and hands-on expertise have allowed her to work with diverse populations across the lifespan, tailoring therapeutic approaches to meet unique needs. Michele’s passion for assistive technology integration and dementia care strategies is demonstrated through person-centered care and her passion for finding creative and meaningful ways to support clients and their families. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with her husband, their six children, and seven wonderful grandchildren.

Taylor provides Assistive Technology services to individuals, in their homes and community settings. She works closely with each person and their team to complete comprehensive, person-centered assessments and offers hands-on training, helping them live as independently as possible. Taylor has a background in occupational therapy (OT) and worked in skilled nursing facilities before joining NEAT. She especially enjoys working with adults and finds it rewarding to combine her OT experience with smart home technology to help people overcome everyday challenges through the use of Assistive Technology. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Nicole serves as an Assistive Technology Specialist, supporting individuals, families, support staff, and teams in identifying and implementing tools that promote access, communication, and independence. In this role, she collaborates with professionals and caregivers to ensure individuals have the strategies and supports they need to thrive in all environments.
She holds a master's degree in Assistive Technology and has a background working as a Speech Language Pathologist Assistant in public school and clinical settings. Nicole brings experience in evaluating, recommending, and coaching on the effective use of tools across learning and communication environments. She has developed a passion for integrating augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and assistive technology to empower individuals in their reading, writing, and executive functioning skills. Her professional interests include helping individuals discover innovative ways to increase independence, strengthen daily living and executive functioning skills, and enhance participation across environments. Outside of work, Nicole enjoys the nonstop adventure of life with her three energetic boys who keep her on her toes and laughing every day.

Chandler is an Assistive Technology Coach with a background in education. In her current role, she partners with schools to train teachers, parents and students on technology that will increase their independence both in school and in the community. Chandler also works supporting NEAT's Lending Library, Birth to Three and Long-Term Communication iPad loans. She has previously worked as a paraprofessional supporting students with diverse learning needs. Her passion for inclusion extends beyond the classroom, which is evident through her volunteer work with Special Olympics. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing and reading.

As an Assistive Technology Coach, David works directly with individuals with disabilities to identify, implement, and train them on the use of assistive technology to promote greater independence and success in their daily lives, at home, at work, and in school. David holds a bachelor’s degree in health care communications and brings experience in human resources, coaching, training, and disability advocacy. He brings experience with program development, project management, and community outreach to his role at NEAT. He also draws on personal lived experience using assistive technology to navigate challenges his clients’ encounter. Outside of work, David enjoys spending time with his service dog, Mo, photography, and attending fairs and farmers’ markets.

Margie is a Speech-Language Pathologist providing Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) services for individuals of all ages with complex communication needs. She has a particular passion for supporting individuals with physical disabilities in accessing computers and AAC devices through alternative means. Margie has presented nationally and locally on a variety of topics related to AAC. She attended Susquehanna University (B.S. in Psychology) and the University of Connecticut (M.A. in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences). She is licensed in the state of Connecticut, as well as by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Outside of work, Margie loves gardening, from growing tomatoes and hot peppers to planting native plants to support the local insects and birds.

Margie can be reached at:
Email at: Margaret.Hislop@OakHillCT.org
Follow Margie on Twitter @NEATwithMargie

Liz O’Brien is a Speech-Language Pathologist at NEAT and provides augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) services to support individuals with complex communication needs and facilitate successful AAC implementation across settings. She also provides assistive technology (AT) services, making sure that AT tools are tailored to an individual's needs.  Liz is excited to combine her passion for AAC with AT to empower those with different abilities. She has experience working in clinical, school, and private practice settings following her master's degree from the University of Connecticut. She is licensed in the state of Connecticut, certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association, and has a master’s degree in assistive technology (AT) from George Mason University. When she's not working, you'll find Liz exploring new destinations, both locally and abroad.

Liz can be reached at:
Email at: Elizabeth.Obrien@OakHillCT.org
Follow Liz on Twitter @NEATwithLiz

Brielle is an AAC Specialist at NEAT, dedicated to enhancing functional communication for individuals with a variety of speech and language needs. She earned her B.S. in Communicative Disorders and M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Rhode Island and holds the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence. She is certified by both the CT and RI Departments of Health. Prior to joining NEAT, Brielle worked as an AAC Consultant across the lifespan and as a pediatric outpatient Speech-Language Pathologist. She has a particular passion for alternative access, switch implementation, and supporting transition-aged students in becoming independent AAC users.