Services
SUPPORTED WORKSITES
Our coffee carts are specifically set up to provide supported worksites for individuals with disabilities. Our baristas are provided structure and support according to their individual needs thus enabling them to gain critical skills and professional experience in the workforce necessary to secure future employment in the community.
COMMUNITY INCLUSION
By placing our coffee carts in highly traveled and visible locations in the community our mission is to bring all people together joyfully regardless of their abilities.
BUILDING MORE DYNAMIC WORKFORCES
“One cart, one cup of coffee at a time, we build stronger and more inclusive communities.”
Our coffee carts are specifically set up to provide supported worksites for individuals with disabilities. Our baristas are provided structure and support according to their individual needs thus enabling them to gain critical skills and professional experience in the workforce necessary to secure future employment in the community.
COMMUNITY INCLUSION
By placing our coffee carts in highly traveled and visible locations in the community our mission is to bring all people together joyfully regardless of their abilities.
BUILDING MORE DYNAMIC WORKFORCES
“One cart, one cup of coffee at a time, we build stronger and more inclusive communities.”
Meet our Board of Directors
Heather McKinnon
President
Heather comes to Chapters Coffee Carts from her most cherished role as “Henry’s Mama.” Henry is Heather’s only child, and her defining purpose. It is only fitting that Henry, a former student of ‘Ms. Carol’ Colella Nigro, would be who draws Heather so deeply to Chapters Coffee Carts, and its mission.
Heather brings a diverse professional background to her role as President of the Board of Directors. Having worked in areas ranging from business start-up ventures, the medical field, academia, and consulting. She has always strived to meet the needs of others with efficiency and efficacy, and to do so without losing the personal and human connections that distinguish exemplary experiences.
Heather has worked for the past 15 years in mission driven research centers at the Harvard Kennedy School. Her professional areas of interest are in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the space where policy intersects and can inform (positive) change. Heather believes these values in all their myriad dimensions should be standards more openly embraced, and the benefits of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) more universally understood. Heather is committed to advancing and advocating for the least advantaged and most vulnerable persons, typically the unheard voices, through her professional and volunteer work.
Heather’s transition into motherhood changed her, as it does for most; however, that trajectory was profoundly impacted after learning that her bright and joyful son is on the autism spectrum. Heather is a fierce advocate, and deeply believes that we must walk, not simply talk, if we wish to be changemakers. She is deeply invested in the ethos of Chapters Coffee Carts and the mission their First Chapter seeks to advance.
Heather also serves as co-chair of the Medford Family Network’s (MFN) Parent Advisory Board; she co-leads the Parents and Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder support group, and is on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee of the MFN. She also serves on the Medford School Committee's Special Education and Behavioral Health sub-committee , and the city’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities. She is a graduate of Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change's (MFOFC) Advocacy Bootcamp, and Early Intervention’s Parent Leadership Project (EIPLP) parent leadership training: Finding Your Footing. Heather is also a degree candidate at Harvard’s Extension School. Her most cherished role is “Henry’s Mama.” It’s the hardest work she’s ever loved doing.
President
Heather comes to Chapters Coffee Carts from her most cherished role as “Henry’s Mama.” Henry is Heather’s only child, and her defining purpose. It is only fitting that Henry, a former student of ‘Ms. Carol’ Colella Nigro, would be who draws Heather so deeply to Chapters Coffee Carts, and its mission.
Heather brings a diverse professional background to her role as President of the Board of Directors. Having worked in areas ranging from business start-up ventures, the medical field, academia, and consulting. She has always strived to meet the needs of others with efficiency and efficacy, and to do so without losing the personal and human connections that distinguish exemplary experiences.
Heather has worked for the past 15 years in mission driven research centers at the Harvard Kennedy School. Her professional areas of interest are in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the space where policy intersects and can inform (positive) change. Heather believes these values in all their myriad dimensions should be standards more openly embraced, and the benefits of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) more universally understood. Heather is committed to advancing and advocating for the least advantaged and most vulnerable persons, typically the unheard voices, through her professional and volunteer work.
Heather’s transition into motherhood changed her, as it does for most; however, that trajectory was profoundly impacted after learning that her bright and joyful son is on the autism spectrum. Heather is a fierce advocate, and deeply believes that we must walk, not simply talk, if we wish to be changemakers. She is deeply invested in the ethos of Chapters Coffee Carts and the mission their First Chapter seeks to advance.
Heather also serves as co-chair of the Medford Family Network’s (MFN) Parent Advisory Board; she co-leads the Parents and Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder support group, and is on the Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee of the MFN. She also serves on the Medford School Committee's Special Education and Behavioral Health sub-committee , and the city’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities. She is a graduate of Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change's (MFOFC) Advocacy Bootcamp, and Early Intervention’s Parent Leadership Project (EIPLP) parent leadership training: Finding Your Footing. Heather is also a degree candidate at Harvard’s Extension School. Her most cherished role is “Henry’s Mama.” It’s the hardest work she’s ever loved doing.
Sabrina Huether
Clerk
A recognized leader in the special education community, Sabrina Huether has 16 years of experience teaching children and young adults and helping them gain important life skills to help them lead happy and fulfilled lives. Sabrina holds a master’s degree in Special Education and is currently working toward her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders at Salem State University to continue her knowledge and passion for this community.
Sabrina most recently taught special education in the transition program, Project Transition, at Medford High School from 2012-2020. There she met Kelsey, the daughter of the founders of Chapters Coffee Carts. Sabrina built a very strong relationship with the Nigro family during this time and was honored when asked if she would be interested in joining the board for this amazing opportunity.
Coffee-based entrepreneurships for people with disabilities is not a foreign concept for Sabrina. During her time teaching in Project Transition at MHS she worked with community members to learn more about self-determination and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In doing so she learned about entrepreneurships and started a cold brew business with her students at Medford High School. Thanks to the owner of Mystic Coffee Roasters in Medford Square, Sabrina and her students learned the cold brewing process which allowed them to start-up their business. She and her colleagues found a small business called Furnace Hills Coffee to purchase their beans from. Located in Westminster MD, Furnace Hills is owned by the father of a woman with Down Syndrome, Erin Baldwin. Their motto is “Special coffee roasted by special people”. Sabrina absolutely loved their coffee beans and more so their mission to include individuals with disabilities in the workforce in a meaningful and purposeful way.
Disability inclusion is a passion of hers and she does some project work in special education advocacy for family and friends. Sabrina was born and raised in Medford and feels she was meant to serve individuals with disabilities and their families in her community. Helping individuals with disabilities and their families has brought a tremendous amount of purpose to her life that she intends to continue.
Chapters Coffee Carts holds a lot of meaning to Sabrina, given that its founders hold a deep connection with her, and it is such a wonderful model for businesses who employ and advocate for individuals with disabilities. She hopes that businesses like this continue to expand and offer opportunities to people that will serve as an example and represent a population to their best
and fullest abilities.
Clerk
A recognized leader in the special education community, Sabrina Huether has 16 years of experience teaching children and young adults and helping them gain important life skills to help them lead happy and fulfilled lives. Sabrina holds a master’s degree in Special Education and is currently working toward her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders at Salem State University to continue her knowledge and passion for this community.
Sabrina most recently taught special education in the transition program, Project Transition, at Medford High School from 2012-2020. There she met Kelsey, the daughter of the founders of Chapters Coffee Carts. Sabrina built a very strong relationship with the Nigro family during this time and was honored when asked if she would be interested in joining the board for this amazing opportunity.
Coffee-based entrepreneurships for people with disabilities is not a foreign concept for Sabrina. During her time teaching in Project Transition at MHS she worked with community members to learn more about self-determination and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In doing so she learned about entrepreneurships and started a cold brew business with her students at Medford High School. Thanks to the owner of Mystic Coffee Roasters in Medford Square, Sabrina and her students learned the cold brewing process which allowed them to start-up their business. She and her colleagues found a small business called Furnace Hills Coffee to purchase their beans from. Located in Westminster MD, Furnace Hills is owned by the father of a woman with Down Syndrome, Erin Baldwin. Their motto is “Special coffee roasted by special people”. Sabrina absolutely loved their coffee beans and more so their mission to include individuals with disabilities in the workforce in a meaningful and purposeful way.
Disability inclusion is a passion of hers and she does some project work in special education advocacy for family and friends. Sabrina was born and raised in Medford and feels she was meant to serve individuals with disabilities and their families in her community. Helping individuals with disabilities and their families has brought a tremendous amount of purpose to her life that she intends to continue.
Chapters Coffee Carts holds a lot of meaning to Sabrina, given that its founders hold a deep connection with her, and it is such a wonderful model for businesses who employ and advocate for individuals with disabilities. She hopes that businesses like this continue to expand and offer opportunities to people that will serve as an example and represent a population to their best
and fullest abilities.
Denise DesJardins
Director
Denise has been a licensed physical therapist since 1993 working both with pediatric as well as adult clients. She has organized Medford Public Schools participation in the Malden Day Games sponsored by Special Olympics for the last 12 games. These games have allowed students from north of Boston to participate in at least 2 events earning a gold, silver, or bronze medal. Denise’s work in Medford Public Schools has incorporated providing meaningful inclusion opportunities for children with differing abilities and strengths. In her spare time she enjoys yoga and playing with her fur baby Katrina.
Director
Denise has been a licensed physical therapist since 1993 working both with pediatric as well as adult clients. She has organized Medford Public Schools participation in the Malden Day Games sponsored by Special Olympics for the last 12 games. These games have allowed students from north of Boston to participate in at least 2 events earning a gold, silver, or bronze medal. Denise’s work in Medford Public Schools has incorporated providing meaningful inclusion opportunities for children with differing abilities and strengths. In her spare time she enjoys yoga and playing with her fur baby Katrina.
Michael Nigro
Treasurer
Michael is an accounting and internal audit professional with a demonstrated history of success in finance in the wealth management, mutual fund, and commercial banking businesses at BNY Mellon, Bank of America, and Chemical Bank. His experience is comprised of over 35 years in financial and regulatory reporting, accounting, financial analysis, supervision/development of staff, and internal controls analysis. He is focused on meeting customer needs and applying risk management skills to processes to maximize accuracy and efficiency
Treasurer
Michael is an accounting and internal audit professional with a demonstrated history of success in finance in the wealth management, mutual fund, and commercial banking businesses at BNY Mellon, Bank of America, and Chemical Bank. His experience is comprised of over 35 years in financial and regulatory reporting, accounting, financial analysis, supervision/development of staff, and internal controls analysis. He is focused on meeting customer needs and applying risk management skills to processes to maximize accuracy and efficiency
Marissa Isbill
Director
Marissa Isbill is a mother of three children ages 6, 11, and 14, and a science teacher in the Medford Public Schools. Prior to teaching, Marissa was employed as a scientific researcher in a breast cancer research laboratory and a drosophila neurogenetics laboratory. Her children attend Medford Public Schools including her son David, who is in the Connections Program at the Roberts Elementary School.
David was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2.5. Marissa 's involvement with the community of Medford began when she participated in Medford Family Network (MFN) sponsored activities after moving from Tennessee to Medford in 2012. In 2018, Marissa and her mom friends began a support group for parents of children with ASD that is sponsored by the MFN. She continues to co-facilitate the support group for caregivers of children with ASD and participates as a member of the advisory board of the MFN.
Marissa has always believed that a strong connection to the community and other parents benefits and strengthens families. Participating with and supporting Chapters Coffee Carts will increase these community connections and provide much needed employment opportunities for children with special needs.
Director
Marissa Isbill is a mother of three children ages 6, 11, and 14, and a science teacher in the Medford Public Schools. Prior to teaching, Marissa was employed as a scientific researcher in a breast cancer research laboratory and a drosophila neurogenetics laboratory. Her children attend Medford Public Schools including her son David, who is in the Connections Program at the Roberts Elementary School.
David was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 2.5. Marissa 's involvement with the community of Medford began when she participated in Medford Family Network (MFN) sponsored activities after moving from Tennessee to Medford in 2012. In 2018, Marissa and her mom friends began a support group for parents of children with ASD that is sponsored by the MFN. She continues to co-facilitate the support group for caregivers of children with ASD and participates as a member of the advisory board of the MFN.
Marissa has always believed that a strong connection to the community and other parents benefits and strengthens families. Participating with and supporting Chapters Coffee Carts will increase these community connections and provide much needed employment opportunities for children with special needs.
Carol Nigro
Chief Executive Officer
Carol is the mother of three children. Her daughter Kelsey has Autism and Epilepsy. When Kelsey turned 22 Carol saw firsthand the need for more job opportunities in the community for young adults with disabilities and thus created Chapters Coffee Carts.
A Medford resident for over 50 years Carol has been a special education paraprofessional in the Medford Public Schools for 17+ years. Having a daughter with disabilities in the school system and working in the special education department at the same time has enabled her to meet many children and their families, as well as teachers, therapists, and staff. Carol has been a strong advocate on both sides of the aisle; as a parent and as an educator, and is privileged to have had the opportunity to see things from both perspectives.
When choosing a Board of Directors, Carol combined both parents and school staff to create a very dedicated, knowledgeable, and strong team. The journey Carol and her family have travelled through the special education community has personally connected her to each member of the Board.
Carol has participated in many parent and teacher professional development workshops. She has been trained in de-escalation techniques, racism, inequality and bias, registered behavior therapist practices, and applied behavior analysis. With the startup of Chapters Coffee Carts, Carol is becoming certified in food safety handling practices.
Carol has a B.S. degree from North Adams State College. She lives in Medford, Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, son, and their very friendly dog. Carol enjoys writing in her spare time and has published a book, Farm Fresh Eggs, about the amazing journey raising her daughter. She also writes a special needs blog called Princesses and Predictability.
Chief Executive Officer
Carol is the mother of three children. Her daughter Kelsey has Autism and Epilepsy. When Kelsey turned 22 Carol saw firsthand the need for more job opportunities in the community for young adults with disabilities and thus created Chapters Coffee Carts.
A Medford resident for over 50 years Carol has been a special education paraprofessional in the Medford Public Schools for 17+ years. Having a daughter with disabilities in the school system and working in the special education department at the same time has enabled her to meet many children and their families, as well as teachers, therapists, and staff. Carol has been a strong advocate on both sides of the aisle; as a parent and as an educator, and is privileged to have had the opportunity to see things from both perspectives.
When choosing a Board of Directors, Carol combined both parents and school staff to create a very dedicated, knowledgeable, and strong team. The journey Carol and her family have travelled through the special education community has personally connected her to each member of the Board.
Carol has participated in many parent and teacher professional development workshops. She has been trained in de-escalation techniques, racism, inequality and bias, registered behavior therapist practices, and applied behavior analysis. With the startup of Chapters Coffee Carts, Carol is becoming certified in food safety handling practices.
Carol has a B.S. degree from North Adams State College. She lives in Medford, Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, son, and their very friendly dog. Carol enjoys writing in her spare time and has published a book, Farm Fresh Eggs, about the amazing journey raising her daughter. She also writes a special needs blog called Princesses and Predictability.
About The Founders:
We are the parents of a daughter with a developmental disability. As she progressed through her educational career, we dreamed of what her next steps would be and how we could make those dreams of gainful employment, social connection, and bring her special gifts to the workforce. Seeing firsthand the need for more meaningful employment opportunities for disabled individuals we created Chapters Coffee Carts.
(Michael, Kelsey and Carol Nigro and their dog Colby)
We are the parents of a daughter with a developmental disability. As she progressed through her educational career, we dreamed of what her next steps would be and how we could make those dreams of gainful employment, social connection, and bring her special gifts to the workforce. Seeing firsthand the need for more meaningful employment opportunities for disabled individuals we created Chapters Coffee Carts.
(Michael, Kelsey and Carol Nigro and their dog Colby)
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