“HART isn’t just where I work – it’s part of who I am.”

Elaine, Felicia Bruno Vitale, & Stacy Marley (CCH Team Members)

In 1990, Elaine O’Connor walked through the doors of HART United thinking she was starting just another job. She had no idea it would become a 35-year journey of love, purpose, and deep connection — not only with the individuals she served, but with the heart of the organization itself.

Over the decades, Elaine served in nearly every role imaginable: Direct Support Counselor, House Manager, Licensing Technician, Recruiter, and more. With each step, she gained new insight and a deeper appreciation for the people and mission of HART United.

One memory stands out. During her time as an overnight counselor — and someone admittedly uneasy about snowstorms — she was touched when her manager arranged coverage for her during a major storm before she even asked. “It was a small gesture,” she recalls, “but it meant the world. It showed that people here see you. They care.”

Alongside her career, Elaine and her husband raised three children, never once needing daycare. They swapped shifts, juggled schedules, and made it work. It wasn’t easy, but as Elaine says, “It was absolutely worth it.”

Today, even as many of the individuals she once supported no longer recognize her due to age or illness, Elaine still carries them in her heart. “I hope I made their lives a little brighter. Even just for a moment.”

HART United has grown over the years, but never lost the warmth, the family spirit, or the mission that drew Elaine in 35 years ago. And she’s still here — still showing up, still caring, still believing.