Good luck to Catherine
Christy Chandler
Hi friends – sharing some happy (and bittersweet) news about some changes at CHSC. Please see below.
Christy Chandler (she/her)
Director of Admissions
(203) 397-1714, ext. 185
Chapel Haven Schleifer Center
1040 Whalley Ave.
New Haven, CT 06515
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From: "Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc." <cdec...@chapelhaven.org>
Subject: Good luck to Catherine
Date: August 5, 2025 at 6:24:18 PM EDT
Reply-To: cdec...@chapelhaven.org
Message from Mike:
Farewell to Catherine, congrats to Christy and new appointment announced
Hello and Happy Summer to all!
I am writing to inform you of some changes with our admissions team that are bittersweet.
We are sad to report that Catherine Sullivan-DeCarlo, who has worked at CHSC for 16 plus years, is retiring to become a grandmother.
Catherine and John's son, Evan DeCarlo, and his wife, Megan, are expecting a baby boy at the end of September in Florida. Catherine is retiring to spend time helping out with the new arrival. However, she will continue to work per diem on a project basis at CHSC, so you may see or hear from her.
Catherine came to Chapel Haven Schleifer Center with a background in journalism, teaching and public relations. She has overseen the admissions process for Chapel Haven's core programs and has also coordinated Chapel Haven’s communications and marketing components, including social media, website, conferences, presentations and media coverage.
Catherine brought talent and passion for PR and storytelling that has benefited our agency. She leaves a legacy of creativity, integrity and kindness and will be missed by all.
"It has been a labor of love and a privilege working with the families, adults, staff and board at CHSC. This is such a special place and I will miss my day-to-day interactions with everyone. I look forward to staying in touch," Catherine said.
Christy Chandler moving into new role
I am pleased to announce that Christy Chandler, who has been with us since August 2012 and has been Director of Admissions for 10 years, is being promoted to Senior Vice President of Admissions and Communications. Christy’s dedication and passion for working with families plus her experience as a skilled teacher in the REACH program will serve us well as she steps into this new and well-deserved role. Christy will continue to oversee the day-to-day admissions activities and events, along with Codie O’Donovan, Admissions Associate.
And Denise Hawkins has been appointed our new Director of Communications and Engagement. Read more about Denise below.
Lots of changes are underway, but our commitment to excellence remains! I feel very confident in our team as we continue to navigate the changing world of admissions and marketing! Questions? Feel free to reach out to me at mst...@chapelhaven.org or our team at admi...@chapelhaven.org
Mike
New Director of Communications and Engagement announced
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Denise Hawkins as CHSC's new Director of Communications and Engagement. Denise will work under Christy’s leadership as part of our stellar admissions and marketing team. Denise will lead CHSC's strategic marketing, branding, and communications initiatives, with a focus on elevating the organization’s national visibility and amplifying the voices and stories that define its transformative work.
Denise has over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and brand building. She began her career in agency life at public relations firms in New York City, where she rose through the ranks specializing in publicity and event planning for luxury lifestyle, consumer products, and nonprofit clients.
Prior to joining Chapel Haven, Denise served for nearly a decade as Director of Public Relations at e-commerce company SCS Direct Inc., where she established and led the internal PR department. In that role, she managed national media outreach, influencer marketing, social media and high-profile publicity events. She holds a B.S. in Communications from Southern Connecticut State University.
Welcome, Denise!
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Chapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc. | Chapel Haven Schleifer Center 1040 Whalley Avenue | New Haven, CT 06515 US
