Board of Directors & Standing Committees

Michelle Riel has been providing nursing services within the I/DD field since 2012, serving individuals in both Connecticut and Massachusetts. She is the current Senior Regional Nursing Director with DDN Consulting Services, where she has the wonderful opportunity to enhance the lives of individuals across over 20 private sector partner agencies. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse (CDDN). Michelle previously served on the CT DDNA board as the Membership/Nomination Chairperson. In addition to caring as a profession, Michelle is the proud mom of two, Aurora and Bennett.

Shaye Yoxall has been providing nursing services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities since 2002. Shaye has been actively providing nursing services in the field of IDD with DDN Consulting for twenty years. Currently, Shaye is diligently working at DDN as Director of Strategic Partnerships and is committed to providing nursing services that will enrich the lives of others. Through Southern Connecticut State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. When not working, Shaye enjoys spending time with her husband and three amazing children and watching all of their activities and accomplishments. Shaye also loves to spend most of her free time with her two rescue dogs that keep her busy and continuously laughing with their crazy antics.

Donna Mallet is the Director of Nursing & Therapy at Ability Beyond, an organization dedicated to empowering every person, no matter their ability, to have the opportunity to live, work and thrive as an integral part of their community.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Western Connecticut State University and has over 35 years of public health experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, serious mental illness and medical issues in their homes.  She participates in the State-wide Independent Mortality Review Board as the private provider representative and is a member of the State-wide Medication Certification work group.  She has served on various committees throughout her community, including the greater Danbury Homeless Consortium, the Danbury Hospital Ethics Committee and the Professional Advisory Committees for area Assisted Living Facilities.  In addition to belonging to both the National and State Developmental Disability Nursing Associations, she has served as Secretary of the State chapter Board of Directors since 2018 and is a member of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the Danbury Coalition of Agencies Relating to Elderly Services and the Alzheimer’s Association.  Donna lives in Danbury with her husband Rich, practices yoga often and lives for vacations where she can put her toes in the sand.

Elliann has been employed with Department of Developmental Services (DDS) serving individuals with I/DD since 2014.  She started in the North Region as a Clinical Nurse Coordinator in the Community Living Arrangements (CLA) and In-Home Supports (IHS) settings.  In 2019, she received a promotion to Nurse Consultant in the private division at Central Office working on policies and procedures.  Additional DDS accomplishments include serving as a medication administration Endorsed Instructor and infection control committee co-chair.  

Elliann received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Connecticut in 2009.  She has worked at community and inner-city hospitals on medical/surgical, telemetry, orthopedic, congestive heart failure units as well as the emergency department.  She has experience in the assisted living setting caring for the geriatric population including those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.  

Elliann has served on the CT DDNA board since 2019 and is an active member of her community.  In her free time, she enjoys cooking, shopping and spending time with her large extended family, especially her husband and two children.

Denise Canady, RN is the Chief Compliance Officer with Marrakech Inc. She began her career with Marrakech as a student at the Academy for Human Service Training. After completing the 16-week comprehensive training program, Denise began working part-time as a program counselor and was steadily promoted up the ranks during her 28-year tenure. As Chief Compliance Officer, she ensures that the programs at Marrakech are in compliance with the rules, regulations, and terms of service from licensing agencies and funding sources. Denise is a graduate of Wilbur Cross High School. She later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in human services from the University of Bridgeport, where she graduated Cum Laude. She serves on several internal and external committees and advisory councils, namely, Marrakech’s Safety, Staff Recognition, Outcomes Steering, and Charting the Life Course Trajectory Committee, as well as Marrakech’s Multicultural Advisory Council. Her external committee involvement includes the Mortality Review Board for the Department of Developmental Services in CT where she serves as a private provider advocate, the Connecticut Developmental Disabilities Nursing Association, United Investment, LLC and Elephant in the Room Boxing and Fitness Academy.

Denise is a staunch advocate for people with disabilities and the staff that care for them. Her advocacy includes providing testimony at several legislative sessions at the State Capitol. She has participated in several panel discussions hosted by the New Haven Chamber of Commerce.

Lastly, Denise is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoys reading, dancing, traveling, and spending time with her friends.

Mary Lindholm has worked in the I/DD field for almost 8 years.  She is currently South Region Nursing Manager for DDN Consulting services where she can help impact the lives of the individuals she works with.  She earned her nursing degree from St. Vincent’s College.  Mary has been on the board since 2017 and a member since 2014.  She is always looking for fresh ideas for educational trainings for CT DD nurses.  In her off time, she runs and plays in multiple Dungeons and Dragons games and wrangles her 4 cats and husband.

Kathleen DaSilva has worked in the I/DD field for over 15 years, currently as a Regional Nursing Director at DDN Consulting Services, a nursing agency committed to making a difference in the lives of the individuals they serve and those who care for them. She graduated from Western Connecticut State University. She has been a member of the CT DDNA since 2013 and became Website/Communications Committee Chair in 2020. In her personal life, you can find Kathleen and her husband outdoors, hiking, cooking/enjoying food, or spending time with their beloved animals.

Lucy Kariuki is a dedicated and energetic patient-focused nurse with 9+ years of nursing experience in clinical nursing, management, and leadership with a strong background in communications. She has a passion for serving diverse communities and promoting inclusive healthcare practices.

Lucy holds dual master's degrees, one in Nursing and the other in Communications, reflecting her commitment to holistic healthcare and clear, empathetic communication with patients, families, and colleagues. Her academic pursuits have equipped her with a deep understanding of healthcare delivery systems and effective strategies for patient engagement and education.

Having initially worked in acute nursing; Lucy discovered her true calling in disability nursing six years ago. Her experience in disability nursing has instilled in her a profound sense of empathy and advocacy for individuals with diverse abilities, inspiring her to champion inclusive healthcare policies and practices. Currently Lucy serves as the Director of Health Services for Key Human Services, a company that supports people with disabilities in Connecticut as they leave congregated, segregated settings and move into homes in the community full of meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, pursue their dreams, and achieve their goals.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Lucy actively engages in volunteer work, particularly mentoring students pursuing nursing and working with families caring for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities in her native country, Kenya. Her dedication to community service underscores her commitment to making a positive impact beyond the confines of the healthcare setting.

In her leisure time, Lucy indulges in various hobbies, including reading, traveling, interior decoration, swimming, and walking. These activities not only provide her with moments of relaxation and rejuvenation but also fuel her creativity and zest for life.

Lucy Kariuki's unwavering dedication to healthcare excellence, coupled with her compassionate approach to patient care and commitment to community service, make her a valuable leader in the field of developmental disability nursing. She continues to inspire and empower those around her to strive for excellence and inclusivity in healthcare delivery.

Mary Pelletier, with nearly 25 yrs in I/DD nursing and administration, as an Endorsed Instructor for DDS and DCF, a CT DDNA Board member and past president, currently serving as the Secretary/Treasurer for the national DDNA, is now the Director of Education and Development for Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy and a part of the RxHealth Pharmacy team, a Tarrytown pharmacy here in CT. Professionally, she finds it exciting to be able to research and bring the best of education, resources and support to nurses, the I/DD community and those who interface with them in a variety of care models- connecting the dots. She was the 2021 recipient of the Dr. Adlestein award for Professional Leadership, yet her best roles will always be mom of 3 and ‘Mimi’ of 3 more; loves quilting, gardening and cooking.