Barbara’s House, the independent social service agency that supports low-income
high-needs Greenwich residents, has selected a new Executive Director.
Lorraine Termini returns to Greenwich to succeed Gaby Rattner, who announced her retirement in December 2024 after nearly eight years at the helm of the 70-year-old organization.
Dr. Lorraine Termini, photographed at Greenwich High School. Oct 8, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager
Termini worked for Greenwich Public Schools for 37 years as a special education teacher
and administrator. She has been an adjunct professor at Mercy University, the University of Bridgeport, and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. Most recently, she helped lead a program that provides college experience to young adults with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Termini holds a Bachelor of Science from Mercy College; a Masters degree in special education from Teachers College, Columbia University; and a doctorate from the University of Bridgeport in Educational Leadership.
“I am happy to be back in Greenwich supporting the needs of the community, and I believe there is no better place to give back than Barbara’s House,” Termini said in a release.
Gaby Rattner will continue to support Barbara’s House in a new role as Chief Development Officer. She will work directly with the board to grow the organization’s budget.
“We are all so proud of how Barbara’s House has grown and flourished during the past seven years and we are delighted to welcome Lorraine,” said Barbara’s House Chair Alma Rutgers in a release. “Gaby felt the time was right to step away as Executive Director but we are thrilled that she will stay on in this new capacity. Lorraine will bring her great depth of experience and knowledge of our community to continuing and expanding our efforts. The future for Barbara’s House looks brighter than ever.”
Vanessa Cardinal Bocicault has been promoted to Program Director at Barbara’s House. She oversees a full-time staff of three, along with part-time staff and over a hundred volunteers. She coordinates all Barbara’s House initiatives and helps to identify new programmatic needs as they arise.