Danbury and Hartford Community Leaders Recognized with Access Health CT’s Commitment to Community Award

HARTFORD, Conn. (Dec. 11, 2025) — Access Health CT (AHCT) today announced Maria Matos, of Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD), and Dr. Richard Stillson, of Hartford Psychological Services, were the recipients of its annual Commitment to Community award. AHCT is Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace.

The award winners were announced during AHCT’s annual Community Conference held Oct. 8 at Saybrook Point Resort and Marina in Old Saybrook. The conference is held each year to prepare community partners, Certified Brokers, Certified Application Counselors and staff for the upcoming Open Enrollment Period. This year’s theme was “Navigating Change – Strengthening Community.”

The Open Enrollment Period began Nov. 1, 2025 and runs through Jan. 15, 2026. This is the time for Connecticut residents to shop, compare, and enroll or renew their health insurance coverage through AHCT. 

AHCT’s mission is to reduce the rate of the uninsured and eliminate health disparities. Each year, they recognize a community leader who shares similar values and works directly with customers in historically hard-to-reach communities with the Commitment to Community award. 

As LEAD Vice President and Chief Programs Officer, Matos empowers Latino and immigrant communities through education, civic engagement and financial literacy in Bridgeport, East Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Norwich and Waterbury. She lives in Danbury.

She actively advocates for charter school expansion, legislative policies benefiting Latino communities and organizes voter education events and political debates through the League of Women Voters. Through her board leadership with the Dominican American Coalition of Connecticut, the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce, the Latino Scholarship Fund and the African Caribbean Cultural Center, she expands scholarship opportunities, fosters business development and promotes cultural diversity initiatives.

Dr. Stillson is a licensed psychologist specializing in transgender and gender variant care at Hartford Psychological Services, where he serves as a Clinical Director. With 26 years of experience working for the State of Connecticut, Dr. Stillson has provided inpatient, outpatient and residential services for individuals with mental health, substance use and intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has taught psychology courses at multiple Connecticut colleges and universities. He lives in Hartford.

“Maria and Dr. Stillson exemplify what Access Health CT is all about–creating opportunities, building trust and improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Tammy Hendricks, Access Health CT Director of Health Equity and Outreach. “Their leadership and compassion make a lasting impact and they deserve recognition for their contributions.”