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, MCD, IMH-E
Family Support Specialist
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 reading, and has recently found a new love of traveling.
Maria Suarez
Family Support Specialist
Maria joined Family Strides in June of 2022. Maria’s passion is to assist those that are searching for guidance to achieve their best life potential. Maria attended Housatonic community college and graduated as a Community Health Worker in 2014. Maria comes with prior experience in assisting diverse people in the Bridgeport community, where she has previously resided and has worked in different healthcare-setting positions. Maria is married and the mother of one daughter whom she enjoys spending quality time with. Maria believes that every person wants to be the best they can be, but sometimes by not having guidance they get discouraged or lose hope. Maria is a student at Naugatuck Valley community college here she is pursuing a Human Service degree to keep providing the best knowledgeable guidance and support to the family she serves.
Yesica Gomez
Family Support Specialist
Yesica joined Family Strides in January 2022. Yesica studied at northwestern community college. She has a degree in Medical Assistance and phlebotomy from Branford Hall Career Institute. Yesica grew up in Dominican Republic and came to USA in 2007. As an immigrant she sees the impact that Family Strides brings to the community. In her role as a Family Support Specialist, she brings her background knowledge to help families become experts for their own child. She also encourages them that they can do anything they set their minds to and that they can be capable of having a strong and positive environment for their family. Her goal is that all the families have a good balance in life and have a better future. Outside of work she’s married and mother of 3 beautiful Children. She enjoys having time with her family and going to church.  Â
Sarai Perez
Family Resource Specialist, Bilingual Father Involvement Case Manager
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
PJ Cifaldi
Father Involvement Program Manager
PJ joined Family Strides in September of 2016 as the Father Involvement Program Manager. Prior to Family Strides, PJ was an educational advocate for middle and high school aged students. PJ has a bachelor’s degree in human services from The University of Connecticut. PJ grew up in the Northwest corner of the state and has formed many relationships throughout the community over the years. Outside of work Pj enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He is an active member of the Little League community coaching both his children’s teams and is a member of the Litchfield Tri-Town Board.Â
Michell Piekos
Financial Administrator
Michelle grew up in Pine Meadow and then moved to Torrington and has worked for Family Strides, Inc. for 12 years as Financial Administrator. Michelle assists with payroll, processes accounts payable, quarterly financial reports, profit & loss budget reports, etc.
Outside of work, Michelle is an avid reader, plays the viola, gardening, spends time with her husband Jeff and their dog Lexi hiking, vacationing, etc. She also enjoys watching her nephews play baseball, basketball, flag football and loves to babysit.
Ryan Jackman
Father Involvement Group Facilitator/Case Manager
Coming Soon.