Christi Thomas serves as Director of Operations at The Supported Living Group (SLG), bringing more than two decades of experience supporting individuals with disabilities, acquired brain injury (ABI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and complex community-based support needs throughout Connecticut.

Since beginning her career in human services in 1996, Christi has dedicated her professional life to helping individuals achieve greater independence, community participation, and personal success. Her experience includes direct support, program development, leadership, staff training, and operational oversight within disability service systems.

At SLG, Christi provides operational leadership for services including:

• Connecticut ABI Waiver I & II supports

• Brain injury rehabilitation services

• Community-based disability supports

• Person-centered planning

• Individualized rehabilitation programming

Decades of Experience Supporting Individuals After Brain Injury

Brain injury support requires specialized knowledge that extends beyond traditional disability services.

Individuals living with ABI or TBI may experience challenges related to:

• Executive functioning

• Memory

• Emotional regulation

• Judgment and decision-making

• Community participation

• Relationships

• Employment

• Independent living

Since 2002, Christi has worked specifically with individuals served through the Connecticut ABI Waiver program, helping individuals and their teams identify meaningful goals and develop individualized support strategies.

Her approach recognizes that successful brain injury rehabilitation requires understanding the individual—not simply the diagnosis.

Connecticut ABI Waiver Expertise

The Connecticut ABI Waiver program supports individuals whose brain injuries create ongoing challenges with independence and daily functioning.

Effective ABI Waiver services require professionals who understand:

• Cognitive changes after brain injury

• The impact of executive dysfunction

• Behavioral and emotional changes

• Environmental supports

• Skill development

• Community reintegration

Christi’s extensive ABI Waiver experience allows her to support teams in developing services that prioritize:

✓ Individual choice
✓ Personal goals
✓ Safety and independence
✓ Meaningful community participation
✓ Long-term success

Brain Injury Specialist and Professional Trainer

Christi is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist and Trainer, bringing specialized education and training experience to both SLG staff and the broader brain injury community.

Throughout her career, she has:

• Facilitated ABI education and training programs

• Supported direct care professionals

• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams

• Promoted greater awareness of brain injury needs

Her training philosophy emphasizes that effective support begins with understanding how brain injury impacts the whole person.

Person-Centered Planning and Community Rehabilitation

A core component of Christi’s leadership approach is the belief that individuals receiving services should remain at the center of every decision.

She believes effective supports should help individuals:

• Define their own goals

• Build confidence

• Strengthen independence

• Develop meaningful routines

• Participate in their communities

Rather than focusing only on limitations, Christi encourages teams to identify strengths and create opportunities for growth.

Supporting High-Quality Community-Based Services

As Director of Operations, Christi helps ensure SLG’s services maintain a strong foundation of:

• Person-centered planning

• Staff development

• Individualized programming

• Consistent implementation

• Quality improvement

Community-based services require more than compassionate staff—they require experienced leadership that understands disability, rehabilitation, and the unique needs of the people being supported.

Supporting SLG’s Mission

Christi’s leadership reflects SLG’s broader commitment to providing specialized, non-medical community-based services throughout Connecticut.

SLG supports individuals through programs including:

• ABI Waiver services

• ASD Waiver services

• DDS supports

• CHCPE and PCA services

• Private pay disability supports

The organization’s mission is centered on helping individuals pursue meaningful lives in the communities they choose.

Why ABI Expertise Matters

Families selecting a provider after brain injury deserve professionals who understand the complexity of recovery.

A knowledgeable ABI provider understands that rehabilitation continues long after acute medical care ends.

Successful community reintegration requires support with:

• Daily living

• Cognitive strategies

• Emotional adjustment

• Relationships

• Employment

• Personal goals

Christi Thomas brings decades of experience helping individuals navigate that journey.