WINNER of the 2021 HOBI Award for “Outstanding Multi-Family Design,” this project serves as a model for affordable rental housing within the Falls Village Housing Trust and highlights the potential of the Incentive Housing Zone.
WINNER of the 2021 HOBI Award for “Outstanding Multi-Family Design,” this project serves as a model for affordable rental housing within the Falls Village Housing Trust and highlights the potential of the Incentive Housing Zone.
Jandi has recently retired as a Speech & Language Pathologist after twenty-seven years with Region One Schools. Raised in Goshen, Jandi has lived in Falls Village for twenty-one years, where she has been actively involved in community development efforts. As a founding member of FVHT and a member of the Board of Directors, Jandi is dedicated to promoting affordable housing initiatives in the area. Additionally, she is a founding voice actor of the Nutmeg Junction Radio program based in Torrington, CT at WAPJ.
Tracy, a native of Falls Village, brings 40 years of experience in managing agricultural and economic development programs for organizations like the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Save the Children, and the International Voluntary Services. He has spent three decades living and working across various countries in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
In addition to his extensive background, Tracy has been a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity for nine years, including five years as President. The FVHT is fortunate to have a founding member with his depth of experience and commitment to community development and affordable housing.
Susan, a native of Falls Village, recently retired as Branch Manager and VP at Northwest Community Bank's Lakeville Office, where she had a rewarding career in banking that spanned over 42 years since she started in 2004. A graduate of the Connecticut School of Finance and Management’s two-year program, she has been deeply committed to community development throughout her career.
In addition to her banking expertise, Susan serves as a director and treasurer of both the Salisbury Rotary Club and the Salisbury Rotary Foundation. She was honored with the prestigious “Paul Harris” Fellow award on May 14, 2013.
From 2009 to 2020, she also presided over the Tri-State Chamber of Commerce, where she focused on connecting commerce with community, advocating for affordable housing initiatives, and supporting local businesses through collaboration and resources.
Lara Mittaud grew up in Falls Village and returned to the area with her husband and two children after several years of military service and living abroad. Lara operates the family’s farm, manages various rental properties, and has served on multiple boards and commissions in the town, including her role on the Board of Directors for the FVHT. As one of the founding members, she is a strong advocate for affordable housing, believing that it is crucial to provide opportunities for community development for all income levels.
Barbara Deinhardt is a lawyer, labor arbitrator, and mediator who first arrived in Falls Village in 2004. With nearly fifty years of experience in both the private and public sectors, she has been appointed by New York Governor Mario Cuomo and Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden to various roles aimed at ensuring fairness and justice in the workplace while facilitating labor peace. Barbara, along with her husband, now resides in Falls Village nearly full-time. She has served as a longtime Board member of the Hunt Library and is now also a member of the FVHT Board of Directors, where she actively participates in community development initiatives. Barbara firmly believes that providing affordable housing is a fundamental obligation that a community owes to its residents.
Felicia holds a B.S. in Public Health Education & Marketing and has completed Certifications in Community Economic Development, Grant Writing, and HousingWorks. As a founding member of the FVHT, she has made significant contributions to affordable housing initiatives and has served on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Community Health and the Falls Village Community Development Corp. Additionally, she has acted as a Falls Village Wetland Commissioner. Felicia and her family lived in Falls Village from 2005 until 2023 before relocating out of state.
Craig is both an Architect and an Interior Designer, as well as a local small business owner. He specializes in low environmental impact design elements, up-cycling, and refurbishing mid-century modern furniture to create healthy and beautiful environments. His dedication extends to affordable housing, ensuring that his designs cater to diverse community needs.
Growing up in Australia and having lived in several countries provides Craig with a broad perspective and a larger view of the housing industry. He and his husband have been residents of Falls Village since 2017.
As a member of the Board of Directors for community development, Craig is committed to creating housing solutions that serve the community as a whole, incorporating various sizes, designs, and price points that support long-term sustainability and economic viability.
Jason grew up in rural Iowa and has lived in Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, and now Falls Village. He and his wife thoughtfully selected Falls Village for their 'forever home' to raise their two children, appreciating the community development that promotes affordable housing in the area.
His father is a general contractor who provided Jason with hands-on experience building homes in the Midwest.
In addition to being an artist, Jason serves as the Director of Business Development and Marketing for a large international shipping logistics company, where he has been for the last 14 years, contributing to his company’s focus on effective community development strategies.
Dave is a native of Salisbury, CT and can trace his family roots in the Berkshires back to the mid-1800s. While attending Tufts University, he spent summers and a gap year working in construction, where he developed a passion for renovating vintage homes. His expertise has led to appearances in several episodes of the PBS series 'This Old House' and in numerous books and periodicals. As a licensed real estate agent, he has built or renovated over 150 homes in the tri-state region, contributing to efforts in affordable housing and community development. Additionally, Dave is a professional musician and has been a part of the local music scene since 1991, often associated with events that aim to enhance community spirit. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for a local nonprofit focused on promoting sustainable housing solutions.