THE PHILOSOPHY

GET INSPIRED

“It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to

have tried to succeed.”

–Theodore Roosevelt-

our team

jOE cARABASE

With nearly two decades of experience, Joe Carabase is a nationally recognized fitness and wellness coach known for helping clients transform their bodies and lives from the inside out. He has worked with leading brands such as Men’s Health and Beachbody, and serves as the trusted Fitness Expert for Great Day Connecticut. A certified hypnotist, Joe integrates mindset and subconscious reprogramming into his approach, empowering clients to overcome internal barriers for lasting change. As the founder of m.e.l.t. Fitness, In30Fit, and now D-Fine Mind & Body Wellness, Joe continues to redefine what’s possible in health and personal transformation. Most importantly, he’s a proud husband to Marikate and dad to Maeve and Joey.

MArikate cARABASE

Marikate Carabase is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience supporting children with diverse behavioral needs across school, clinic, and residential settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Special Education from Simmons University and a degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from Western New England University. As the co-founder of Apogee CT, Marikate is redefining education through an individualized approach that supports each student’s development. Above all, she takes the most pride in being the mother to Maeve and Joey, who inspire her passion for helping every child thrive.

Christina Alger

I have over 25 years of experience caring for and working with children, from babysitting and teaching Sunday school to leading church summer programs. As a mother of three, I’ve also had the joy of raising children through different stages of life and learning to appreciate each child’s unique personality, needs, and strengths. During Apogee’s first year, I regularly volunteered in the classroom, supporting younger students, including my own child. I’m passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. I love nurturing their curiosity, building their confidence, and celebrating who they are while helping them grow socially, emotionally, and academically. That’s what I love about Apogee. Its mission goes beyond academics by helping children develop curiosity, confidence, character, and independence while partnering with families. I’m grateful to be part of a community that shares my passion for helping children grow in all aspects of life.

Laura Fiducia

I have over a decade of experience working with children in public and private special education settings. With a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Special Education, along with experience in parent coaching and holistic practices, I’ve developed a whole-child approach that supports children’s mind, body, and spirit. I’m passionate about helping every child feel seen, supported, and confident. I love finding ways to make learning meaningful and engaging while honoring each child’s unique strengths and needs. As a former athlete and dancer, I also value movement and its positive impact on confidence, regulation, and learning. What I love about Apogee is its commitment to rethinking education and moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. It gives children the individualized support, confidence, and freedom to discover their strengths and truly enjoy learning.

Ashlee Lagasee

I’ve spent the past year working with Apogee’s youngest students and helping them learn through play and hands-on activities.
I’m passionate about working with children because I believe they’re a gift from God. I love seeing the world through their eyes, and I truly believe we can make a positive difference in a child’s life. That's what I love about Apogee. It gives children the freedom to be themselves, stay curious, and grow into confident individuals. I’m so grateful to be part of the Apogee community and to have my daughter learning and growing there too.