About us.
“We are a local connection project dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for all humans. Because life happens outside of four walls & in the community.”
There is a gap that exists when adults with disabilities turn 21 and we see it as essential that they not only feel welcomed into the community but that they belong here and are set up with tools and support to feel safe, comfortable and confident.
Volunteering is a key pillar of our organization. Not only does it provide a meaningful opportunity to work on social and vocational skills, but it also improves mental health, decreases social isolation and is a way to find purpose while giving back to the community. Volunteering has also led to employment opportunities for our community members, with the help of our supported employment specialists, creating a more inclusive workforce.
If you would like to learn more about our community member volunteer and employment opportunities, click here.
Meet our team.
But first, a few words from our founder…
I’ve never been able to find the words to truly express my connection to working with adults with neuro, physical & developmental differences. It’s always been a natural fit & some things just can’t be explained. All I can say is, the individuals I’ve crossed paths with have permanently brightened & bettered my life without even trying. The only way I could ever begin to thank them is by giving my best into creating a community that includes, celebrates, values & serves.
Thank you for following along and supporting our interdisciplinary community-connection project!
Chrissy D’Amico, Founder
Chrissy D’Amico
Founder, Occupational Therapist OTR/L Certified Applied Positive Psychology Practitioner, Certified Yoga Instructor (RYT 200 Hr, Live Your Brain, Yoga for the Special Child)
Words to live by: "My life amounts to no more than one drop in a limitless ocean. Yet what is any ocean, but a multitude of drops?”— David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas
What Blue Dot means to me: home.
Lauren Ann Payer
Co-Founder, Special Educator, BCaBA, Supported Employment Specialist
Words to live by: “Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” Mother Teresa
What Blue Dot means to me: Being a part of Blue Dot is an opportunity to break barriers and build meaningful relationships within society. Blue dot represents a safe and supportive space where we can all share experiences, foster growth, and amplify our voices. It’s a gateway to belonging, purpose, and advocacy, leaving a lasting impact on myself, our blue dot members and the community as a whole!
Kaylin Bess Torres
Co-Founder, BA Education, Spanish Education & bi-lingual, Supported Employment Specialist
Words to live by: “Let’s see what happens next!” has been my go to phrase, to see life’s twists and turns as an adventure while appreciating the present moment as it is. It’s a philosophy of doing one’s best while surrendering the rest with gratitude for life’s experiences with hopeful expectations for the future.
What Blue Dot means to me: Blue Dot is my home where I am embraced for who I truly am. It's a place where others lift me up with encouragement and inspire me to strive for my best self. In moments of joy, they celebrate with me, and through life's challenges, they stand by my side. Blue Dot nurtures and supports me, honoring me, in my humanness.
Fynn Payer
BA Marketing, Supported Employment Specialist
Words to live by: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, its whether you get up” -Vince Lombardi
What Blue Dot means to me: To me, Blue Dot is a place where we can truly be ourselves and grow into who we're meant to be. It’s a community where we have each other's backs, where supporting one another is second nature. It's not just about finding our purpose, but also about realizing how good it feels to help others along the way. Here, I’ve learned that the simple act of giving can bring out the best in all of us.
Jenny Loshiavo
OTR/L, Supported Employment Specialist
Words to live by: “Without rain, nothing grows. Learn to embrace the storms of our life.” & “To my beautiful brain, always let her wander and see where she takes you. It’s a wonderful path of self-exploration and self love” - Jenny Loshiavo
What blue dot means to me: It’s hard to put into words, but Blue Dot feels like the warmest hug and the brightest sunshine. It’s a way of life, a reminder to lead with love and be your genuine self. It has shaped my outlook on life and been a catalyst for personal growth and self love. We are all different, beautifully our own, and Blue Dot makes each of us feel loved, welcomed, and celebrated.
Hear from some of our community members, in their own words :)
Dan, Blue Dot Community Member since 2024
Hi I’m Dan and I started Blue Dot one month ago. Before I came to Blue Dot I was at home. I was bored and looking for something to do. I currently live in a residential setting with three other guys, but I was feeling like I wanted more in my life.
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When Ms. Fran told me about Blue Dot I liked it. She said she would help me set up the interview. At the interview, I was comfortable and met really nice people. They told me about all the cool things they do at Blue Dot like volunteering, job sampling, social links, community outreach and highlighting healthy habits. When I heard all of this, I really wanted to give Blue Dot a try. I’ve had different jobs before at grocery stores like Acme and restaurants like Ruby Tuesdays but it wasn’t a good fit for me and didn’t really work out.
Here I am now, a month later and I am a part of the Blue Dot community. I feel connected. I help others. I am a good listener. I am more active. I feel like I have purpose. I am making new friends and I am learning new skills and gaining real life experiences!
My favorite part is coming everyday and seeing my new network of friends and interacting with the Asbury Park community. Some exciting new things I have done so far that I have never done before are go to Bellworks in Holdmel to be interviewed for a podcast and I even got to be a model in the Blue Dot Fashion Show with Destination Asbury Boutique! I also get to volunteer regularly at the Jewish Family & Children Service of Monmouth County and pack food bags for those less fortunate. They are so appreciative of our help. All of these new experiences at Blue Dot make me feel accomplished and that’s the best feeling in the world!
Victoria, Blue Dot Community Member since 2023
Hi there! This is Victoria, one of the OGs of Blue Dot! I am 22 years old and I am so excited to be a part of this new, special organization, Blue Dot.
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Here’s a little bit about me:
I am outgoing and love to meet new people and that’s why I have been given the title “Blue Dot Networking Manager.” I make connections with local people and businesses and pump everyone up. Through our community wellness and personal development sessions, I am learning about my personality and it turns out I am “an entertainer.” I am considered an extrovert and am not shy. I also have epilepsy. I call them shocks that I can’t control. I don’t let this bother me. I live my life with joy.
I wanted to tell you about some of the awesome things we do at Blue Dot and who we are! We are an inclusive community for unique adults! We all have differences and support each other through our groups where we focus on wellness. Some things that we work on is self-care like exercising, keeping a healthy mindset and growing in independence. We also work on our communication skills and building relationships.
In the afternoons, we volunteer for local non profits. We know how important volunteering is in our community! It makes me feel so proud to help others and feel connected to help the community around us. We volunteer with our friends at the Jewish Family & Children's Services of Monmouth County every Thursday where we pack up food bags filled with fresh fruits and vegetables for those in need. We also have a garden plot located at The Virgina A. Cory Community Garden at Monmouth University where we plant corn, tomatoes, squash and herbs. We help deliver this food to The Center in Asbury Park and also plan to use this food to cook our community dinners called ECO Team Social Supper Club on Tuesday nights.
Acceptance, connecting with friends and enhancing my skills is what Blue Dot is all about and gives me a place where I belong!
Lexi, Blue Dot Community Member since 2023
Hello! My name is Lexi, another Blue Dot OG. I am 24 years old and I love my family and dogs. I'm very excited because I am adopting a new puppy! I am a great listener and like to help others.
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Some of my favorite things I do with Blue Dot are volunteering, grocery shopping and cooking meals. We are using donated flowers to make arrangements to deliver to Mary’s Place. I love volunteering because it makes me feel good to spread joy to others. I also really like grocery shopping for our Tuesday night ECO Team dinners hosted at Pat’s 30 Acres. We then cook what we purchased and grow, in our garden at Monmouth University Community Garden, to make dinner all together and then enjoy our meal with our friends.
Why “Blue Dot”?
Our perspective and inspiration is fully credited to The Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan (1994).
Zooming out and seeing Earth as a pale blue dot changes everything. It makes us feel closer and more connected. It reminds us that our differences should be celebrated, valued and supported.
We are so grateful to share this blue dot with all of you :)
