About Us
Our
Story
For the past seven years, F.U.S.E has served women and their children on Valley Brook Community Church Campus. Our Family home model has a track record of success. We have a vision to move forward to purchase our own campus that will include a serene setting, a wellness center, and independent housing.
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We are a 501(c)(3) that exists to bring awareness, encourage others to serve, and provides restorative solutions for the most at-risk amongst us.
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Mission:
We help people who are in life transition by providing safe affordable housing in nice neighborhoods so that they can focus on building the life they want in a supportive environment.
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Vision:
Our vision is to make a positive impact on the lives of others by ending housing insecurity one person and one house at a time.
Team
President/Treasurer
Sherry Danalis
Sherry Danalis has been married to Stephen Danalis for 30 years and has 2 grown sons, Cameron and Alexander. In 2008 they suffered the tragic loss of their adopted daughter from Korea. What followed awakened the passion to learn more about the plight of young women who experience loss and exploitation when they don't have the support, resources, and community they desperately need for better outcomes. What started as a platform of awareness has now grown to provide safe housing options. The first home, Nehemiah House, for seven years, offered a family-style residential home with pathways to financial stability and independence and closed in December 2023 to transition to independent housing, called Renewal Home. F.U.S.E. was established in 2010 (received charitable status in the summer of 2011).
Co-Founder & Exec. Director
Stephen Danalis
Stephen graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1984 with a Bachelor in Culinary Arts. A Restaurateur and entrepreneur for several years, serving on several mission trips through the AG World Missions (MAPS) ranging from pouring concrete floors and walls in Costa Rica and Honduras to accompanying a medical outreach in Kenya until "THE CALL" to the Mission Field himself in the States. Stephen's heart cry is to see faith communities emerge with one voice, not only to raise awareness but more importantly INSPIRE others into action on behalf of the vulnerable. To see the church come together in unity so that the world will see God’s heart when He works through His people.
Board Member
Kayla Lipsitz
Kayla Lipsitz is the Director of Alumni and Family Relations with seven years of experience, previously serving as Director of Marketing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Quinnipiac University, where she concentrated in small business management and philosophy. Lipsitz earned Dean’s List honors and the Diversity Prize Award for her innovative thesis on the historiography of the Civil Rights Movement.
In her current role, Lipsitz focuses on fostering meaningful relationships and providing long-term support to both domestic and international communities. She is passionate about helping students become global philanthropists and future leaders. Her primary goal is to ensure equity through education and access to opportunities that promote both professional and personal growth. Additionally, she supports initiatives that expand data collection to track equity metrics in the student population.
Previously, as Director of Marketing, Lipsitz managed branding, researched philanthropic partnerships, and drafted proposals for community collaboration. She has also volunteered with Hands on Hartford and Greenwich Hospital.
Kayla resides in West Hartford, CT, with her husband, Harrison. She enjoys painting, spending time with family, and staying involved with their church in Springfield, CT. Together, they provide adult leadership to the Christian Club at Quinnipiac University.
Board Member
Dr. Laura Domer-Shank
Dr. Laura Domer-Shank is a School Psychologist, Educational Consultant, Adjunct Psychology Professor at Tunxis Community College, and Educational Surrogate for the Connecticut State Department of Education. She volunteers on Boards that support survivors of human trafficking and homeless pregnant mothers. Dr. Domer-Shank is also a Vice President and current consultant for VCN, a networking organization that coordinates services to improve communities.
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With 25 years of experience, Dr. Domer-Shank has worked in individual and group counseling, crisis management, assessment, family therapy, and advocacy for children and families. Her independent research on young women in trauma underscores the need for targeted supports to address societal pressures and life stressors affecting girls and young women.
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Dr. Domer-Shank holds a B.S. in Psychology and Education from Elms College, a Master’s and Sixth Year degrees in School Psychology from the University of Hartford, and a Doctorate from American International College. She has a Women in Leadership Certification from Yale University, is a Certified Life Coach, and holds advanced certifications in Mindfulness, Child and Adolescent Trauma, and Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools.
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She is also the Founder and CEO of brave-embrace.org. Dr. Domer-Shank and her husband, Neil, are parents to three children: two daughters, ages 10 and 12, and a 19-year-old son.
Board Member/Secretary
Courtney Reim, M.Ed
Dr. Courtney Reim is a passionate Montessorian, educator, and advocate for children and families. With a diverse background spanning corporate finance, education, and non-profit work, Courtney has been dedicated to supporting children’s development and the Montessori community for over two decades. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with dual emphases in Finance and Management & Entrepreneurship, and a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Hartford. She earned her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary Diploma in 2012 and later completed a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership, with a focus on teacher preparation, Montessori pedagogy, and education for peace.
Courtney's professional journey includes over ten years in the corporate world before transitioning to education. She spent five years as a Primary Directress and currently serves as the Managing Director at the Montessori Training Center Northeast (MTCNE). She is also a Research Fellow at the Center for Montessori Studies at the University of Hartford, where her research explores teacher dispositions, Montessori pedagogy, and teacher preparation. Courtney is deeply committed to advocating for teachers and enhancing the educational experience for children and families.
Courtney is an active member of her community, serving on the School Governance Council at Annie Fisher Montessori Magnet School and contributing to The Montessori Research Collective as the Finance Task Team Lead.
Courtney’s work is driven by her passion for Montessori education and her commitment to creating an environment where both educators and students thrive. She enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring history, and cherishing moments with her family, which includes her husband and two children in Enfield, CT.