Something BIG has arrived!
Branching Tree is a group of families who are co-creating an inclusive residential care community with a community-based day program for young adults with autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our combined lived experiences ensure that the community will remain values-driven and responsive to real-life needs. Our vision centers on fostering belonging, dignity, and meaningful connection for every person. Meet our co-founders below.
About Us
Branching Tree is committed to providing inclusive housing and meaningful daily experiences for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering independence, dignity, and well-being. We empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives through strong community connections and a true sense of belonging.
Our Mission
Watch Our Announcement Video
Person-centered supports
Meaningful relationships
Interdependence vs. isolation
Shared leadership and decision-making
Sustainability and stewardship
Respect for the whole person
Our Values
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Dotty Foley
CO-FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Dotty is a lifelong disability advocate, educator, and nonprofit co-founder with over 30 years of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. She is a facilitator for Pathways to Friendship at The Arc of Massachusetts and co-founded HOPE NC, a nonprofit advancing inclusive housing and community. Dotty has led statewide initiatives focused on housing, human rights, and systems change. Grounded in compassion and person-centered values, Dotty lives in Rockport, MA, and is the proud parent of Emma and Dylan.
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Mike Manno
CO-FOUNDER & TREASURER
Mike has an extensive marketing and finance background working with several Fortune 100 corporations, including HSBC, Citizen’s Bank, and CVS Health, leading customer acquisition, engagement, and retention programs. He is also a co-founder and former Treasurer of Special Kids Connect in Monterey County, CA. Mike is the dedicated father of Marcus, a non-speaking young man with profound Autism and an intellectual disability. Mike resides in Walpole, MA with his wife, Sabrina, their two daughters, Madeleine and Gabrielle, cats Riley & Charlie, and dogs Benny & Sandy.
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Sabrina Manno
CO-FOUNDER & CLERK
Sabrina brings over 30 years of experience in corporate marketing working with McGraw-Hill, The Myers Briggs Company, and HSBC. nonprofit leadership. As the parent of a young man with profound Autism, she previously co-founded Special Kids Connect, a California nonprofit created to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Sabrina currently works as the Director of Marketing for League School for Autism, and lives in Walpole, MA with her husband, Mike, daughters Madeleine and Gabrielle, two cats, and two dogs.
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Marybeth Chung
BOARD MEMBER
Marybeth Chung is a lawyer with over 25 years of experience. She provides comprehensive guidance on business transactions, commercial agreements, and risk management to clients in a wide range of industries, including professional sports entertainment, biotechnology, and professional services. Prior to founding her own firm in 2015, Marybeth served as in-house counsel at private holding company, The Kraft Group, and at a global management consulting firm, Bain and Company. A graduate of Harvard College and Boston College Law School, Marybeth began her legal career at Bingham McCutchen LLP. Marybeth lives with her husband, David, in Wellesley, and has two daughters.
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Melissa Devine
BOARD MEMBER
Melissa Devine has more than 25 years of experience facilitating inclusion and developing programming for learners with high support needs. She began her career with Hopkinton Public Schools, ACCEPT Education Collaborative, and Medfield Public Schools before before becoming the Director of Autism and Inclusion Programming at Brookline Public Schools. Melissa joined CASE Collaborative in 2021 as the Assistant Executive Director, where she remains today. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and Special Education Administrative License. Melissa lives in Walpole, MA with her family and enjoys hiking and skiing.
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Dr. Casey Fein
BOARD MEMBER
Dr. Casey Fein is a Pediatrician at Northampton Area Pediatrics. Growing up with an older brother diagnosed with nonverbal autism, he studied physics and engineering at Tufts University before completing his pre-med coursework at Hunter College in New York and medical school at Boston University. His training and chief residency were completed at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Casey has an interest in children with complex medical and developmental needs and pediatric mental health. He, his wife, and their two daughters enjoy the vibrant Jewish community, culture, and nature of the Pioneer Valley. Casey enjoys running, singing, playing piano and guitar, and time with family.
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Erin Lynch
BOARD MEMBER
Erin Lynch is the Gift Officer & Communications Manager at House of Possibilities (HOPe), where she supports mission-driven fundraising and meaningful community engagement. She began working with Special Olympics 18 years ago, where she now serves a program coordinator and coach, receiving their Community Impact Award in 2024. Through her involvement with The Arc of Massachusetts’ Pathways to Friendship, she creates meaningful connections between people with and without disabilities and inclusive community-building efforts. Erin holds a BSBA in Marketing from The Catholic University of America and a Master’s in Public Policy & Administration from UMass Amherst.
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Kathy O'Donnell Bustin
BOARD MEMBER
Kathy has been a fierce advocate for her son, while also working to improve life for similar families. Kathy was Chair of the North Reading Special Education Parents’ Advisory Council and also collaborated with Autism Housing Pathways, founding its FAMS workgroup. Kathy is thankful for her experience as a software QA engineer, a career that prioritized persistence, creativity, research, technical, and communication skills, preparing her to work with disability policy. Kathy currently lives with her husband, Phil, in North Reading, MA, and they are the proud parents of Jeffrey and Sarah. They plan to move to Northampton in the Spring of 2026.
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Deborah Pacheco
BOARD MEMBER
Deborah Pacheco is a special education leader with experience in program compliance, residential education, and organizational training. As the Senior Administrator of Special Education Compliance for Springfield Public Schools, she is dedicated to building collaborative, equitable systems that ensure students receive high-quality, compliant, and compassionate special education services. Deb was previously Director of Residential Education at League School for Autism, and held leadership positions in training and quality assurance. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Johnson & Wales University.

