AAIDD’s Positive Impact Within Your Community

AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our chapter, Region X, serves New York, New England and Canada.

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Region X Board Members

A. Michael Bloom

A. Michael Bloom, MA, MS, FAAIDD, serves as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer for Incompass Human Services, Inc. based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. As a proud culture champion and connector of people and ideas, Michael is passionate about collaborating with colleagues to promote an inclusive and welcoming environment that fosters innovation and service excellence. He has served in a variety of leadership roles in human services organizations throughout his career where he has developed and promoted the highest quality of support programs for people with IDD and their families.

In addition, Michael is an inspiring speaker who delivers game changing and powerful presentations regarding how to avoid caregiving burnout. He has been a member of AAIDD for over twenty-five years and has energetically served the Association at the state, regional, and national levels. Service has included multiple terms as President of the AAIDD Massachusetts Chapter and Northeast Region. At the national level, he co-chaired the Assembly of Geographic Regions from 2019-2024, has served on several annual conference planning committees, and has been a frequent session moderator and conference presenter. Michael’s contributions were recognized at the 146^th Annual meeting of AAIDD with the 2022 Exceptional Service to the Association Award.

Michael earned master’s degrees from Brandeis University and Villanova University. He was preferred to Fellow of the AAIDD in 2012.

Asela Jayasinghe

Chairman

Hannah Arsenault

Hannah Arsenault is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with over 13 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her career has spanned early intervention, residential school-based services, and adult programs, providing a comprehensive perspective on lifelong support and development. She currently works at Vinfen in the greater Boston area as an Assistant Clinical Director, focusing on helping adults build skills that enhance their independence and quality of life.

Hannah holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. In addition to their professional work, they serve as the Secretary of AAIDD Region X and have been a board member since 2022.

With extensive experience in crisis management, Hannah takes a collaborative approach, working alongside professionals from multiple disciplines to create meaningful, person-centered outcomes. She is passionate about fostering environments that promote growth, dignity, and inclusion.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and pets. An avid reader, she loves getting lost in a good book.

Elisa Velardo

Elisa Velardo began her career as a direct support professional while pursuing her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Master’s in Management of Human Services from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management with a concentration in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. She has held Executive leadership positions in both the private and public sector for over 25 years.

Elisa currently serves as the Deputy Commissioner for the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. She has a passion for expanding the array of support options available, with a focus on Self-Direction, Enabling Technology, Employment, and Supportive Housing and is committed to the development of a strong, valued workforce.

As a Past President of the national Board of Directors of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) and current member at large on the Region X and CT Chapter Boards, Elisa is committed to the associations mission of promoting progressive policies, sound research and evidence-based practices for people with IDD.

Elisa lives in CT and loves to spend time with her husband, three children, and two mischievous cats.

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