Resident Directors
Holly and Darrin McCalla
Resident Director & Resident Assistant
Holly and Darrin McCalla are entering their fifth year as the Resident Directors of Madison ABC. Their connection to the program runs deep: they served as directors for three years two decades ago and enthusiastically returned last year to again take the helm.
For Darrin, this commitment is personal—he is a graduate of Simsbury ABC, giving them firsthand knowledge of the life-changing power of this program. Throughout the years, Darrin has referred tutors and directors and has often filled in as an interim tutor for Madison. They’ve always held ABC close, and when the opportunity arose to again become the “house parents” to these young men, Holly and Darrin were eager to return.
During their twenty-year break, they raised their son, Kaleb, who is now a college sophomore, and fostered a daughter, who is also in college. Holly brings extensive professional experience, having worked for fifteen years in the hospitality industry before transitioning to public education in 2010. She currently serves as a business administrator for Lyme-Old Lyme Schools. Her professional achievements include being named the CASBO Rising Star in 2013, serving as the association’s president during the challenging COVID years, and being honored as their Celebrated School Business Official in 2023. Holly holds a Master’s degree from Wilkes University.
Darrin has spent his entire professional career dedicated to working with youth as a mentor, social worker, and advocate, earning multiple honors for his work. His coaching career includes high school football, and basketball at every level, including three years at Wesleyan University (where he was an undergrad) and twelve years at Mitchell College, earning the Shoreline Coach of the Year award at the high school level.
Both Holly and Darrin believe strongly in giving back through volunteerism. Holly has served in various roles, including secretary of New London Youth Football and president of the Whaler Football Boosters, and currently provides color commentary for the Daniel Hand Tiger football game broadcasts—a role she absolutely loves. Darrin volunteers with Community Level Up and Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Future, organizations serving the youth of New London, where they own a home.
When Holly and Darrin aren’t attending the numerous activities, volunteer opportunities, and sporting events of the young men of the Roby House, they enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.