Sheila Palonen

Sheila Palonen has extensive experience in management, support, and training within the human services sector. Currently serving as the Director of Management Support and Training and the Director of Program Standards at The Bair Foundation since December 2000, Sheila oversees the COA accreditation process and ensures compliance with regulations and standards. Previously, as the DD Services Director at Diversified Family Services, responsibilities included managing daily operations and service delivery across various programs while supervising a team of eight staff members. Sheila's foundational experience includes work as a Rehabilitation Therapist at John N. Dempsey Regional Center, programming and supervising activities for individuals with developmental delays. Education includes a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Northcentral University and a Bachelor of Theology from the International School of Ministries, along with a Bachelor's degree in Gerontology from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and an Associate’s degree from Northwestern Connecticut Community College.