Marret Arfsten – Director of Self Direction at CMA, Inc.

Marret began her career in OPWDD services as an MSC with Community Mainstreaming Associates, Inc. in 2015, then moved into their residential services department when MSCs began to transition to Care Management. She created and started CMA’s Self Direction Department with her supervisor and mentor Jennifer Phillips in 2019; since then they have grown to almost 400 people and employ 500+ staffers. She also serves as the chair-person for the LIFI-CCO Committee of the Long Island Fiscal Intermediary Network. Marret provided CDPAP services throughout college, and credits this experience with helping her more fully understand the experiences of the families and staffers that participate in SD services. In her free time Marret serves as Publicity Director for Pinecrest LLM, and enjoys working with today’s young adults as they become leaders in the world.

 

Diane Marrone - Chief of Care Management for Care Design New York

Diane Marrone has served as Chief of Care Management for Care Design NY since January 2022, after previously holding that role at Partners Health Plan’s (PHP) FIDA-IDD demonstration. Prior to joining PHP in 2014, Diane served in various leadership roles at New York-based voluntary provider agencies where she oversaw programs and operations supporting individuals with I/DD. Throughout her career, Diane has promoted the use of a multi-disciplinary team, person-centered approach to ensure the provision of high-quality services to individuals with I/DD and their families. Diane obtained both her Master of Social Work degree and a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Fordham University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified School Social Worker.

Lysette Morales - Care Manager Director at Care Design New York

Lysette Morales, LMSW, is a Care Manager Director at Care Design New York, where she leads care management teams and collaborates on initiatives that strengthen service delivery and improve member outcomes across the Long Island region. With extensive experience in social work, care management, and program leadership, Lysette specializes in developing person-centered approaches that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She has driven successful efforts in staff development, workflow optimization, and interagency collaboration to enhance quality of care and operational efficiency. Passionate about equity and access, Lysette is dedicated to creating supportive systems that empower both members and care teams to thrive.

 

Simja Bezalel

Associate Director of Self Directed Services Brokerage and Grants at East End Disability Associates, Inc.

With 24 years of experience in disability services, Simja Bezalel serves as the Associate Director of Self Directed Services Brokerage and Grants at East End Disability Associates, Inc. Throughout her career, Simja has held diverse roles including Care Manager, Medicaid Service Coordinator, Benefits and Entitlements Specialist, Housing Navigator, and Support Broker.

In her current role, she supports innovative programs while promoting self-determination and community integration for individuals with disabilities.  Her leadership is marked by a deep commitment to empowering those she serves.  Simja's extensive experience and advocacy make her a valued leader, driving positive change and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive.

Simja participated in SANYS U with the Self Advocacy group she started for the people living in Long Island under the auspices of YAI.  She participated in Person Center Thinking training and Sexuality Assessor for people with IDD. Simja has a Psychology degree from Masters in Psychology from Long Island University, Brooklyn,  Bachelor in Psychology from Touro College. 

Title: Collaborative Best Practices for Developing a Quality Life Plan

Brief Overview: The presentation will provide an overview of the purpose and process of developing a quality life plan, followed by a panel interview with CCO and Self-Direction representatives to discuss tools and best practices as well as examples of quality Life Plans that have resulted from CCO/SD provider collaboration.

Presenters: Marret Arfsten, Simja Bezalel, Diane Marrone, and Lysette Morales

 

 

Meghan O'Sullivan

Carol Napierski

Vice President of Program Development & Grant Management for the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation

Carol Napierski is the Vice President of Program Development & Grant Management for the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, formerly NYSACRA. One of Ms. Napierski’s primary responsibilities at the NY Alliance is Program Development in addition to leading the Housing Navigator program and network initiative where she is the CoDirector for the New York Housing Resource Center. Ms. Napierski also serves as the Project Manager of the Council on Developmental Disabilities Housing Resources for Independent Living Grant and Person-Centered Planning Comprehensive System Transformation grant funded through the New York State Department of Health. She is the staff liaison for the NY Alliance’s Assistive Technology Committee and promotes the use of assistive technology as a natural support within all aspects of supports and services. Prior to the NY Alliance, Ms. Napierski was the Executive Director of the New York Medical Equipment Providers Association for 10 years. Ms. Napierski has more than 30 years of experience in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and has worked in various positions including Special Educator, Behaviorist, Assistant Director of Day Treatment and Clinical Manager of an Article 28 Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Ms. Napierski holds a Master’s degree in Special Education and an MBA Certificate in Managing a Non-for-Profit Organization.

 

Alec Svoboda

Director of Brokerage Supports and Services at AIM Services

Alec Svoboda serves as the Director of Brokerage Supports and Services at AIM Services, where he focuses on embedding person-centered practice across brokerage, housing, and start-up supports within Self-Direction. Alec began his career as a Direct Support Professional in 2012, an experience that shaped his passion for building meaningful relationships and driving impact through person-centered supports that reflect the voice, strengths, and lived experiences of the person supported. Over the years, he has held a range of leadership roles in direct support, working alongside teams to develop individualized, creative, and innovative approaches that honor the unique needs and aspirations of each person. Alec joined AIM Services as Assistant Director of Residential before transitioning into Self-Direction as a Support Broker and becoming certified as a Housing Navigator, where he found a passion for brokerage and for working alongside the person supported and their circles of support to develop creative, person-driven supports. Through his work, Alec strives to bring AIM’s mission to life by advancing collaborative and innovative Self-Direction practices that keep the person supported at the center of every decision.

 

Cynthia Alcozer

Founder/Chief Executive Officer, NYS OPWDD Start Up Broker, NYS Housing Navigator Region 5, SDMNY Trained Facilitator

The Founder of ACME NY, Cynthia Alcozer, brings over 35 years of experience in healthcare and disability services, with expertise in person-centered planning, legal frameworks, and funding strategies that safeguard rights and create opportunities. Her leadership in community initiatives and deep knowledge of future planning have helped countless families navigate complex systems with confidence.​

Cynthia actively serves on advisory boards and councils for Care Coordination Organizations and Financial Intermediaries, where she advocates for systemic improvements and policy changes that enhance the quality of services for individuals with disabilities. Her commitment to influencing policy reflects her passion for creating inclusive systems that promote independence and dignity.​

She is deeply dedicated to building pathways for autonomy and inclusion. Her work has positively impacted hundreds of families, and she continues to mentor new brokers, empowering them to become strong advocates and leaders in self-direction. Watching her team succeed fills her with pride; they are the heart of ACME NY’s mission.​

Outside of work, Cynthia finds balance through meditation, painting, journaling, yoga, and connecting with nature. These practices fuel her creativity and resilience, while time with her family keeps her grounded and reminds her why inclusion matters.

 

Tracy Pagliari

Senior Director of Self-Directed Services (SDS) at EEDA, recently stepping into the role following the retirement of longtime leader Diane Lagoumis in January

Tracy and Diane worked closely together for nearly a decade, partnering in the development, expansion, and stabilization of EEDA’s SDS program. Much of the program’s strong foundation and growth reflects their shared leadership, vision, and commitment to person-centered supports.

Tracy began her career in Self-Direction in 2014 as a DSP and Support Broker and joined EEDA in 2016 as the first hire in the agency’s emerging SDS program. Since then, she has helped lead the program through significant growth—now supporting more than 600 people across Long Island and New York City, including approximately 90 individuals receiving housing subsidies. She has also contributed to the creation of several innovative housing models throughout Long Island and continues this work as a certified Housing Navigator.

Today, Tracy leads a team of 25 professionals, including agency brokers, FI coordinators, managers, and staffing support coordinators, all focused on building sustainable, person‑centered systems within Self‑Direction. She also serves as Co‑Chair of the Long Island Fiscal Intermediary Network, collaborating with regional partners to strengthen SDS infrastructure, promote consistency, and support long‑term sustainability.

 

Peter G. Florey

The D&F Development Group, LLC

Over the past forty years, Peter has devoted his career to the production and preservation of housing and revitalizing communities in the New York Metropolitan area. After completing his Masters in City Planning at the University of Pennsylvania, Peter worked for the City of New York's Department of Housing Preservation and Development and Division of Real Property. In 1986, he joined The Dime Savings Bank of New York (now JP Morgan Chase) as Vice President of Community Development where he underwrote and administered a portfolio of one-to-four -family rehabilitation loans. He also underwrote affordable multifamily loans and several of the first Low Income Housing Tax Credit transactions. In 1988, he joined Benjamin Development Co. Inc. where he rose to the level of Executive Vice President in charge of Management and Development. While at Benjamin Development, Peter spearheaded twenty-five affordable housing projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the Bronx and Queens. He was the lead project manager for the 128 acre Arverne by the Sea project in the Rockaways section of Queens which, at 2,600 residential units and 300,000 sq ft of commercial space, is the largest transit oriented oceanfront community in the United States. He formed The D&F Development Group (D&F) with his partner Leonard D'Amico in 2002 and has since completed thirty affordable residential projects with over 3,000 residential units and 150,000 square feet of commercial space. D&F has another five projects underway. In 2019, D&F launched Carlisle Senior Living Communities and has since opened two assisted living communities located in Patchogue and Levittown. Peter is also active in a number of charitable causes. In 2026, Peter will compete in his thirteenth consecutive Boston Marathon and he has organized and directed The Race for The INN, a 5K race to benefit The Interfaith Nutritional Network (INN) one of Long Island’s largest providers of food and shelter for the homeless. Peter is a frequent guest speaker on affordable housing at Vision Long Island, City and State, NYU Furman Center of Real Estate and Urban Policy and NYSAFAH.

 

David J. Gallo,
President & Co-Founder of GGV

Dave Gallo is president of Georgica Green Ventures, LLC (GGV, founded in 2012), Georgica Construction, LLC (2017) and Georgica Property Management, LLC (2019). Since co-founding GGV, Mr. Gallo has come to be the local leader in government tax credits and financing to create developments that serve communities for generations.

Mr. Gallo has been a speaker at events for the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, Vision Long Island, and the New York Chapter of The American Institute of Architects. He has received awards from NYSAFAH, Vision Long Island, the National Development Corporation; and  has been honored by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, LI Progressive Coalition, NYS Association of Affordable Housing, and Erase Racism.
He completed his MS degree with honors at NYU and received his BS degree with honors from Fordham University. Mr. Gallo graduated from Harvard University Graduate School of Design’s prestigious Advanced Management and Development Program in Real Estate. He was recently awarded the Top Smart Growth Project for Riverview Lofts by LI Business News and was named one of New York’s 10 Rising Stars in real estate by City & State New York.

Mr. Gallo has served as president with the Italian Board of Guardians and the Hofstra Advisory Board and as a member of the real estate committee for the LGBTQ+ Network. He was also the treasurer and leadership committee member for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. Mr. Gallo lives on Long Island with his wife Melissa and his two daughters, Estella and Audrey. He enjoys surfing and golfing.

 

Patricia Calandra

Region 5 Master Housing Navigator, Start up & Support Broker

Trish joined AIM Services as the Director of Innovation in January 2025. Trish and AIM are working on succession planning and sustainability in Self-Direction, including developing more integrated non-certified housing options. Trish provides Housing Navigation Services that assist people with Developmental Disabilities to develop a sustainable Housing Plan, a Circle of Support to ensure the persons Self-Direction Budget and other related supports and services are fully accessed.

Prior to joining AIM, Trish worked as the Master Housing Navigator in the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Long Island Region 5 under the New York Housing Resource Center (NYHRC). The NYHRC is a central depository for housing-related services and resources for housing professionals across the state to foster collaboration among the housing industry and related professions, service provider agencies and people with I/DD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.) This included working with developers to create more Affordable Housing and with policy makers to address inequalities and injustices that prevent people with disabilities from accessing safe, and affordable housing. The NYHRC works in partnership with the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (NY Alliance) which was awarded the DDPC New York Alliance Statewide and Regional Housing Collaboratives 2019-2023 grant. The goal and scope of this project was to facilitate and continue to build learning on a statewide basis. The work helped to develop, create and implement individualized housing options with and for people with I/DD, building upon community housing options that go beyond the OPWDD service delivery system. Trish also worked as a Support Broker for people in Self-Direction

Trish is an advocate for her children with Autism, son Joey and daughter Jenna and for all people with IDD/DD by serving on local boards, the DDAC and many advocacy groups.

 

Brittany Hoosier

Chief Strategy Office at AIM Services

As the Chief Strategy Office at AIM Services, Brittany blends passion with purpose, specializing in Self-Direction and innovative support strategies for individuals with diverse abilities. Brittany brings a robust skill set from her 14 years of immersive experience in human services. Her professional experiences include being a Direct Support Professional, a Day Habilitation Coordinator, a Medicaid Service Coordinator, a Self-Direction Broker/Housing Navigator/FI Coordinator, the Assistant Director of Self-Direction and the Director of Self-Direction. Brittany has routinely been provided opportunities to speak at conferences across New York state, sharing insights on person-first practices, agency culture and our unique approach to Self-Directed supports. Brittany also assists with advocacy efforts across New York State through various advisory boards, collaboratives and DDAC participation. She looks forward to continuing to drive efforts that foster innovative self-direction practices, ensuring that communities across New York benefit from person-centered solutions.

 

Meghan Montanye

Director of Staff Development and External Education at AIM Services

Meghan is the Director of Staff Development and External Education at AIM Services. Meg has worked at AIM for 9 years an innovative leader who uses creativity and passion to foster meaningful support and sustainability at AIM Services. With extensive experience in staff development, training, and program leadership Meg guides agency education initiatives blending compliance and purpose. Meghan has progressed through multiple leadership roles at AIM Services including managing the Supportive Living Program, to supporting agency new hires in orientation and creating meaningful curriculum marrying the agency mission with person-centered practices. She also chairs the agency’s Incident Review Committee and Human Rights Committee, demonstrating her commitment to the rights of the people supported. Earlier in her career, Meghan developed strong foundations in youth programming, education, and team leadership through roles with YMCA and childhood education, shaping her collaborative and mission-driven approach to workforce development.

 

Sarah Lansdale, AICP

Commissioner of the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning

Prior to her current position, Sarah was Suffolk County’s Director of Planning for more than a decade. She has more than 20 years of planning experience in the public and nonprofit sectors. Ms. Lansdale has a master’s degree in urban planning from New York University, an undergraduate degree in environmental studies.

Ms. Lansdale has extensive experience managing large-scale development projects, and currently serves as the Chair for the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, the Suffolk County Economic Development Corporation, and Vice-Chair for the Suffolk County Landbank Corporation. As Landbank Vice-Chair, Lansdale has been the driving force between the redevelopment of 16 brownfields and 32 zombie homes, generating more than $10 million for Suffolk County and restoring vacant properties to the tax rolls. 

 

Alison Giangregorio

Access Coordinator at the Mid-Island Y JCC

Alison is an Access Coordinator at the Mid-Island Y JCC. As an Access Coordinator she troubleshoots with families that are having difficulty navigating the OPWDD system as well as educating families on the OPWDD process and Self-Direction. Alison is also an independent Self-Direction Broker and is currently supporting 55 Self-Directed individuals, as well as a mentor to new brokers. Alison is a strong advocate for the individuals and families she supports. She believes that parents need to be strong advocates for their loved ones so they can maximize their full potential and most importantly to have choice. She helps families understand the connection between the NY State budget and the OPWDD system, since yearly Advocacy is the key to preserving Adult Services. In addition, she helps families understand the Guidance for Providers, so that Self-Direction individuals are aware of the fundamental guidance set forth by OPWDD for the Self-Direction program and how to resolve issues. She serves as Co-Chair of the Family Consumer Council, an advisory committee to OPWDD. Alison’s involvement with the Family Consumer Council gives her a unique perspective on the way Adult Services are delivered and gives her firsthand knowledge of the complex infrastructure that exists within NY State. She is the mother of Nicholas, a 25-year-old young man with autism who participates in the Self-Direction program. She served on the Autism Speaks Family Services subcommittee for the Long Island Chapter where she shared important regional information and was a member of the chapter’s local grants review process and helped organize Town Halls on Transition and Self-Direction. She has served as a parent member for the Committee of Special Education for her school district and was the treasurer for her local SEPTA, where she assisted in yearly the planning committee for the transition and college fairs held in her district as well as presented on Self-Direction.

 

 

Melissa Negrin-Wiener, ESQ.

Senior Partner at Cona Elder Law

Melissa Negrin-Wiener is a senior partner at Cona Elder Law. Ms. Negrin-Wiener manages the Government Benefits Department, concentrating her practice in the areas of asset protection, Medicaid eligibility planning, estate planning, special needs planning, mediation, guardianships and Veteran’s benefits. She supervises the preparation of Medicaid Applications for nursing home care, home health care and community benefits, resolves complex Medicaid issues and represents families facing a reduction in Medicaid home care hours and services.

 

 

Barbara Morell

Benefits Consultant and Director of a Benefits Consulting Organization

Barbara Morell, M.Ed., is a Benefits Consultant and the Director of a benefits consulting organization, Benefits Plus+. She provides families with information and insight into the Worlds of Public Benefits, Benefits and Paid Employment, and Adult Service Systems. She is the parent of a young man with an Autism Spectrum Disorder who is living a Self-Directed Life.

 

 

 

Stacy Warner

Director of ELIJA Transitional Programs and Services

Stacy Warner is the Director at ELIJA Transitional Programs and Services (TPS) located on Long Island, NY. Stacy has been a member of the ELIJA team since April 2019. After 6 years at the New England Center for Children (NECC), she moved to New York and worked for home-based ABA agencies for 2.5 years before starting at ELIJA. Stacy has a B.A. in biology from St. Anselm College and M.S. in applied behavior analysis from Western New England University. In 2015, Stacy became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She received her New York State licensure in 2016. Stacy has extensive experience in ABA and has been working in the field since 2010.