I (David) met Chris while working at the Glenholme School in Washington, CT in the 90's - Chris was Director of Special Education for Region 14. We worked together helping several students reach their potential on several occasions. I knew he was a remarkable person then. In 2006 Bart and I decided to adopt, and this beautiful 8 year old child came into our home, Dylan. He was at Wellspring at the time, so our paths crossed once again with Chris as we began to look at educational options for Dylan in Woodbury, CT and thinking that he would require significant specialized education out of district given his functioning and ability at that time. Chris met with us and helped us see that Mitchell Elementary in Woodbury had an amazing team and that he felt strongly Dylan could succeed and grow within the confines of those walls, and with the amazingly talented educators at Mitchell. He was spot on. After many meetings by our pool creating behavior and educational plans with Chris and Mike Cocchiola, and after many meetings with our beautiful friend Dawn Hocksprung, Principle at that time, Dylan began to thrive, learning to read and write, and most importantly how to be a kind, well behaved, hard-working student. Today he is a junior at Nonnewaug H.S., an honor student and a gifted cross country and track athlete (a scholar athlete). We will forever be indebted to Chris and his patient guidance and support to our son and to our family. He never gave up on Dylan, was there for him (us), and quite honestly, in partnership with myself and Bart, changed our sons life. We were so saddened to hear of his illness, and then his passing. We talked of Chris often over the years, always in reflection with our son as to the importance of giving to others, caring for others, and the value of hard work and commitment - all things Chris believed in and helped instill in many children over the years. Thank you Chris, you will be fondly remembered in prayer and conversation over the years to come, and we wish your family peace and blessings as they move through this journey of life without you in their presence, but always in their hearts and minds, as you will remain in ours. David Tuttle, Bart Geissinger and Dylan Geissinger-Tuttle