New board members look to continue mission
By Claudia Hilario; New Britain Herald & Bristol Press; Mar. 11, 2026
NEW BRITAIN — The Prudence Crandall Center has appointed four new members to its board of directors, strengthening leadership at the nonprofit organization that supports survivors of domestic violence across central Connecticut.
“Each of the four new Board members brings a deep passion for Prudence Crandall Center’s mission and a breadth of experience that will serve our clients well. I look forward to their contributions to our Board of Directors,” board chair David Rackliffe said.
The new board members are Christine Laprise, Destiny Rosado, Breana Vessichio and Dylan Yaworski.
Prudence Crandall Center, based in New Britain, has served survivors of domestic violence and their families for more than 50 years. The organization provides services such as emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy and community education programs aimed at preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors.
The organization said its board of directors plays an important role in providing guidance, oversight and long-term planning to support its mission.
Laprise, vice president of operations for Bristol Health, is one of the new members. In 2025, she helped lead a partnership between Bristol Health and the Prudence Crandall Center to strengthen services for survivors and increase prevention efforts in the Greater Bristol area.
“The Prudence Crandall Center must maintain a strong presence in our community. We will create a safe space for those who experience teen dating violence and domestic violence. And, we will create a conduit for hope, connecting survivors with the experienced professionals at the Prudence Crandall Center,” Laprise said.
Laprise holds a Master of Legal Studies and has more than 25 years of experience in human resources, corporate compliance and operations administration.
Rosado, a certified public accountant and senior tax manager at Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina LLP, also joins the board. Since 2022, she has been involved with the organization’s engagement team, helping strengthen community connections through events and outreach.
“I’ve seen firsthand the amazing efforts and hard work that goes into developing their programs, their events. I hope that my contribution to the board is valuable and I look forward to giving back and learning in a more deeply meaningful way,” Rosado said.
Vessichio, an attorney and counsel at Travelers Insurance, brings more than a decade of advocacy and legal experience related to domestic violence awareness and survivor support.
“I so believe in [PCC’s] mission, helping victims and survivors of domestic violence through comprehensive services, to allow for them to live beautiful, fulfilling lives of love and happiness,” Vessichio said.
Yaworski, vice president of strategy and enterprise development for Corbin Advisors, also joins the board. He has more than 10 years of experience in corporate strategy and advising organizations on long-term planning.
“It was important to me to get involved with my community locally and it was important to me to find an organization where they place the mission at the center of everything that they do… It’s for that reason I’m honored and humbled to join the Board of Directors,” Yaworski said.
Organization leaders said the new board members will help guide the agency as it continues to respond to the growing needs of survivors and families across the region.
According to the Prudence Crandall Center, about 30% to 40% of its funding comes from private donors and community partners, underscoring the role of community support in sustaining its programs.
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