Ginger Smith, MSW
Founder
With thirty years of experience in the social services, divided between program development, fundraising, and direct practice, Ginger has the experience, drive, and successful track record to grow SOAR Together to become a leading collaborator in the movement to end epidemic levels of loneliness in Fairfield County. From her early career as an urban community organizer to Directing the 9/11 Relief Program for The Children’s Aid Society in NYC to decades of fundraising for cancer patients, Ginger has committed her career to building sustainable programs and changing life outcomes. ​
​
An honors graduate of Dartmouth College and All-American athlete in two sports, Ginger received a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University. After many years of triathlon/ultramarathon racing, Ginger posted a final win at the Lake Placid Marathon in June 2022 after a breast cancer diagnosis, hanging up her racing shoes and turning all energies to social connection. Ginger’s resilience to overcome is a trademark and fierce advocacy alongside and on behalf of those facing life challenges comes from an unbridled place of deep faith.​
​​
In her words: "I have experienced highs and lows like so many others and implicitly know loneliness and social isolation. What I also know is that to heal a wound of any size we must have the faith and courage to persevere and keep putting one foot in front of the other. We can tackle this epidemic if we approach it one gesture of kindness, one smile, one connection at a time."
Kislene Bosse Belizaire
Director, SOAR Together Norwalk
Kislene Bosse Belizaire brings over 20 years of experience in human services, specializing in advocacy, education, and community engagement. She provides resource navigation for diverse populations. Her work focuses on addressing food insecurity, housing stability, and empowering families through personalized support.
​
Kislene is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities and is one of the founders of Downtown with Matt and Ben, a program for middle school children with Down syndrome and their supporters. Its mission is to create a safe, fun, and inclusive space for children with Down syndrome to build lasting friendships and enjoy group activities. This initiative fosters peer relationships through interactive activities in a supportive environment, promoting social skills and community engagement.
​
Her role at SOAR will help us maintain our strong presence in Norwalk while growing our outreach to additional organizations and individuals who can benefit strongly from our programs, flower deliveries, and critical social connection time.
​​
In her words: I believe in the words of Muhammad Ali -- 'Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.' Guided by this principle, I hope to bring joy and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
​
Megan Hus & Nikole LaChioma
Directors, SOAR Together Newtown
Nikole and Megan bring decades of combined experience to SOAR’s Newtown Chapter, both business owners and working moms of young kids. Nikole’s experience as the Owner of the successful Rockwell Dance Center, and Megan’s deep acumen as a mental health therapist, make them the perfect team to bring connection and healing to their community.
​
SOAR Newtown’s mission is to provide opportunities for families to serve in the community to help increase social connection and reduce loneliness and social isolation.
​
In their words: We are honored and thrilled to be able to bring SOAR's mission of connection into the lives of individuals and families in Newtown, a town we both love as home to our families and a place where we are eager to help our own children and many others learn at an early age the power of giving and kindness.
Sophia Tuozzoli
Flower Power Program Manager
Sophia Tuozzoli is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University and will graduate in May 2026. Her passion for community engagement and youth development began during her undergraduate internship at the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, where she first connected with SOAR and its mission.
Since then, Sophia has enjoyed collaborating with SOAR team members and contributing to initiatives that make a meaningful difference. She is especially passionate about building positive relationships, supporting community members, and finding ways to brighten others’ days through service. She has achieved this through running a monthly Flower Power program on the pediatric unit of Bridgeport Hospital.
Sophia is committed to continuing her work in the nonprofit sector and using her social work education to empower individuals and strengthen communities. Upon graduation, Sophia plans to continue to work with the youth and strives to be a school social worker.
In her words: I am so grateful that my journey in social work has led me to this organization. Being able to make an impact on those who need it most, sometimes through something as simple as showing up, or sharing a small gesture of kindness, has been incredibly rewarding. SOAR has taught me so much about my community and about myself, which I am extremely thankful for.
Sophie Ferrante
Flower Power Program Coordinator
Sophie Ferrante is a senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School and passionate volunteer and staff member at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club. Sophie fell in love with being a “Spark” through a Flower Power program she was involved in, becoming a part of SOAR to develop her leadership and service skills as one of the first Young Leaders. Sophie is joining the SOAR team as a Program Manager to make an even greater impact through leading Flower Power events.
Sophie’s values of empathy and inclusion shine through in the many leadership roles she takes on at her school, at work, and when she volunteers. Her initiative and dedication to uplifting others are reflected in her ability to take the reins and lead SOAR programming. She is spearheading the launch of the Let’s Chat program at Ludlowe, which will support a stronger and more uplifting student community. Sophie will continue to spread love and give back to her community in meaningful ways through her work with SOAR.
​
In her words: I feel a true sense of belonging and fulfillment as a result of the work I do for SOAR. I am deeply passionate about spreading love and joy in my community, and I’m extremely grateful for SOAR and all the opportunities to uplift others it provides.​
.jpg)
