Mission and Leadership

A Mission Driven By Committed Leadership

About Us

In 1963, a group of parents came together, driven by the belief that their children with disabilities deserved more than just care—they deserved the chance to work, to contribute, and to lead lives of meaning within their communities. From this conviction came Access: Supports for Living. Today, alongside our affiliates—the Guidance Center of Westchester, Meaningful NY, and New York Families for Autistic Children—the Access: Network is one of the largest human services providers in the region, touching the lives of over 20,000 adults and children across the Hudson Valley, New York City, and Long Island.

The Access: Supports for Living Foundation plays a crucial role in our growth, forging relationships and securing funds that allow the Access: Network to innovate and grow. The Foundation invests in training that keeps our team at the forefront of emerging practices, ensuring that we remain leaders in our field. It is intended that all funds raised by the Access: Foundation, through permanent endowments or otherwise, are used for the stated mission of Access and its affiliates.

Guiding Our Foundation

Our President and CEO

Ronald J. Colavito, President and CEO

Our Board Chairperson

Donna Applegate, Board Chairperson

Staff Leadership

Mariann Cheney

Director of Development

Patricia Archiere

Events and Advancement Director

Ryan Hirt

Development Director

Rose DiMarco

Development Coordinator

Board of Directors

Nicholas S. Preddice

Immediate Past Chairperson

Michele L. Babcock

Vice Chairperson

Chris Avery

Treasurer

Brian T. Clarke

Secretary

Tom Buchanan

Ex Officio

Michelle Barone-Lepore

Melissa Cobuzzi

John Flaherty

Jason T. Giordano

Pam Kelly-Day

Tony Richardson

Anne Marie Leamy

Benjamin P. Malerba

Justin Riccio