What they reported doing
- #1 primary $9.17MRESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT - WHEN MEDICAL ISSUES AND BEHAVIORAL CHALLENGES MAKE LIVING AT HOME DIFFICULT, MARY CARIOLA PROVIDES SIX GROUP HOMES ACROSS MONROE COUNTY. APPROXIMATELY 44 CLIENTS CALL MARY CARIOLA HOME AS THEY RECEIVE AROUND-THE-CLOCK GUIDANCE, CLINICAL AND DIRECT CARE, AND SUPPORT WITH ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW. THE COMMON GOAL OF ALL OF EACH HOUSE IS TO ENABLE THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL IN A CARING HOME ENVIRONMENT WHERE PARENTS AND FAMILIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
- #2 $4.49MPRESCHOOL EDUCATION (PROGRAM) IS DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN FROM AGE 3 TO 5. STUDENTS ATTEND SCHOOL EACH DAY IN EITHER A HALF OR FULL-DAY PROGRAM. CHILDREN'S ABILITIES AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS CAN VARY SIGNIFICANTLY. A RANGE OF CLASS SIZES AND STAFF RATIOS IS AVAILABLE TO MEET INDIVIDUAL EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL NEEDS. A MAJOR GOAL OF THE PRESCHOOL IS TO PROVIDE INTENSIVE (OFTEN ONE-ON-ONE) ATTENTION TO THE CHILDREN DURING THESE FORMATIVE YEARS TO MAXIMIZE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL GROWTH AND INCREASE CHANCES FOR SUCCESS IN A LESS RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT. APPROXIMATELY 79 CHILDREN SERVED.
What they call their work
What they do
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Residential Support for Developmental Disabilities 2 activities
- Day and community habilitation with therapeutic respite servicesProvides Day and Community Habilitation Services and Therapeutic Respite for individuals with significant behavioral challenges and complex medical needs, including one dedicated respite bed at State Road IRA.
- Residential care for children and adults with developmental disabilitiesOwns and operates six 24/7 residential homes in Monroe County, providing clinical and direct care for approximately 44 children and young adults with developmental disabilities and complex medical needs.
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Specialized Summer Camps for Disabilities 1 activity
- Curated community and developmental resource guidanceProvides families with curated recommendations for developmentally appropriate toys, leisure activities, and community experiences tailored to children and young adults with disabilities.
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Special Education Support Services 1 activity
- Integrated therapeutic services during school programmingDelivers on-site speech, occupational, and physical therapy, music therapy, counseling, behavioral programming, and medical consultations (including dental, psychological, neurological, and podiatry) as part of the school day for students with complex needs.
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Professional Training and Certification in Mental Health 1 activity
- Professional development and continuing education for service providersOffers professional training programs that provide continuing education credits (CEUs) for New York State teachers, occupational therapists, and Board Certified Behavior Analysts to support workforce capacity in serving individuals with disabilities.
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Special Education Preschool Programs 1 activity
- Specialized educational programs for students with developmental delaysProvides full-day, individualized educational programming for over 400 children and young adults aged 3 to 22 with developmental delays and disabilities, including preschool programs for ages 3–5 with tailored staff ratios and instruction aligned with alternate achievement standards.
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Supported Employment for Developmental Disabilities 1 activity
- Transition and vocational preparation for post-graduation lifeOperates a transition program for students aged 18–22 that includes individualized planning for social skills, life skills, community integration, work experience, prevocational training, and job readiness activities in school and community settings, supporting placement in adult programs after graduation.
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Who runs it
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| KAREN ZANDI | CEO/PRESIDENT | 40 | $214K |
| CHRISTINE SHEFFER | SUPERINTENDENT | 40 | $147K |
| WILLIAM COLLINS | DIR. OF AGENCY ADVANCEMENT | 40 | $133K |
| WILLIAM ANSBROW | CFO | 40 | $123K |
| ANNA-LYNN BRINK | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY SERVICES | 40 | $121K |
| AMY FAGAN | DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCE | 40 | $121K |
| JULIE MATUKEWICZ | PRINCIPAL | 1 | $105K |
- ANNE B FRANCIS MD — BOARD MEMBER
- BOLGEN VARGAS — BOARD MEMBER
- CHERYL COLAVECCHIO — BOARD MEMBER
- CHRISTINE A LANE AIF — BOARD MEMBER
- GARY SCHWINGEL — BOARD MEMBER
- HOLLY BROWN — BOARD MEMBER
- JASON HALL — TREASURER
- JEFF MCCORMACK — VICE CHAIR
- JOHN B ODENBACH — BOARD MEMBER
- JOHN P TREAHY — BOARD MEMBER
- JOSEPH TOBIN CFP — BOARD MEMBER
- LAURIE BAKER — BOARD MEMBER
- LINDA MILLER — CHAIR
- LISA NORWOOD — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHAEL KING — ASSISTANT TREASURER
- MICHAEL WOOD — BOARD MEMBER
- MIKE ARMBRUSTER — BOARD MEMBER
- MIRIAM MOORE — BOARD MEMBER
Who they work with
- Abilities Movement Partner — Partner organization offering adventure opportunities for students.
- Autism Up Partner — Partner organization offering events and community engagement opportunities for students and families.
- BACB (Behavior Analyst Certification Board) Government — Approved to provide continuing education credits for Board Certified Behavior Analysts.
- FACE Center Partner — Partner organization providing learning sessions for families and community engagement.
- Foodlink Partner — Collaborates on food access resources, including the Find Food Map and SNAP eligibility assistance
- Haney Family Partner — Co-hosts the Caring for a Cause Golf Classic with Mary Cariola Children's Center Inc.
- Monroe County DHS Partner — Partner agency for public assistance and emergency aid applications
- New York State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Government — Directs parents to report suspected child abuse through the NYS Child Abuse Hotline.
- New York State Education Department Government — Approved by NYS to provide continuing education credits for teachers and occupational therapists.
- New York State Parks and Recreation Government — Provides discounted or free access to state parks for students and families.
- Starbridge Partner — Collaborates with Mary Cariola on transition and community engagement initiatives.
- State Road IRA Partner — Hosts the Medical Respite program and residential services for individuals with complex medical needs.
- The NYS Coalition of 853 Schools Network — Member organization that advocates for and represents special education schools in New York State.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Individualized, High-Expectations Instructionmethodology: individualized-educationThrough intensive, one-on-one and personalized instruction combined with high expectations, the organization enables significant developmental and academic progress because tailored support and aspirational goals address both the unique challenges and potential of each student.
- Interdisciplinary, Integrated Care Modelmethodology: interdisciplinary_careBy integrating clinical, educational, and residential services through a team of educators, clinicians, and therapists, the organization supports holistic student development because coordinated, multi-disciplinary expertise addresses the complex needs of individuals with disabilities more effectively than siloed approaches.
- Person-Centered, Inclusive Ecosystemmethodology: person_centered_servicesBy embedding inclusion in admissions, culture, and planning—alongside family engagement and person-centered transition design—the organization fosters dignity and developmental progress because individuals thrive when supported in environments that respect their identity, involve their families, and align services with personal goals.