GREENWICH – After eight transformative years leading Special Education Legal Fund (S.E.L.F.), Christine W. Lai announced Tuesday that she will step down from her role as executive director effective Feb. 15. She will be replaced by Program Director Stephanie Bilenker.
Although Lai is stepping back from day-to-day leadership, she affirmed her continued connection to the organization’s mission. The S.E.L.F. leadership team said it remains committed to providing high-quality support through its established programs, ensuring stability and continuity for families who rely on its services.
“S.E.L.F.’s leadership team will continue the work we began, sustaining the resources and support families have come to expect,” Lai said.
Bilenker will serve alongside Laura Sullivan, staff attorney and head of legal aid at S.E.L.F., who continues in her leadership role supporting families.
S.E.L.F. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy grants and educational resources to families of children with disabilities. Founded in 2018 by Lai and Ulrika Drinkall, S.E.L.F. was built on the conviction that every family facing special education legal and advocacy challenges deserves support regardless of their ability to pay.
“Parents who come to this table arrive at a distinct disadvantage – facing complex procedures, limited resources, and the emotional strain of advocating for their children,” Lai said. “S.E.L.F. was created to change that, and together we have done just that.”
During Lai’s tenure, S.E.L.F. distributed over $1.3 million in grants and support to resource-challenged families, enabling them to secure critical legal and advocacy services they otherwise could not afford. Through this work, the organization has provided thousands of hours of legal support and helped transform educational outcomes for hundreds of students across Connecticut, Westchester County and beyond.
Under Lai’s leadership, S.E.L.F. developed cornerstone initiatives including the Legal Aid Program, the Attorney & Advocate Grant Programs, and the Parent Education Program. Each program was designed to educate, empower, and support families navigating the complex special education system, ensuring parents have both knowledge and professional support when advocating for their children.
Most notably, in addition to building S.E.L.F.’s direct support programs, Lai established the George H.W. Bush Advocacy Awards, an annual recognition honoring individuals and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to advocacy, service, and community leadership on behalf of children and families. The awards are named after the former US president and reflect both S.E.L.F.’s mission and Lai’s belief that meaningful change occurs when communities come together to champion those who need support most.
Her work with S.E.L.F. has received broad community and professional recognition, including the Greenwich Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, the New England Patriots Difference Maker Award, the Greenwich YWCA Women Who Inspire Award, and Moffly Media’s Light A Fire Award, where she was honored as “Best Friend to Families.” Each of these honors reflects her leadership, tireless advocacy, and profound impact on families confronting systemic barriers to equitable education.
“S.E.L.F. has been a blessing both personally and professionally,” Lai said. “It allowed me to channel my own family’s experience into something that has changed lives. S.E.L.F. will always be a part of me.”
