Executive Director | Brain Injury Specialist | Disability Services Leader

Jamie Arber serves as Executive Director of The Supported Living Group (SLG), a Connecticut-based provider specializing in community-based disability supports, ABI Waiver services, ASD Waiver services, and individualized rehabilitation-focused programming.

Since joining SLG in 2017, Jamie has helped lead the organization's growth and development as a specialized provider supporting individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), autism spectrum disorder, and complex disability-related support needs.

His work focuses on creating innovative, person-centered service models that move beyond traditional care approaches and instead emphasize:

• Independence

• Community participation

• Skill development

• Employment opportunities

• Individual choice

• Meaningful quality of life

Leadership in Connecticut Brain Injury Services

Throughout his career, Jamie has focused on improving community-based supports available to individuals living with brain injury.

His experience includes developing and expanding services related to:

• Connecticut ABI Waiver programs

• Traumatic brain injury supports

• Independent living services

• Community rehabilitation

• Vocational development

• Private pay disability supports

Brain injury often creates challenges that are not immediately visible, including:

• Executive dysfunction

• Impaired judgment

• Cognitive fatigue

• Emotional regulation challenges

• Difficulty returning to previous roles and routines

Jamie’s approach recognizes that effective brain injury support requires understanding the interaction between cognition, environment, behavior, and personal goals.

A Person-Centered Approach to Disability Support

Jamie believes that disability services should be built around the individual—not the limitations created by a diagnosis.

His leadership philosophy centers on:

• Listening to the individual’s goals

• Understanding strengths and abilities

• Creating meaningful opportunities

• Supporting autonomy and choice

• Building environments where people can succeed

This philosophy guides SLG’s approach to ABI, autism, and community-based disability services throughout Connecticut.

Building Innovative Community-Based Programs

Under Jamie’s leadership, SLG has developed programs designed to support individuals beyond traditional service models.

These include initiatives focused on:

• Community integration

• Vocational exploration

• Creative expression

• Independent living skills

• Social connection

• Personal growth

Programs such as SLG’s Inspire Arts initiative reflect Jamie’s belief that individuals receiving disability services should have opportunities to create, contribute, and participate meaningfully within their communities.

Supporting Autism and Neurodivergent Communities

While Jamie’s professional background has been strongly connected to brain injury services, his leadership at SLG has expanded access to specialized supports for autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

His approach emphasizes:

• Neurodiversity-informed support

• Strength-based planning

• Executive functioning support

• Community participation

• Individualized skill development

Through Connecticut ASD Waiver services and private pay supports, SLG works with individuals and families to develop services aligned with personal goals and long-term independence.

Clinical and Professional Expertise

Jamie brings together executive leadership experience with clinical training and disability specialization.

His credentials include:

• Master’s Degree in Community Psychology

• Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Psychology from the University of East London

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

• Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIS-T)

• Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS)

• Training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Certified Clinical Hypnosis Consultant

This multidisciplinary background allows Jamie to approach disability support through the combined lens of:

• Psychology

• Rehabilitation

• Trauma-informed care

• Brain injury recovery

• Community inclusion

Advocacy and Systems Leadership

In addition to organizational leadership, Jamie has been actively involved in broader conversations regarding the future of disability services in Connecticut.

His work includes advocating for:

• Improved access to specialized supports

• Greater recognition of invisible disabilities

• Better alignment between service systems and individual needs

• Increased understanding of community-based rehabilitation

Through education, professional collaboration, and advocacy, Jamie continues to promote higher standards for disability services.

Why Leadership Matters in Disability Services

Families selecting a provider are not simply choosing an agency.

They are choosing a philosophy, a culture, and a team responsible for supporting an individual's goals and future.

Effective disability services require leaders who understand:

• The realities of disability

• The complexity of brain injury

• The importance of independence

• The value of community inclusion

• The need for individualized support

Jamie’s leadership reflects SLG’s commitment to creating services that empower individuals to live meaningful lives with dignity, choice, and purpose.