Our Team Values
KIND. We are here to help, first and foremost.
OPTIMISTIC. We are hopeful about the future and believe in our kids.
WELCOMING. We know it can be hard to share your story.
TRUSTWORTHY. Conversations must be held in confidence.
SUPPORTIVE. We are here to offer a hand or a hug as needed.
COMMITTED. Our work is important and we will make time for it.
FUN. Our kids are AWESOME and so are we! (And laughter is KEY to this journey.)
Meet the Team!
Candice Hartford, BSN, RNC-NIC
FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Raising Harts was created on behalf of Candice's Autistic twin boys, Keaton & Grady, and their sister, Isla. Candice, along with her husband Kenny, created Raising Harts in 2022 so that families of Autistic children could make connections in a safe, non-judgmental environment. It's her goal to build community, empower parents on this journey, and create inclusive places where kids can just be themselves.
When she's not running Raising Harts, you can find her in the NICU at Mass General Hospital. Candice earned her Bachelor of Science in nursing at San Diego State University and has been a registered nurse for more than 20 years, advocating for all families. Candice hails from LA but now calls Cohasset home.
Adrien Asaff, MA, LMHC
DIRECTOR OF THERAPEUTIC PROGRAMS
Adrien is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and has a clinical mental health degree with a school and community specialization. She was a therapeutic teacher and clinician at Community Therapeutic Day School in Lexington, MA. Her experience in both home and school settings with neurodiverse and Autistic children is extensive. She currently lives in Scituate with her husband and their two children.
Brie Casey
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Brie was inspired to join the Raising Harts team while learning to navigate the world of neurodiversity with her young children. She is a seasoned educator with more than 15 years of experience working in both general and special education settings. Brie obtained her Master’s Degree in Special Education as well as a BCBA licensure from Simmons College. Currently, she is pursuing her doctoral degree from Northeastern University in the area of education and transformative leadership. She lives in Cohasset, MA, with her husband and three children.
Annamaria Wenner, MS, DHL
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
When Annamaria left a successful 25-year career in higher education to explore a new path, she took what she thought would be a temporary job as a nanny during her transition. She quickly fell in love with both the work and, more importantly, with the little boy she cares for, Harry, who was later diagnosed with autism. Becoming part of Harry’s support team introduced Annamaria to the autism community, a connection that continues to deeply inspire her. Harry’s mom introduced her to Raising Harts and now proudly serves as the Chief Operating Officer, supporting families of neurodivergent children and helping further the mission of Raising Harts. Annamaria lives in Weymouth.
Kristin Armstrong
DIRECTOR OF GRANTS & SPONSORSHIP
Alongside her Master’s Degree in Public Health, Kristin has expertise in health education, grant writing, budgets, and planning. She is a pro at fostering relationships with constituents and donors. Kristin has also helped run camps for children with complex medical needs and has worked in nonprofit, government, and hospital settings. She currently lives in Cohasset with her family and her youngest child is autistic. She loves working with families and building community.
Sophia Bakas
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Sophia’s journey with Raising Harts began when she MC’d improv nights for moms, gatherings built around laughter, vulnerability, and shared experience. With formal studies and a degree from Bridgewater State University, and a wide range of professional experiences across corporate, creative, and community-focused roles, she now serves as Program Coordinator, supporting program development, communications, and outreach. Her work is rooted in lived experience, creativity, and a belief in building spaces where every family feels seen. Sophia lives in Hanover with her wife and son.
Tiffani Ciasullo
FINANCE LEAD
Tiffani brings to Raising Harts over 10 years of experience in finance and over 13 years in government. Growing up with a brother with Down syndrome, her love for special needs children holds a special place in her heart. After losing him in 2022, Tiffani made a promise to join a great cause and give back. When she found Raising Harts, she knew she wanted and needed to be involved. She currently lives in Bridgewater with her 3 children.
