Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Christina Spieler, Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinician.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

What led me to the field of social work was community service opportunities that began in high school. Working in inner city Detroit on weekends, delivering food to homebound individuals, was both eye opening and rewarding. My passion for service continued into college, traveling abroad to participate in various opportunities. By the time I graduated I knew social work was a career I wanted to pursue. 

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

The work FCA does is integral to the community because we work hands on with residents of Norwalk and beyond-meeting people where they are at. The passion and dedication of the staff is something unique and special.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I am most proud of my ability to connect with my clients and help support them during especially challenging times of their life. Seeing them find their inner strength and witnessing them overcome obstacles is a reward and a privilege. 

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

One tip I've found helpful for my clients is to highlight what can and cannot be controlled. Sometimes there is strength in letting go.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Stephanie Sylvestre, MST (Multi-Systemic Therapy) Clinician.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I decided to become a social worker because I’ve always been passionate about helping others and making a difference in people’s lives. After working in education, I realized I wanted to support children and families in a deeper way beyond the classroom. Social work has allowed me to build strong relationships with families and help them recognize their strengths while working toward positive change

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

The work we do here at FCA is integral for the community because we help strengthen families, connect them to resources, and support youth in building healthier paths forward

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of being able to work closely with families and seeing the progress they make over time. Watching my families strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and feel more confident in supporting their children is the most rewarding.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

One thing I often remind my clients is that change takes time, and small steps matter. Being patient with yourself and staying consistent can make a big difference!!

Supporting young adults as they transition into independence and careers is critical to the strength and well-being of our communities. This stage of life can be exciting, but it can also come with hurdles, from housing and financial stress to education, transportation, and limited support systems.

Join us for a conversation about what young adults need to thrive, and how community supports can make a lasting difference. FCA staff will share what we’re seeing on the ground and how our programs help young people build stability, confidence, and career momentum through coaching, wraparound supports, and connections to education and employment. We’ll also hear from panelists about the local landscape and the roles that schools, employers, neighbors, and advocates can play. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of this pivotal age, and practical ways to support young adults as they move toward independence and meaningful careers.

Panelists:

Liz Hoagland, Senior Director of Education and Workforce Development
Fairfield County's Community Foundation

Dhani Spinola, RISE Coordinator
Family & Children's Agency

Daisy Velez, LMSW, Director, Youth Development
Family & Children's Agency

Carol Wiltshire-Toth, Education Administrator of School Counseling and Workforce Development
Norwalk Public Schools

Moderated by Robert F. Cashel, LCSW, President & CEO
Family & Children's Agency

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Samuel Nerette, Senior Outreach Worker.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I decided to become a social worker because I grew up watching my family always be on the forefront of helping others and extending a hand to individuals and their families, and as I got older, I naturally followed in their footsteps. But during my time in school, I realized there were many different ways to support people on a larger scale, which helped guide me toward pursuing my degree in Human Development and Family Sciences.

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

Since my onboarding at FCA, I’ve realized just how high the needs within our community truly are. From housing and shelter insecurity to mental health and other essential needs, many individuals and families are facing real challenges. Through my work here, I’ve seen how FCA serves as a central support system for the community, a place where people can come when they need guidance, resources, or simply someone to help them navigate difficult situations.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I’m proud of the overall work I do, alongside my department and the impact we are able to make. As a Senior Outreach Worker, it’s incredibly rewarding to support seniors and their families, especially when they feel like they’ve reached a dead end. Being able to help fill those gaps and guide them toward solutions is something I take a lot of pride in.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

One thing I always try to focus on is building a strong rapport with clients. Creating that connection helps people feel safe and comfortable, which often makes the process of helping them run much smoother. When clients feel heard and supported, they’re more open to working together toward solutions.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Christina Prevot, Kinship Navigator, ConnectKIN (CKIN).

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I decided to become a social worker because I’ve always felt called to support people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. As someone who is first-generation and has had to navigate complex systems myself, I understand how overwhelming and isolating that process can feel. I wanted to be someone who helps make those systems feel more human, more accessible, and less intimidating. 

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

FCA’s work is integral because it centers relationships. Clients often come to us during vulnerable or transitional moments, and we walk alongside them with guidance, advocacy, and consistent support. That steady presence can make a lasting impact on their sense of stability and confidence moving forward. 

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

I’m most proud of being able to work across different programs and populations during my time at FCA. From college students facing housing insecurity to youth in the afterschool program and families involved with DCF, each experience has shaped my growth in this work. Being able to support different populations while continuing to grow professionally has been incredibly meaningful to me. 

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

I always remind families that they don’t have to fix everything in one visit. We just focus on the next step and how we’re going to get there. When things feel overwhelming and out of our control, taking a moment to slow it down and tackling one small piece at a time can make all the difference. Progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. 

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight Hilda Ibarra-Munoz, Home Visitor, MOMS Program.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?

I have always believed that social work chose me, and I am grateful every day for the journey it has taken me on. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of witnessing the beautiful and challenging moments that shape families and, in turn, have shaped me. These experiences have strengthened my character, deepened my empathy and compassion, and reaffirmed my commitment to supporting parents and children through every stage of growth. Social work is more than a profession to me; it is a privilege and a purpose. I am dedicated to showing up with compassion, respect, and unwavering support for every family I serve. I am truly grateful for the trust they place in me and for the opportunity to walk alongside them as they grow, discover their strengths, and build their futures.

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?

FCA is an essential part of the community, offering a wide range of resources supported by dedicated staff who are committed to serving families. Through compassionate and comprehensive services, FCA strives to support, empower, and uplift every family it serves.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?

The most rewarding part of my work is forming long term bonds with the families I serve. I cherish the opportunity to celebrate milestones with them, to help parents discover their strengths, and to be present as their confidence grows. Watching a baby become a toddler, and a toddler continue blossoming into their own person, is a reminder of how meaningful early support can be. Each family teaches me something new, and I am honored to walk beside them as they navigate their unique journeys.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?

One approach I’ve found especially helpful is empowering parents to become more independent. I support families by helping them discover their own strengths. When they learn to see their weaknesses as opportunities for growth, they often find the confidence to overcome challenges with resilience and grace.

Happy National Professional Social Work Month! This month we will be shining a spotlight on some of the dedicated social workers at Family & Children's Agency. Today, we highlight James Gilliard, FFT Senior Family Support Specialist.

Why did you decide to become a social worker?
I decided to become a social worker, not only because I like to help others, but because I noticed how there are very few men who work in this field. Being a man of Afro-Latino culture, it is even more rare to find someone who looks like me in the social work world. Since I find it rather easy to connect with others, I feel that it’s important to give those people who look similar to me, somebody they can talk to and perhaps look up to. Coming from where I’m from, there weren’t many role models that looked like my friends and I, nor the youth and/or families we serve. I aim to change this narrative.

Why do you think FCA's work is integral for the community?
I think FCA’s work is integral for the community because we tend to handle the tasks that nobody else can. Working in Foster Care specifically, I’ve seen many instances where FCA was the last saving grace to house a child when no other agencies could. I also believe that FCA addresses things that constantly need to be addressed, such as housing issues amongst struggling families, and the mental health factor behind it. FCA can be a safe space for many kinds of people in the community.

What about your work for FCA are you most proud of and why?
I am mostly proud of the connections that I’ve built with most of my clients and families I work with. There are many times where families or kids do not know who they can trust, since they have been let down by others in the past. To be able to gain the trust of those who I work with is a heartwarming feeling because it tells me that I am impacting their lives in a positive way. If my clients understand that I am doing all that I can to support them, I will feel like I am doing right by them.

What's one tip you've found helpful for your client?
One tip that I’ve found helpful for my clients is the way that I communicate with them. I don’t try to use big words or sound extra sophisticated when I engage. Sometimes you just have to speak like them, using certain slang terms that they use, just to present things in a more casual way that they’ll understand and be receptive to. I also make sure that I always tell them the truth about life, so that they do not have a false sense of security nor an unrealistic outlook of the “real world.” I often see people talk to their clients in a dry tone, using big words with little to no emotion, or just with a lack of passion. Clients, especially kids, pick up on the way you speak to them, and will not want to engage if they feel like they are talking to another “pawn” in the system. I make sure that my clients know that I am not here to make their lives harder, and that I truly want them to succeed in their lives. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, so we need to show them that we genuinely care.

Minks to Sinks is the ultimate treasure hunt where you can discover amazing deals on pre-loved items for your home, wardrobe, and more! From chic clothing to stylish home decor, you'll find it all under one roof. All proceeds benefit FCA and help neighbors right here in our community.

Do you have gently used items that could use a new home? Don't toss them! Donate or consign them with us, and let someone else fall in love with your stuff!

Let's make this the most memorable Minks to Sinks yet! Join us for a day of shopping, laughter, and awesome finds. Who knows, you might just stumble upon your next favorite thing!

More info

Woodway Country Club
540 Hoyt Street, Darien, CT

FCA’s Mother’s Day Tea returns on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at Woodway Country Club in Darien! We look forward to gathering with friends to celebrate extraordinary women and to raising important funds for FCA and welcome you to join us.

Proceeds from the Mother’s Day Tea will support FCA and memorial funds honoring Allison Barton Haupt and Charlotte Taverna, two special volunteers who left a lasting impression on the Agency. We are fortunate to have had Allison and Charlotte in our FCA family, honored that we were so important to them, and especially grateful for all the roles they played over the years.

Join us for light bites, refreshments, a program presentation, and an incredible shopping boutique with local vendors! Find that special someone a gift just in time for Mother’s Day and 10% of your purchase will benefit Family & Children’s Agency.

Committee
Julene Greenshields & Brigitte Mansourian, Co-Hosts
Ann Barton
Kathleen P. Murphy
Jennifer B. Toll

Tickets and Information Printable Sponsorship Packet Printable Vendor Packet

Thanks to the incredible support from compassionate and caring people like you, critical services were delivered to thousands of children, families, adults, and seniors through Family & Children's Agency (FCA) in 2025.

This past year we:

 • Teamed our Behavioral Health department and our ASPIRE after-school program to provide a new social-emotional group for students
 • Began a new pilot program helping underserved young adults pursue careers in healthcare
 • Expanded our Multisystemic Therapy program, which serves youth with behavioral and emotional needs, by adding a substance use disorder component.
 • Partnered with the Latinx Integrated Care (LINC) program to better serve Spanish-speaking immigrant students in Norwalk Public Schools
 • Launched a prom closet to provide no-cost formalwear to students
 • Joined Norwalk's Crisis Response Team which supports families following a suicide or unexpected death and provides outreach, therapy, grief support groups, and more
 • Developed new partnerships with Laurel House and Mid-Fairfield AIDS Project to provide counseling to their clients with mental health issues
 • Were designated a Community Focal Point by the Southwestern CT Agency on Aging, affirming FCA's role as Norwalk's trusted access point for senior services
 • Served more than 104 children in FCA's Foster Care program
 • Began a series of playgroups for adoptive families to help them build community

In the coming year, we look forward to:

 • Expanding mental health services for youth and their families
 • Broadening our case management services for seniors
 • Providing even more case management services for adults and families seeking stable and affordable housing
 • Continuing to highlight staff expertise by attending speaking engagements and providing trainings at schools, community events, and other gatherings
 • Offering college and career readiness support to all youth served by FCA
 • Continuing and expanding our English classes for clients with limited English proficiency

Click here to learn more about our services and accomplishments this year. To donate to FCA and help us reach these goals, please click here.

Thank you for all you do to support our work and our community. We wish you all the best in the new year.

With your help, together we change lives!