Loretta Jay, Founder and President of Parasol, is a community planner who has been working with and for children and families for over twenty years in both the private and public sector.

When Loretta first consulted on children's issues, her passion was child safety: abuse and neglect prevention and intervention. As her own children developed medical issues, her interests and expertise expanded. She renewed her emphasis to help service providers, parents and caregivers meet the various challenges faced when caring for children with special needs. By providing services to individuals, groups and organizations, she helps others foster supportive environments so children can develop emotionally healthy and well adapted. 

Part of Parasol’s philosophy is that to work for the community, one must work with the community. To that end, Loretta volunteers on various community teams.  She co-chaired the Connecticut Children's Celiac Group for five years and was a very active board member of the Greater New Haven Celiac Group. Loretta co-founded and chaired the Connecticut Celiac Walkathon, raising close to $100,000. She is active with the American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders and is a member of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and the Food and Latex Allergy Awareness Group.  She is a member of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition (BCAC) and she is a Director on the Fairfield League of Women Voters. She is also involved with other community projects.

Having completed her undergraduate studies in Mexico and the United States, Loretta Jay obtained an advanced degree (M.A.) in Community Psychology. Partnering with her on Parasol’s team are professionals who are committed to supporting healthy children and families and enhancing child safety. Staff backgrounds include Physicians, Psychologists, Masters level Social Workers, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Child Welfare Experts, Community Planners and Educators.