About Us

Concept for Adaptive Learning (CfAL) is a Connecticut non-profit organization focused on supporting educational outcomes for public school children and adults through technology programs. Supported by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and other committed community members, the organization was founded and received its 501(c)(3) status in 2001.

The organization, with support from community and collaborative partners, continues today to provide technology-based programs to disadvantaged public school children, parents and adults living in impoverished neighborhoods throughout Connecticut. Youth programs directly support children's education. CfAL's adult training programs support workforce development and teach adults how to use technology to expand learning to the home.

Since 2001, CfAL has impacted thousands of individuals, and has provided more than 4,000 free computers to low-income households.

We close technology gaps that help close education gaps.

Our Mission

To increase the knowledge and use of technology of youth and adults preparing them for sucess in an constantly changing digital society.

Our Vision

Our vision is that ALL households should have access to the technology that will help them succeed in school and career.

Having a computer and technology in the home for school and work is a necessity – not a luxury. CfAL’s work to close the technology gap for New Haven students and families by providing:

basic computer training for parents and adults,
free computers to families that do not have a working computer at home, and
programs that further digital learning.

Board of Directors

CfAL is lead by a group of experienced and dedicated Board Members.

Curtis is a Founding Board member, and has over 30 years experience workign in information technology. He has worked for Digital Equipment Corporation, acquired by Compaq Computer Corporation then Hewlett Packard Corporation, in software development, systems analysis, project and program management and customer service management. He has worked as a consultant to numerous Fortune 100 companies.

Curtis Hill

Founding Board Member

Jim Mitchell

Board Chair, Governance Committee Chair

James is a Marketing Manager with Comcast, who has worked for Comcast in a variety of marketing and advertising positions with increased responsibility since 2002. His expertise in marketing and advertising, have helped support various organizations, specifically with brand strategy and the implementation of internal and external marketing campaigns.

DaShawn Robinson

Board Vice Chair, Programs Comittee Chair

DaShawn is a small business owner and data analyst whose company, Evolve Bac, invests in startups, small businesses, and business projects. His experience in using technology to train employees to use technolgy in the workplace for large firms such as Yale Medical Group, provides invaluable guidance to using technology to develop training programs for CfAL participants, both in-person and virtual.

Gary Smith

Board Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair

Gary is a Director at Marcum and has more than 15 years of experience managing, conducting, reviewing and analyzing financial information for various industries, including healthcare, not-for-profit, governmental, pension plans and manufacturing and distribution. Mr. Smith’s experience includes a combination of both private company and public accounting, including experience with a “Big 4” accounting firm.

Amy Pacelli

Secretary Development, Fundraising Committee Chair

Amy Pacelli is an Account Executive at SphereGen Technologies located in the District in New Haven, Connecticut. SphereGen Technologies is a software consulting firm, specializing in delivering high quality solutions for small businesses in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Since joining SphereGen in 2017, Amy has worked on deepening the connection to the local economy, by developing partnerships with local Connecticut businesses and clients. SphereGen holds a patent on holographic eye refraction and recently received global recognition from Microsoft for their work in cutting edge technology. Previous to joining SphereGen, Amy worked for Taylor and Francis, a textbook publisher in Hamden and also was a teacher with Teach for America in Hartford, Connecticut. In her spare time, Amy enjoys creative writing, watching Netflix and hanging out with family.

Damaris Garcia

Board Chair, Governance & Fundraising Committee

Damaris Garcia has more than 12 years in the financial services industry and is a Vice President at Liberty Bank. Prior to working for Liberty Bank, she was the Vice President for RBS Citizens N.A. (Citizen’s Bank) where she was responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of a full service branch office, including operations, lending, product sales, customer service, security and safety. Ms. Garcia provided a superior level of customer relations, promoted the sales and service culture through coaching, guidance and staff motivation, and provided leadership, training and supervision. Ms. Garcia also participated in community affairs to increase the Bank's visibility, enhancing new and existing business opportunities.

Yasir Hamid

Board Member, Program Committee Member

Yasir has more than 14 years’ experience teaching Arabic, and is a lecturer at Fairfield University. He is the founder of the Arabic Language Learning Program (a private academic organization that develops new Arabic programs in area universities) in New Haven, CT, and has taught Arabic at Yale University and in the Rassias Accelerated Language Programs at Dartmouth College. He has successfully developed Arabic language programs at several US institutions, including Wesleyan University, Fairfield University, and the University of New Haven.

Toni Harp

Board Member, Finance and Governance Committee

On January 1, 2014, Toni N. Harp was sworn in as the first female Mayor of the City of New Haven, CT. Prior to being the mayor, she was a State Senator serving ten terms as the Connecticut State Senator. As a State Senator, Toni Harp is recognized for her contributions to sound and progressive public policy.

Nick Lavorato

Board Member, Governance Committee

Nick’s background is in the workforce development and training, with over 25 years in training and development.

Teja Shariff

Board Member, Finance Committee

Teja is a certified CPA, and operates a small business in Branford, CT. Teja is an experienced Managing Partner with a demonstrated history of working in the accounting industry offering services in: tax, strategic planning, financial planning and financial analysis.