Our Team

Alex's Bio: Alex Bode is a passionate advocate and changemaker living with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a rare progressive disease that began impacting her life when she was just 8 years old. She shares this journey with her brother, Sam, who also lives with FA. Though the disease has brought challenges, Alex has never allowed it to define her or limit her purpose. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University, blending her education with her lived experience to found Peace Love ACCESSibility, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting physical access, educating communities, and empowering individuals with mobility impairments. As Executive Director, Alex leads grassroots initiatives that bring together law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community members to tackle everyday access barriers. Her work ranges from improving accessible parking enforcement to organizing statewide events that celebrate inclusion. One of Alex’s most urgent goals is to break down attitudinal barriers, the assumptions and biases that often go unspoken but have deep impact. Because FA affects her speech, she has experienced firsthand how people are quick to judge or underestimate based on communication differences. She works tirelessly to shift this narrative and remind others that everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and included. A lifelong animal lover, Alex was once part of a therapy dog team and is now training her new service dog, Dahlia, following the loss of her beloved Rochelle. Alex looks forward to continuing her advocacy, sharing her story, and inspiring others to live with purpose, resilience, and heart.

Mary's Bio: Mary fulfilled her dream of becoming a local shop owner in 1994 after attending Paier College of Art. Her path changed drastically after her two children were diagnosed with a rare progressive disease in 1995. She embraced the diagnoses and began the rare disease journey with strength, vigor and optimism. She continues with that attitude and fights hard for dignified treatment for those with rare diseases. She has a passion for equal access and joins her daughter in their newly formed nonprofit, Peace Love ACCESSibilitiy, dedicated to educating and advocating for equal access for those with physical disabilities. Besides caring for her adult children, and volunteering for their nonprofit, Mary works for the North Branford Board of Education, sits on various state and local boards, maintains their multi-family home and focuses on enjoying life with her son and daughter, Sam and Alex Bode.

Sam's Bio: Sam Bode is an accessibility advocate, Capstone coach, and full-time workaholic with a side hustle in fantasy football domination. Living with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), Sam brings a mix of heart, humor, and hustle to everything he does—whether he's pushing for more inclusive communities or helping high school students figure out what they want to do with their lives (while sneakily teaching them how to write a professional email). Sam has been part of Peace Love ACCESSibility since day one, teaming up with his sister, Alex, and mom to tackle everyday access issues in a fun, community-driven way. He’s the guy behind the scenes organizing raffles, connecting with local police departments, and bringing his big energy to every event—even if there’s a little chaos involved. By day, Sam works at North Branford High School supporting the Capstone program, helping juniors and seniors connect with mentors, build real-world experience, and discover what makes them tick (besides lunch). He also plays a lead role in planning the school’s career fair and building partnerships with professionals in all kinds of industries. Thanks to his own lived experience with FA, Sam brings empathy, perspective, and the occasional dad joke to his work with students. When he’s not juggling ten things at once, Sam is deep into fantasy football strategy, catching literally any sport that’s on TV, and listening to audiobooks like it's a competitive sport. He believes access isn’t just about ramps or parking spaces—it’s about having an inclusive community for everyone!

Please accept this brief introduction. My name is Carter Welch, I grew up in North Branford, became a teacher in North Branford, and have spent the last 15 years as an administrator for the public schools. My career has been built on the foundation that the greatest calling and purpose in life is serving and empowering others to believe in the value of education, create experiences for students that uncover passion and purpose, and ultimately getting others to realize their unique potential to get involved and make positive differences in their communities. I have done this as an educator, a community member, a father, and as a human being, and along the way I have always tried to model positivity, kindness, and inclusivity. I have experience serving on boards including in education as a Board of Education Subcommittee leader in North Branford (policy and curriculum/instruction), as a Connecticut Association of Schools Board of Directors leader, and in countless other opportunities sitting on committees to look at educational improvement, community improvement, policy evaluation, programming, and finance. Additionally I have served on youth athletics and service Boards in my own community to create better outcomes for students. At the higher education level I am an active member of UConn’s Neag School of Education as a Board member, and serve in faculty advisory committees at SCSU and Quinnipiac University, where I serve as an adjunct professor in educational leadership. These experiences have strengthened my skills in finding common ground when there are political and philosophical differences, in being an active listener, in being a thought partner, and in being an advocate for change. I hope to bring what I believe is a positive and kind human nature, the skills and dispositions gained from key experiences, and my educational and civic participations to support Peace, Love, and ACCESSibility. This organization is a cause I believe in deeply as I know it is rooted in creating a more inclusive environment, finding passion and purpose, and empowering others to make a positive difference - all cornerstones of my personal philosophy. Additionally, I have been positively impacted and influenced by the Bode/Caruso family throughout my career in education - and they have helped to shape who I am. As a young teacher I partnered with them to develop a very successful event for high school students around experiencing what it is like to navigate life with physical barriers and societal barriers. Since that moment to the present, I try to remain connected with this family’s causes be it FARA or PLA as I know they are committed to the same missions, and I am in a position to help their passions and purposes move forward. Continuing to serve them in any capacity would be both an honor and a gift.

Ron's Bio: As a child growing up in North Branford, Ron Onofrio watched his father organize and run fundraisers for children and families in need. He also remembers his father’s visits to the classroom as “Officer Friendly” and talking to students about being safe. Many times over, Ron experienced the difference his father made in the lives of many people and knew he wanted to do the same. In 1987 Ron became a police officer for the Town of North Branford and by 1991 became the town’s Youth Officer and Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Officer. This was the perfect opportunity for him to accomplish his desire to give back to the community. It was his chance to be the new “Officer Friendly.” During Ron’s time as Youth/DARE Officer, he developed programs for children of all grade levels. He presented programs such as Halloween safety for K-3 students, the DARE Program in 5th and 7th grade, suicide prevention and conflict resolution in the Intermediate and High School levels. Ron also chaperoned many, many 8th grade class trips to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. In 1994 Ron organized the first of ten annual DARE Car Shows. These shows raised enough money to sustain the DARE program without placing the burden on the town budget. Over the years the show raised tens of thousands of dollars that funded the program and also funded other projects such as Project Adventure at Totoket Valley Elementary School and a new playground at Jerome Harrison School. During his tenure as Youth Officer he created and held a mediation group for youths in conflict as well as the Juvenile Diversionary Panel. This panel helped youth, who committed minor offenses, avoid the experience of going to court. The panel made sure the youth accepted responsibility for their actions and required all to make good on their wrongs. Outside of his duties as a police officer, Ron volunteered as a coach for many years in youth basketball, baseball, softball and football. He continued on to assist with the high school football team. Under coach Anthony Sagnella, Ron organized the first Harlem Rockets fundraiser years ago to raise money to purchase new high school football uniforms. Under Coach Mark Basil, Ron coordinated a team of volunteers that reconditioned the entire high school football locker room. Although Ron has retired from the North Branford Police Department in 2013, he did not give up on his desire to contribute to the lives of children and young adults. He became a police officer with the University of New Haven Police Department where he mentored many students and guided them in their pursuit of their future careers. Due to his commitment to helping young people, Ron was selected by a UNH senior lecturer of criminal justice and former director of the state of Connecticut Judicial Branch’s juvenile-court support division to become part of University of New Haven’s Tow Institute of Youth Justice. This group works very hard in the pursuit of youth justice. Ron missed his previous position as a detective/investigator and looked for something to help satisfy this need. He was offered a position with the State of Connecticut Public Defender Division as an Investigator. For the past 4½ years Ron has worked hard to make sure the rights, liberty and dignity of all clients is at the forefront. Ron believes, regardless of a person’s physical ability, race, gender or economic status, everyone needs someone to be there for support and encouragement.

Geri's Bio: I am the mother to two adult daughters, Alyssa and Ashley. I have been a Registered Nurse for 41 years, and have worked at YNHH since graduating from nursing school in 1982. I received my master’s in nursing education in 2017 and have been a clinical instructor for both Fairfield University and Quinnipiac University since 2018. I am currently working on my Doctor of Nursing Practice and hope to complete the program in December. In my spare time I enjoy running, hiking and gardening. I have known the Bode-Caruso family for many years and am grateful to have them in my life. I am inspired and in awe of their strength, positivity, perseverance and advocacy. The are truly the kindness, most special people I have ever known. I am excited to be a part of this organization and the mission of making the world more accessible for everyone.

Chris' Bio: Chris Fraenza is the Senior Vice President of Sales and Partnerships at SavvyMoney and is responsible for leading the company’s growth while maximizing success across all customers and strategic partners. Chris, who has been with SavvyMoney since February 2015, has been instrumental in developing a culture that prioritizes exceptional service, collaboration, and a focus on driving tangible results for financial institutions and partners. Throughout his career, Chris has been a champion of innovation and progress for financial institutions, previously holding various positions at Filene Research Institute, the leading think tank & incubator for credit unions before joining SavvyMoney. In his spare time, Chris enjoys seeing the world, fitness, and spending time with family and friends.

Vin's Bio: House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora is state representative for the 86th District serving residents of North Branford, Durham, East Haven, and Guilford. He was elected to his ninth term in November 2022, and soon after saw House Republican legislators make him their unanimous choice to serve as Minority Leader for a second two-year term. Candelora, who previously served as a Deputy House Republican Leader, saw his colleagues first choose him as leader in 2020. Aside from serving as a state representative, Candelora’s long record of civic involvement includes three terms on North Branford’s Town Council as well as one as deputy mayor. He’s volunteered for the town’s public school system, and he’s a past president of both North Branford’s Chamber of Commerce and its Rotary Club. During his time serving in the General Assembly, Candelora has served on a wide variety of legislative committees—everything from Finance to Public Health—and has led the House Republican caucus Screening Committee that reviews legislation before it’s put up for a vote in the House of Representatives. Candelora is regarded by his colleagues, both Republicans and Democrats, as a skilled lawmaker who possesses a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process. He’s been an advocate for increased government transparency while helping to lead Republican efforts to stabilize the state’s finances and improve its business climate. Over the years, Candelora has helped offer alternative “no tax increase” budget proposals aimed at making Connecticut more affordable while also tackling structural deficits. In 2017, Candelora was integral in ushering a Republican budget through a statehouse where Democrats control both the legislature and governor’s office, and he was instrumental in passing the historic bipartisan budget later that year. During his first term as House Republican Leader, Candelora was a persistent advocate for providing residents with significant tax relief, including a $1.2 billion plan that included a middle-class tax cut. He also was a leading voice in efforts to address Connecticut’s problems with juvenile crime while also pursuing changes to the controversial “police accountability” legislation that law enforcement offers say makes their work more challenging and less safe. Outside the legislature, Candelora helps run two family-owned businesses—a manufacturing company and a sportsplex. He has also practiced municipal and transactional law at a New Haven-based firm, and he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Antoinette L. Dupont, former Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Connecticut. Candelora graduated from Connecticut College in 1992, and in 1995 from the Dickinson School of Law at Penn State, where he was Editor-in-Chief of the Dickinson Law Review and selected for the Appellate Moot Court Board. He is married with three children.

Carey's Bio: Carey Duques is the Land Use Official for the Town of Essex, CT. She has a BA from the University of Vermont in Environmental Studies and Political Science and a MA in Urban Policy and Planning from Tufts University. Carey has worked for municipalities as a Planner or Land Use Official for the past 15 years. She started her career working in Massachusetts and moved to Connecticut in 2013 where she was the Town Planner for North Branford for 6 years. Carey currently staffs the Planning and Zoning Commission, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals for the Town of Essex. In this role she reviews land use applications for each of the boards providing comments and feedback on the proposed uses and/or development. Carey lives in Madison with her husband and two daughters. In her free time she loves skiing, running, enjoying time at the beach, and spending time with her family. Carey is extremely grateful to be part of the board of directors for Peace, Love, and ACCESSibility to assist in increasing awareness of accessibility for everyone and implementing changes that result in increased and improved access for all.

Laura's Bio: I am the mother to four amazing kids- Lilliana (12), Lila (10), Tyler (7), and Vivienne (4) and I am married to Kyle. I am a high school science teacher. My favorite class to teach is UCONN Oceanography because my students design and carry out year-long projects which they have never done before. It is so awesome to see them grow so much throughout the year. I enjoyed my role as co- PTO president at my kids' school where we have worked to increase accessibility (most recently working to get our local beach and park accessible) and as a Girl Scout troop co-leader for my daughters’ troop. That has been so rewarding as I get to see the girls grow and do so much for their communities. I can’t wait to see all the good they do in this world. I met the wonderfully inspiring Bode family when Sam and I were in the same 5th grade class at the beginning of his FA journey. We used to all run around together on the big toys at TVES. I remember feeling so discouraged hearing there was not much research being done to make Sam better. My parents helped me organize a tag sale at our church to try to raise money for research for Sam. At the time Alex hadn’t been diagnosed. I remember Alex and I putting on shows for Sam at their house. Throughout our schooling experience, Sam and I always remained friends, but looking back now I feel ignorant to how hard it was for Sam and Alex to be included in everything because of access, and I wish that I was more thoughtful and purposeful to include them in typical teenager after school activities. I remember going to the beach together and using one of those beach wheelchairs, which were not easy to use. I feel it is easy for people who are not in a wheelchair to be ignorant, thinking that laws and regulations protect people with physical disabilities to make sure they have access to everything and that the laws that do exist are enforced. When I became a troop co-leader for girl scouts, I asked Sam Alex and Mary if they could come to one of our meetings to talk about physical disabilities. A beautiful project was born from this, they suggested we borrow one of their wheelchairs so our Girl Scouts could truly experience what it would be like to ride in their wheels. It was so impactful. The girls went to a town meeting to present their findings of which places in town were able to allow people in wheelchairs easy access to their business, and how hard it was to get around the surf club. They found that even ramps that were designed to allow people in wheelchairs down to the beach had giant gaps at the bottom, which would never work for someone in a wheelchair. The girls were able to get a beach mat installed at the surf club and they are still working on businesses getting portable ramps. I have always been inspired by Sam, Alex and Mary because no matter how hard their lives have been they always look for the good and do SO much to support others. It is not equitable, it is not fair that people who are dealing with a physical disability have to fight so hard for access , we as a society should be better. I am so grateful to be a part of this board because I know we will make a difference especially with Sam, Alex, and Mary at the helm!

Chuck's Bio: Charles E. Tiernan, III has been an attorney with the New Haven law firm of Lynch, Traub, Keefe & Errante since 1983. He was named a Partner in 1988. Attorney Tiernan began his career handling civil litigation and labor matters. Attorney Tiernan also provided representation in family matters where he tried a number of marriage dissolution and child custody cases. He now concentrates his practice on criminal defense juvenile matters and workers’ compensation matters. Attorney Tiernan regularly appears in the criminal courts throughout the State of Connecticut. He has extensive experience in all phases of criminal law and litigation including trials in both State and Federal Court. Attorney Tiernan also handles cases involving all aspects of workers’ compensation and other matters before state administrative agencies. His representation in juvenile matters includes handling delinquency and neglect petitions. Attorney Tiernan has handled all aspects of probate law at probate courts throughout the state. Attorney Tiernan has argued appeals before the Connecticut Supreme Court and Connecticut Appellate Court. Attorney Tiernan received his B.A. from Trinity College in 1980 where he captained the Football team his senior season. He graduated from Drake University School of Law in December 1982. He was a member of the Board of Editors of the Drake Law Review and authored a note for the Drake Law Review entitled “Standing Barriers to Citizen and Taxpayers Suits in the Federal Court.” 32 Drake Law Review 2, 1983. Attorney Tiernan was admitted to the Connecticut Bar on May 3, 1983. He is also admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. Attorney Tiernan is a member of the American, Connecticut and New Haven County Bar Association, the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association and is a member of the Criminal Law Executive Committee of the Connecticut Bar Association. Attorney Tiernan has been a panel member and lecture in various seminars dealing with workers’ compensation and cases involving operating under the influence. Attorney Tiernan has had articles published in the State of Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Quarterly. Attorney Tiernan has been appointed a member of the Ansonia-Milford Judicial District Grievance Panel of the Connecticut Grievance Committee several times throughout his career. On May 22, 2019, Attorney Tiernan was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to the State Judicial Selection Commission and in June of 2019, he was elected Chairperson by the members of the Commission. Attorney Tiernan served as an adjunct professor at the Quinnipiac University from 1989-2011 teaching courses involving Introduction to Law and Family Law. Attorney Tiernan is rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2007 and has been listed in the Super Lawyers publication since 2006. Since 2008, Attorney Tiernan has been an elected constable for the Town of Branford. In 2020, Attorney Tiernan was elected vice-co-chairperson of the Branford Democratic Town Committee and was also elected to the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee representing the 12th Senatorial District.