A New Chapter in Our Century of Care:

Welcoming Gisselle Acevedo as CFGC’s Next President & CEO

A seasoned clinician and executive—and a CFGC alum!— returns to lead CFGC

into our next century of service.

October 8, 2025 – As we continue celebrating 100 years of showing up for children and families, we are thrilled to announce the next chapter in our journey: the appointment of Gisselle Acevedo as our incoming President & CEO.

Gisselle steps into this role with a deep commitment to our mission and more than two decades of leadership in mental health services and organizational management across the nonprofit, for-profit, and education sectors. A licensed marriage and family therapist, she began her career with CFGC as an intern and clinician and later served on our Board of Directors—bringing a firsthand understanding of the families and staff who make our work possible.

Among her many accomplishments, Gisselle has spent the past four years teaching at Fairfield University and previously served as President & CEO of Para Los Niños in Los Angeles and the Ackerman Institute for the Family in New York City.

“This work matters deeply, and I’m humbled to be trusted to carry it forward. My time at CFGC early in my career taught me how life-changing it can be when families feel supported and believed in. As our communities continue to face real and deepening challenges, I’m committed to building on CFGC’s legacy and ensuring every family has a place to turn to when they need it the most.”

– Gisselle Acevedo, Incoming President and CEO

Continuing a Legacy of Leadership and Care

Michael Patota’s leadership over the past decade has strengthened CFGC’s foundation, expanding its reach, deepening partnerships, and positioning the organization for continued growth. With this transition, CFGC begins a new chapter rooted in stability, shared values, and a continued commitment to meeting the needs of children and families across our community.

“It’s not easy to step away from something you love, but it’s a lot easier knowing the organization is in such capable hands. Gisselle brings not only heart and expertise to this role, but also an innate understanding of what makes CFGC so special—the trust families place in us, the dedication of our staff, and the impact that compassionate care can have on a child’s life. As CFGC enters its next century, I look forward to seeing how she builds on our 100-year legacy and continues to expand our impact and support in the lives of children and families across our community.”

– Michael Patota, Current President and CEO

Michael will remain with CFGC through the end of the year, partnering with Gisselle throughout this transition to support continuity and shared momentum.

As we reflect on a century of impact and prepare for the next 100 years, we are filled with gratitude for the leaders, staff, partners, and supporters who continue to make this work possible, and we look forward to the journey ahead.

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CFGC’s CEO Michael Patota to Retire

After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, our President & CEO, Michael Patota,

has announced his plans to retire at the end of the year.

August 21, 2025 – As CFGC celebrates 100 years of showing up for children and families, we’re also preparing for an exciting new chapter.

After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, our President & CEO, Michael Patota, has announced his plans to retire at the end of the year. Throughout his tenure, Michael has been a steady, trusted presence and a true champion for both our team and the families we serve. Under his guidance, CFGC has not only weathered some of the most challenging moments in our history, including the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, but has emerged stronger, more unified, and more committed than ever to our mission.

“Leading this organization has been the privilege of a lifetime. During my time at The Child and Family Guidance Center, I’ve learned so much from the families we serve, our extraordinary staff, and our ardent supporters.

I’m able to take this next step with confidence because CFGC has never been about one person. It’s about the steady presence of a community that refuses to give up on children and families.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this work possible. I’m excited to see how CFGC continues to grow, evolve, and rise to meet the needs of the next generation.”

– Michael Patota

In a year when our theme is “We’ve Been There,” we’re proud to say that Michael has truly been there through it all—leading with heart, integrity, and an unwavering belief in our mission. His authentic and resilient leadership has helped guide CFGC through times of challenge and growth, and his legacy will continue to shape our path forward.

The Board of Directors has launched a thoughtful, strategic search for CFGC’s next CEO. As that process unfolds, Michael will remain in his role through the end of the year, ensuring continuity and a smooth handoff.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Michael Patota for his extraordinary leadership, unwavering dedication, and heartfelt optimism over the past ten years as President of The Child & Family Guidance Center.”

– Dana Scinto, Board Chair

As we reflect on a century of impact, we’re also looking ahead with excitement and energy. CFGC is well-positioned for what comes next—thanks to the strong team, solid foundation, and clear values Michael has helped cultivate.

If you’ve had the chance to work with Michael, we’d love for you to share a favorite memory or a note of appreciation. 

Click here to share your note on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

💙 Thank you, Michael, for everything you’ve done to carry the legacy forward.

The Child and Family Guidance Center’s

First-Floor Renovation Project

In exciting news, The Child and Family Guidance Center is beginning a major renovation project on the first floor of our Bridgeport clinic to better serve our patients through improved Patient Access and Intake. This is a major step in creating a welcoming and warm space so that children and families have an overall positive experience.

This project addresses four major areas of concern: security, social distancing, privacy, and accessibility.

This Program Will Fund:

• • Security: A secure accessible entryway, installing a door security buzzer system, and updating a security desk that is better positioned to be the first point of entry.
  • Social Distancing: Enlarged doorways, main areas, and offices will provide sufficient space to allow for wheelchair access, and a check-in counter will have an area at the height of a seated individual, all up to date with ADA compliance.
  • Privacy: Our clinic, reception, and waiting rooms will be soundproofed.
  • Accessibility: A sit-and-play area for child clients will be created to better manage anxiety.

We are inviting your support of this project! If you would like to support our first-floor renovation project, please click here to donate.

Thank you for your generous support!