Get with the "In" Crowd at Inclusive Together
Join us as we empower communities to advance neurodiversity acceptance
IT Board
Lauren Tarzia, Founder/President
Meet Lauren Tarzia, a mother of two boys aged 7 and 6. Her older son is autistic, revealing to her a path of self-love and acceptance. As an experienced SLP in an affluent school district, Lauren initially thought her son was developing typically until she noticed he wasn't progressing in school. Despite her extensive training in autism and inclusive educational practices, navigating her son's diagnosis overwhelmed her as a parent. Persistent fear and uncertainty led her into profound sadness until she realized her son remained the same beloved child she knew before his diagnosis, leading her to find hope & reassurance.
Together with her husband, Tony, Lauren embraced her son's autistic identity, focusing on support rather than change. Since then, their family has flourished, motivating Lauren to aid other families facing similar challenges. While Lauren has discovered inclusive spaces and opportunities for her son, they are infrequent and limited. Her mission now is to encourage communities to make impactful changes that enhance opportunities for neurodivergent children and their families to thrive.
"Inclusion begins with understanding and a mindset shift. When we confront our fears and discomfort with something by taking the time to understand it, we gain the courage to engage with it confidently. Embracing each other's differences opens us to new experiences and love, making us stronger," Lauren emphasizes. She believes inclusion is the new "in" crowd—where kindness to all minds is not just cool but essential. Join the "in" crowd and embrace inclusion.
Christina Spizzirri, Secretary
Christina is a seasoned Sales & Marketing Executive with over two decades of experience in client success, account management and business development. She has led successful teams and driven significant growth across diverse industries, including consumer packaged goods and healthcare.
Christina's tenure at Nielsen involved partnering with prominent organizations like Unilever, Beiersdorf, Edgewell and Walmart. She has consistently stabilized complex client relationships, launched innovative go-to-market strategies and exceeded sales targets.
Beyond her professional achievements, Christina is a passionate advocate for the neurodiverse community. Inspired by her family's experiences, she is dedicated to promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion for individuals of all abilities. Her strategic thinking and leadership skills are invaluable to the Board, where she leverages her expertise in marketing and business development to advance the organization's mission and broaden its impact in the community.
Tony Tarzia, Treasurer
Tony is a dedicated Board Member where he ardently supports inclusive practices and neurodivergent acceptance. As the parent of an autistic boy, Tony brings a deeply personal perspective to the organization’s mission, driven by his desire to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with exceptional needs.
Currently, Tony serves as the Head of Mergers & Acquisitions for the Valcourt Group, overseeing strategic transactions and driving business growth. His extensive background in corporate finance and strategic planning is instrumental in guiding the nonprofit’s financial health and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Before joining Valcourt, Tony was the CFO of Tone It Up Inc., a leading women's health and wellness brand, where he played a critical role in managing the company's financial strategy and operations. He also held several senior leadership positions at Henkel Consumer Products, where his expertise in finance and management significantly contributed to the company’s success.
Tony's previous role as Chairman of the Stamford Golf Authority involved leading the Master Plan Project, which established a 30-year capital plan and redesigned the golf course, reflecting his commitment to enhancing community resources and planning for future development.
Tony's unique blend of personal experience, financial acumen, and leadership across diverse sectors makes him a valuable asset to the Board, advancing the nonprofit’s mission to promote inclusivity and acceptance for neurodivergent individuals.
Lauren Nussbaum, Founding Board Member
Lauren Connolly Nussbaum and her husband Matt Nussbaum have lived in New Canaan since 2013. They have three daughters who currently attend South Elementary and Saxe Intermediate and New Canaan High School. Lauren grew up in Boston, MA and earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature with a minor in Hispanic Studies from the College of William & Mary where she played on the nationally ranked women's lacrosse team. Lauren’s professional career has included work in NYC, Boston, Chicago and Toronto in the legal, non profit, and education sectors. Lauren is an active volunteer, coach and board member of many organizations in New Canaan. Lauren is passionate about public service, social justice, special & exceptional education and creating a more equitable world for all. Lauren is an avid reader and Boston Red Sox fan.
Festive Fun at the North Pole
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Get the "In" on Inclusion
Coming Soon!
Our program is all about empowering the community to embrace neurodiversity. Through specialized training, you'll learn practical strategies to create inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals and their families. Join us to discover simple adjustments and enhancements that can make a big difference in patron & customer experience and workplace diversity. Together, let's build a more inclusive community where everyone feels valued and supported!"
Volunteer Opportunities
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Make a difference in the lives of others by donating to Inclusive Together. Our team works on a volunteer basis. All proceeds go directly to support our operations & event costs. Every contribution helps us continue our mission of bringing positive change.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, you do better.”
Maya Angelou - Author, Poet, Activist
