We assist families with; Healthy Start/HUSKY Insurance, WIC (Women Infants and Children), Nurturing Families Network, Nurturing Connections, Parenting Classes/Groups, Father Involvement Programs and numerous group classes.
ABOUT US
A Center for Growth and Support
Programs
Programs at a glance
Our Mission
Our mission explained
Family Strides, Inc. is a community based program providing comprehensive services to enhance opportunities for families to grow and develop through ongoing education, support and free home based services to families.
Founded in 2005
Our commitment
Family Strides, Inc. is committed to strengthening families to promote economic stability, positive parenting practices and healthy relationships through home based, group based and hospital based services.
Family Strides, Inc. Objectives
With your support and the hard work of our respective families, we will continue to impact the following:
CT Estimated State Population
Connecticut is the third smallest state in relation to the bordering New England states, the 29th most populous, and the fourth most densely populated of the 50 United States.
Connecticut Hunger and Food Insecurity
Percentage of households who were food insecure, meaning that at some point during the year, they experienced difficulty providing enough food due to a lack of money or resources.
Poverty Rate - Children Under Age 5
WIC is a food supplemental program that offers nutritious foods and education for pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age 5.
WIC First Trimester Enrollment
Torrington, CT is currently the highest ranked city with WIC first trimester enrollment. Source – Connecticut Department of Public Health.
Meet Our Team
Family Strides is made up of energetic, passionate individuals working as a team to help make a difference in our community.
Nicole Kilduff
Executive Director
Nicole began her work at Family Strides, Inc. in February of 1999. She started out as a Family Support Worker (home visitor) and worked her way through the organization to Executive Director. Nicole has a graduate degree in Human Services with a specialization in Social Work and Community Services through Capella University and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Psychology from Southeastern University. Nicole has seen the positive impact the work the agency has provided to families and truly believes that the services strengthen families and are capable of building a stronger community. Nicole enjoys doing this work in the community she calls home. In her free time, Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, traveling, and running through the Northwest Corner.
Jessica Arthur
Program Supervisor
Jessica joined Family Strides in May of 2015. Jessica comes to us with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood education from Post University. Prior to Family Strides Jessica was employed at Winsted Area Child Care Center for 11 years, as the lead toddler teacher. Jessica grew up in Northwest Connecticut and sees the impression Family Strides makes on the community. In her new role as a Family Support provider Jessica aims to enhance family strengths while providing knowledge to parents to promote their child’s growth. Outside of work Jessica is a wife and mother of 3 children. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, whether it be on the soccer field, wrestling mat or simply watching movies.
Megan Way
Infant Family Specialist Madriella Doula Network Certified Doula
Megan joined Family Strides in September of 2018. Megan has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University. After college, Megan gained experience in various educational settings and positions from toddler classrooms through high school. During her time working in schools, she found that there was a greater need for education and support for children and families before entering the school system. Megan feels that with the support of programs like Family Strides, families will see a greater success level in their children. As well as being an Infant Mental Health endorsed Family Support Specialist, Megan is a certified Doula, Breastfeeding Counselor and Childbirth Educator. In her free time Megan enjoys spending time camping, fussing over her plants, kayaking and relaxing with her family.Â
Brigitte Gilbert
Family Support Specialist
Brigitte joined Family Strides in May of 2023 as a Family Support Specialist. Prior to Family Strides, Brigitte was an early childhood educator for 11 years – working with children from birth through school age. Brigitte has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education which she received from Ashford University. Between growing up in the northwest corner of Connecticut and working as an educator, Brigitte supports the importance of the impact that the Family Strides program offers. Brigitte takes pride in providing support for young children as well as a diverse population of families. Outside of work, Brigitte enjoys spending time with her dog, reading, and has recently found a new love of traveling.
Megan Way
Family Support Specialist, Doula, Childbirth Educator
Megan joined Family Strides in September of 2018. Megan has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central Connecticut State University. After college, Megan gained experience in various educational settings and positions from toddler classrooms through high school. During her time working in schools, she found that there was a greater need for education and support for children and families before entering the school system. Megan feels that with the support of programs like Family Strides, families will see a greater success level in their children. As well as being an Infant Mental Health endorsed Family Support Specialist, Megan is a certified Doula, Breastfeeding Counselor and Childbirth Educator. In her free time Megan enjoys spending time camping, fussing over her plants, kayaking and relaxing with her family.Â
Sarai Perez
Even Start Program Coordinator
Sarai joined Family Strides in June 2014. Sarai studied at Naugatuck Community College. Sarai comes to us with experience in case management as well as a support worker from Community Mental Health Affiliates.  Sarai grew up in Central Connecticut and is able to see the impact that Family Strides has on the community. In her role as Family Support Provider Sarai thrives to engage and support families through healthy growth and development. It is Sarai’s goal that all parents are successful. Outside of work Sarai is a mother of 2 children whom she enjoys spending time with and in Sarai’s free time she gets creative with face painting.Â
Yesica Gomez
Family Support Specialist
Coming Soon.
Maria Suarez
Family Support Specialist
Coming Soon.
Ryan Jackman
Father Involvement Group Facilitator/Case Manager
Coming Soon.
PJ Cifaldi
Father Involvement Program Manager
Coming Soon.