Middle School Family Advocates Staff Directory

Working for a brighter future in Stamford and beyond

Hover over each staff member’s photo to see contact options.

Bianca Shinn-Desras

Director of Family Advocacy Middle Schools (SPS) and After-School Programs

Additional languages: Haitian Creole

Bianca Shinn-Desras, MPH, MS, CHES, is the director of family advocacy for middle schools; she joined Domus in 2015. Bianca previously worked at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the United Nations. She serves on the boards of the Connecticut League of Women Voters and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood Parent Cabinet and is a founding member of the Alliance for Black Achievement. Bianca has advanced degrees in school health education, public health, and urban studies from Southern Connecticut State University. Bianca is certified as a health education specialist by the National Commission of Health Education Credentialing and as a health education teacher by the Connecticut State Department of Education and teaches high school health in Stamford Public Schools’ adult education program. “What’s kept me working at Domus are the students and families. Seeing their growth over the years and reconnecting with them after high school is incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to run into former students and hear about all the incredible things they’re doing—whether it’s becoming a nurse, a flight attendant, or pursuing other meaningful paths. Those moments remind me why the work matters.” Bianca enjoys gardening and has 61 indoor plants.

Andre Herbert

Dolan MS Family Advocate

Andre began working at Domus in 2016 as a volunteer mentor before becoming a high school family advocate. He has also worked part time as an adult education advocate and street outreach worker with Project New Hope. A member of Domus’ Sanctuary Committee, which ensures the organization continues to remain trauma-responsive in its actions and culture, Andre says, “the students I’ve worked with have kept me at Domus—I still stay in touch with the ones who’ve graduated. That connection means everything.” One of his proudest moments was mentoring a student who earned a full scholarship to Quinnipiac University. Andre is currently pursuing his MSW degree with a clinical focus to better support youth and families. He loves forming meaningful relationships that extend beyond the classroom and enjoys traveling to experience new places.

Courtney Reid

Cloonan MS Family Advocate

Courtney has been with Domus since 2010. He previously supported young people navigating the court and probation systems, offering guidance and advocacy when they needed it most. Born and raised in Stamford, Courtney is deeply committed to his community and passionate about working with youth and families. “What I love most about Domus is how they allow me to grow and advance my skills while still doing the work I love. Knowing I can help and be a resource for those who may not otherwise have one keeps me going.” His dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on many lives. Outside of work, Courtney is an avid boxing enthusiast—he trains regularly and enjoys attending matches whenever he can.

Lily-Suzanne Villanueva

Rippowam MS Family Advocate

Lily-Suzanne joined Domus in 2022 as a Here2Help family outreach worker. She appreciates the “incredible supervision, intensive training, ongoing education, work/life balance, and the strong sense of community and camaraderie among the Domus staff.” Dedicated to supporting students and families, Lily-Suzanne works to help them overcome challenges and create brighter futures. Outside of work, she is a professional dogsitter, an active member of the NY/NJ Filipino community, and has a deep passion for the arts. She actively fosters creativity in her life and has been baking cheesecakes for over 10 years, continuing to perfect her craft.

Carmen Williams

TOR MS Family Advocate

Carmen joined Domus in 2021. She began her journey as a Here2Help community outreach worker, supporting families with care and consistency. “What has kept me at Domus is my deep commitment to the students. At my school specifically, I’ve witnessed how meaningful it is for young people—especially students of color—to see adults who look like them and share similar life experiences. I didn’t have that growing up, and I know how isolating it can feel. I want to be someone they can connect with and trust.” Carmen’s work is rooted in purpose and representation, and she continues to be a relatable and encouraging presence. In her free time, Carmen enjoys doing makeup as a creative outlet, is obsessed with Hello Kitty and all things pink, and knows conversational Korean from her undergraduate studies.

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