Since its inception in 2010, Select Human Services has offered innovative, person-centered programs that have lasting impacts in the daily lives of people we support. Your tax-deductible donation will enable us to expand the creative and robust opportunities we offer for people with developmental disabilities in the Lower Hudson Valley Region. Thank you for contributing to the continued success of Select Human Services, a Division of New Hope Community Inc.
We're proud to announce that Select Connects will be opening in the fall of 2023. Keep an eye on our social media feeds for more news!
I started my career as a pediatric RN in the late 1970’s. In the mid 1980’s my eyes were opened to the field of developmental disabilities and it stole my heart. I was working as a Regional Director for a NYC health care firm and convinced the President to expand our services to support people within the OPWDD service sector. In 1990 I left to start and lead a staffing agency to recruit, train and place per diem direct support professionals (DSPs) in voluntary provider agency settings throughout the metropolitan area (we provided thousands of staff to hundreds of programs over a 31 year period). In 1995 I started, and for eleven years led, a licensed home care services agency (LHCSA) to provide Personal Care Aid (PCA), Home Health Aid (HHA) and nursing supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as well as people with medical complexities. In 2010, my husband and I started and led Select Human Services, Inc. (a non-profit OPWDD provider agency). We grew a team of seven staff serving 60 people through a variety of OPWDD community supports and services to a team of 400+ staff supporting 500+ people throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties. During those years I completed my MSN degree and was fortunate to maintain my hands-on nursing skills through consulting positions with I/DD organizations.
In 2017, New Hope Community entered my life and my world forever changed. I became the CEO here in 2018 and welcomed Select Human Services into the New Hope family as a division, in January 2020. From the start it has been a privilege and pleasure to be part of such a wonderful organization. I am committed to our mission and actively participate in professional and community organizations, committees, events and activities that fuel the advancement of meaningful lives for people with I/DD. Bottom line, New Hope Community’s purpose is important and everything we can do and say to share a life-changing message – matters!
I joined Select Human Services in 2015 as the Director of Human Resources and was subsequently promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer and then Executive Director in the fall of 2018. Following Select’s merger with New Hope Community, Inc. in January 2020, I became the Vice President of the Select Human Services Division. I received my Masters of Business Administration from Pace University. I oversee an Agency with the proud reputation of being the leading provider of Community Habilitation and Respite Services throughout the Lower Hudson Region and a growing provider of Fiscal Intermediary Services through our Self-Direction program. It is a privilege to work with a team of dedicated programmatic and administrative professionals as we continue our history by developing programs such as Select Connects and expanding our Respite and Recreation (R&R) Programs to meet the desired outcomes of the individuals we support.
I joined Select Human Service’s team as their Program Director in 2015 after working in the field with people of varying abilities for over ten years. I have worked as a Recreation Specialist, a Program Coordinator for Respite Programs, Vocational Coach/Job Developer and throughout various school districts as a Transition Specialist for children with special needs. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Pace University. I also received my New York State School Counseling Certification from Long Island University. As Select’s Program Director I coordinate with the various Care Coordination Organizations to link families to Select’s programs and oversee the daily operations of our Community Habilitation and Respite services. I supervise Waiver Service Managers to ensure each family we support is satisfied with having us as their provider and ensure that the DSPs working with them are best supporting the individuals’ needs and goals. I am honored to be a part of Select’s dynamic leadership team and feel privileged to facilitate processes that enable families to secure supports in as timely a manner as possible.
I joined Select Human Services in 2015 and am the Director of Staff Development. I train and Supervise Waiver Services Managers and Direct Support Professions (DSPs) to the NADSP Code of Ethics and OPWDD Core Competencies. As Director of Staff Development, I ensure that our staff are exemplifying the highest standards of professionalism as they support a person’s choices, goals and independence.
I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from Marist College, a Master of Science Degree from Mercy College and am a New York State Certified School Counselor. I’ve worked in the field of human services for 25 years in various capacities, beginning as a Case Manager with homeless teens; and, prior to joining Select, as a Vocational Specialist with adults with disabilities. I have the unique experience of being on both sides of the OPWDD system where I am a service provider but also a special needs parent. I understand the difficulties navigating the services and I want every family to be able to receive the support they deserve. I pride myself in being a good judge of character and connect the people we support with the best staffing match possible as I know it directly correlates to personal growth for the people we support. Helping people has always been my passion and I am honored to bring that passion to Select Human Services.
I joined Select Human Services in 2015 as the Self Direction Program Director. I manage a strong team that assists individuals who choose to self-direct their services, lead their most independent, meaningful lives. I also facilitate therapeutic groups at Select such as “It’s Complicated” which is a socialization and development group for young adults and adults with special needs. I received my Master of Social Work Degree from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy in Albany, NY and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a NYS Therapy Certification. My knowledge from decades of experience in the social work fields of foster care and adoption, at-risk youth, domestic violence, homelessness, and mental health treatment add to the support provided to Select families.
I joined Select Human Services in 2014 as a part-time Direct Support Professional. In 2018, I began working full-time as the Outreach and Mentoring Coordinator where I expanded and coordinated the Agency’s Recreation and Respite Program; and acted as a Waiver Services Manager. In January 2023, I was promoted to the newly created position of Select Connects Coordinator, overseeing our new respite alternative to traditional day services. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from Saint Thomas Aquinas College and am a Certified Recreational Therapist, licensed by the State of New York. I am excited for my new role in our Select Connects Program and look forward to creating meaningful and inclusive respite and recreation programs.
I joined Select Human Services in February of 2019 as a part-time Direct Support Professional. Later in 2019, I started the fitness class at Select, continued virtually during the Covid-19 pandemic and run in person. In March 2020, I began working full-time as a Waiver Service Manager. In January 2023, I was promoted to the position of the R & R (Respite and Recreation) Coordinator. I have worked in a residential facility and was a high school Aide helping individuals with developmental disabilities become as independent as possible. I received my Bachelors of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose in 2011 and played 4 years of Division 2 baseball. I still currently play many recreational sports and enjoy being as active as possible. I look forward to growing our R & R Program with new and fun activities as well as helping Select Connects become a meaningful and fulfilling program.