|
Doreen Jaggs
Board Chairwoman Doreen Jaggs is the Board Chairwoman for Autism Communities and brings a wealth of professional and personal experience to the table. Doreen spent nearly a decade in Human Resources and Employee Relations, specializing in resolving disciplinary and performance matters. Additionally, she regularly conducted employee and management training. Beyond these professional endeavors, Doreen has been deeply involved in the special needs community. Having a son who is on the autism spectrum, Doreen chose to homeschool her son for many years and founded a homeschool group for special needs families in Pennsylvania where her family was residing at the time. This initiative underscores her commitment to advocacy and support. Doreen earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and holds a Master's degree in Counseling, which equip her with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and addressing individual needs. Her roots in Long Island, combined with her passion for fostering inclusive housing opportunities and social avenues for people with disabilities, reflect her dedication to creating a more inclusive society. |
Margaret Curran-Rusch
Board Treasurer
Commercial Lender
Margaret brings over two decades of leadership in commercial banking, specializing in lending and sales. With a proven track record in fostering collaborative partnerships and driving new business development, she has successfully led teams of commercial lenders to prioritize quality opportunities and portfolio management. Margaret's expertise and commitment to cultivating a culture of success makes her a valuable addition to Autism Communities Board of Directors.
Board Treasurer
Commercial Lender
Margaret brings over two decades of leadership in commercial banking, specializing in lending and sales. With a proven track record in fostering collaborative partnerships and driving new business development, she has successfully led teams of commercial lenders to prioritize quality opportunities and portfolio management. Margaret's expertise and commitment to cultivating a culture of success makes her a valuable addition to Autism Communities Board of Directors.
Mark Gregorio
President - TEI Group
Mark Gregorio is the current President of TEI Group based out of Long Island City, NY. 26 years ago, Mark began working as a partner for Transel Elevator Inc., a small, struggling maintenance company 26 years ago, which later became TEI Group. Mark was appointed President of the company five years later. Under his leadership, TEI group has expanded from 14 employees to 330 presently, and is recognized as the #1 provider of total elevator and escalator installation, maintenance, and repair services in the metropolitan New York region. Mark is passionate about Autism Communities because he believes that the mission is vital to helping guide individuals with autism towards self-advocacy and independence.
President - TEI Group
Mark Gregorio is the current President of TEI Group based out of Long Island City, NY. 26 years ago, Mark began working as a partner for Transel Elevator Inc., a small, struggling maintenance company 26 years ago, which later became TEI Group. Mark was appointed President of the company five years later. Under his leadership, TEI group has expanded from 14 employees to 330 presently, and is recognized as the #1 provider of total elevator and escalator installation, maintenance, and repair services in the metropolitan New York region. Mark is passionate about Autism Communities because he believes that the mission is vital to helping guide individuals with autism towards self-advocacy and independence.
Allison Kleinman, LCSW
Founder & CEO - Future Centered Care
Allison Kleinman is the Founder and CEO of Future Centered Care, a customized case management company providing services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families for now and into the future. She has been working since 2009 as a professional and advocate for people with I/DD and mental health challenges and their families. She is focused on and dedicated to improving employment, housing, and future care options for this community.
Allison is also the founding director of The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Special Needs at the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan, where her connection and commitment to this population began. Allison’s approach has been to develop individualized paths for all people to connect to community and realize a sense of belonging. She is inspired by the incredible parent partners, self-advocates and champions in this field and understands the need for collaboration and persistence to improve outcomes and affect change for the future.
Prior to working with adults with developmental disabilities, she managed a resource center and worked in organizational development at JFNA. Allison received a B.S. in psychology from the University of Florida and a master's degree in clinical social work from Fordham University. She received her license in clinical social work because of her individual and group work with adults with autism and other developmental disabilities who were experiencing challenges with transitions and/or mental health issues.
Allison is on the board of The Butler Endowment Committee, Autism Communities, Partners4Housing, and Felicity House, organizations that share her passion for improving the lives of individuals with I/DD.
Founder & CEO - Future Centered Care
Allison Kleinman is the Founder and CEO of Future Centered Care, a customized case management company providing services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families for now and into the future. She has been working since 2009 as a professional and advocate for people with I/DD and mental health challenges and their families. She is focused on and dedicated to improving employment, housing, and future care options for this community.
Allison is also the founding director of The Jack and Shirley Silver Center for Special Needs at the Marlene Meyerson JCC in Manhattan, where her connection and commitment to this population began. Allison’s approach has been to develop individualized paths for all people to connect to community and realize a sense of belonging. She is inspired by the incredible parent partners, self-advocates and champions in this field and understands the need for collaboration and persistence to improve outcomes and affect change for the future.
Prior to working with adults with developmental disabilities, she managed a resource center and worked in organizational development at JFNA. Allison received a B.S. in psychology from the University of Florida and a master's degree in clinical social work from Fordham University. She received her license in clinical social work because of her individual and group work with adults with autism and other developmental disabilities who were experiencing challenges with transitions and/or mental health issues.
Allison is on the board of The Butler Endowment Committee, Autism Communities, Partners4Housing, and Felicity House, organizations that share her passion for improving the lives of individuals with I/DD.
Rob Manger
Sales and Marketing Executive
Rob Manger is a sales and marketing executive with over 25 years experience in growing businesses. He brings a wealth of marketing expertise to the board, and as a father of an autistic 15 year old, Rob brings a passion for helping those with developmental disabilities and their families. Over Rob's 30 year career, Rob has established himself as a thought leader and creative problem solver. He is also a frequent guest speaker and lecturer at marketing and technology events.
Sales and Marketing Executive
Rob Manger is a sales and marketing executive with over 25 years experience in growing businesses. He brings a wealth of marketing expertise to the board, and as a father of an autistic 15 year old, Rob brings a passion for helping those with developmental disabilities and their families. Over Rob's 30 year career, Rob has established himself as a thought leader and creative problem solver. He is also a frequent guest speaker and lecturer at marketing and technology events.
Mike Sanchez
Public Servant and Special Needs Advocate
Michael Sanchez is an active law enforcement professional with over thirty-five years of experience with several agencies. In his decades of public service, Mike's area of specialty is investigating allegations of child sexual assault and physical abuse. He is an F.B.I. Certified Hostage Negotiator, an N.Y.S. Certified Forensic Interviewer of Children, Adolescents, and Adults, and an N.Y.S. DCJS Certified General Topics Instructor. In his teaching capacity, Mike lectures on Basic and Advanced Criminal Investigations, Sex Crimes, focusing on Investigations Involving Persons with Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities.
Apart from his professional experiences, Mike also served several terms as Co-President of the Special Education Parent/Teacher Association of the school district attended by his two sons, who are both diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Today, he remains an active volunteer member of his school district's Legislative Committee and continues his advocacy for the educational and legal rights of special needs children and their families.
Public Servant and Special Needs Advocate
Michael Sanchez is an active law enforcement professional with over thirty-five years of experience with several agencies. In his decades of public service, Mike's area of specialty is investigating allegations of child sexual assault and physical abuse. He is an F.B.I. Certified Hostage Negotiator, an N.Y.S. Certified Forensic Interviewer of Children, Adolescents, and Adults, and an N.Y.S. DCJS Certified General Topics Instructor. In his teaching capacity, Mike lectures on Basic and Advanced Criminal Investigations, Sex Crimes, focusing on Investigations Involving Persons with Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities.
Apart from his professional experiences, Mike also served several terms as Co-President of the Special Education Parent/Teacher Association of the school district attended by his two sons, who are both diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Today, he remains an active volunteer member of his school district's Legislative Committee and continues his advocacy for the educational and legal rights of special needs children and their families.
Rob Sanchez
Board Secretary
CEO MouthMedia Network
Robert Sanchez is the CEO of MouthMedia Network, a podcast network covering business and technology and a focus in internal communication tools. He is the host of Actually, It’s a Superpower, a podcast that is soon to launch about autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, as well as the Fashion Is Your Business and Retail Is Your Business podcasts. He graduated from Yale University, holds a J.D. from Fordham Law School, and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham Law School where he sits on the Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council. He has been featured in the Fordham Lawyer for his work in
entrepreneurship and the fashion industry in New York City.
Board Secretary
CEO MouthMedia Network
Robert Sanchez is the CEO of MouthMedia Network, a podcast network covering business and technology and a focus in internal communication tools. He is the host of Actually, It’s a Superpower, a podcast that is soon to launch about autism, dyslexia, and ADHD, as well as the Fashion Is Your Business and Retail Is Your Business podcasts. He graduated from Yale University, holds a J.D. from Fordham Law School, and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Fordham Law School where he sits on the Entrepreneurial Law Advisory Council. He has been featured in the Fordham Lawyer for his work in
entrepreneurship and the fashion industry in New York City.
Steven Visco
President and Owner of C.H. Edwards Inc. and Visco Family Insurance
Steven is the current President and Owner of C.H. Edwards, Inc. and Visco Family Insurance, located in Wading River, NY. He has been an insurance agent and broker since 1987, specializing in Property, Casualty, Life, and Health coverages.
Steven is passionate about being involved in the disability community and a member of Autism Communities' Board of Directors. Both of Steven’s children are on the Autism Spectrum. Steven sees a large need for affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities. He believes it is important to bring awareness of this issue to local and statewide community leaders and legislators.
President and Owner of C.H. Edwards Inc. and Visco Family Insurance
Steven is the current President and Owner of C.H. Edwards, Inc. and Visco Family Insurance, located in Wading River, NY. He has been an insurance agent and broker since 1987, specializing in Property, Casualty, Life, and Health coverages.
Steven is passionate about being involved in the disability community and a member of Autism Communities' Board of Directors. Both of Steven’s children are on the Autism Spectrum. Steven sees a large need for affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities. He believes it is important to bring awareness of this issue to local and statewide community leaders and legislators.
David Viteri
President, A&D Entrances
David was an elevator mechanic for NY Elevator for 14 years and during this time there, he noticed a disconnect in the entrance installation field. He took a leap of faith in his ideas and resigned from the Union, forming A & D Entrances. A & D has since then been in business for 15 years and is continuously growing. During the last few years, David has taken a passion for getting involved in charities and fundraisers, participating in dozens of events throughout the year. When he discovered Autism Communities, he fell in love with the mission of the organization and rapidly wanted to get involved. David brings a fresh new approach to fundraising and is eager to help bring the Autism Communities vision to fruition.
President, A&D Entrances
David was an elevator mechanic for NY Elevator for 14 years and during this time there, he noticed a disconnect in the entrance installation field. He took a leap of faith in his ideas and resigned from the Union, forming A & D Entrances. A & D has since then been in business for 15 years and is continuously growing. During the last few years, David has taken a passion for getting involved in charities and fundraisers, participating in dozens of events throughout the year. When he discovered Autism Communities, he fell in love with the mission of the organization and rapidly wanted to get involved. David brings a fresh new approach to fundraising and is eager to help bring the Autism Communities vision to fruition.