Our Administration

 

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Chief Executive Officer: Joseph M. Delgado
​Joseph M. Delgado is the Chief Executive Officer of Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO He is responsible for the overall administration, financial viability and effectiveness of services provided by SILO for those with disabilities, and their families in the Long Island region. He is committed to the development of the organization’s management team and all SILO employees to assure that the organization provides high quality and responsive services to its participants, their families and care givers. Throughout his career, Joe has been committed to the strategic design and implementation of effective programs to help those who are most vulnerable. He started out in 1979 as a Social Studies teacher for the Rochester School District. In 1990, Joe moved to Long Island to take an administrative position with Eastern Suffolk BOCES. He ended his 33 years’ education career with ESBOCES as a Program Administrator in 2012. In 2013 he was selected by the New York State Department of Education Commissioner for Education to serve a four-year term as a Board Member of the Little Flower Union Free School District. Joe was reappointed in 2017 for another term and currently serves as Vice President of the Board. In 2018 he was appointed by the Board of Regents to serve on the New York State Rehabilitation Council. In 2021 he was appointed to the State- wide Advisory Council on Post-Secondary Education for Students with Disabilities.

Deputy Executive Director of Programs & Services: Brian McIlvain
​Brian McIlvain started at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) in 2013. The majority of his professional career includes assisting families with the review and development of documentation to support a transmittal form for eligibility determination for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities – OPWDD and an application for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security Administration while coordinating job coaching & benefits advisement services with the Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). Brian feels very fortunate to have collaborated with perhaps thousands of families and colleagues representing school districts and adult agencies for the past forty plus years. Brian is a proud graduate of SUNY Oswego – Bachelor of Science Industrial Technology, Millersville University – Master of Education Industrial Technology, Dowling College – Professional Diploma in School District Education and Cornell University, School of Industrial & Labor Relations – Program on Employment & Disability Training.

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Chief Operating Officer & Director of Human Resources: Felicia Fiano
Felicia Fiano started at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) in October of 2012 as a Lead Administrative Assistant. Throughout the years, she has played a critical role within the organization. In 2013, she was promoted to the Director of Human Resources, taking on all responsibilities having to do with staff: payroll, employee benefits, interviewing candidates, and being the direct point person. Then in 2017, Felicia became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for SILO. With each new role she took on, her responsibilities increased. As she works alongside Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Delgado to ensure the organization is running effectively and efficiently at all times. Felicia is a value to the organization and strives to create a workplace environment that is accepting, respectful, and inclusive for all staff at SILO. She has received several awards throughout the years at SILO for her dedication and commitment.

Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships: Laurie Delgado
Laurie started her third career as she calls it as a volunteer at SiLO. Her first career entailed raising her son Bill. She was a class mother during his years in elementary school, as a baseball coach during his little league years and a driver during his high school years. Driving him to all those games, sporting events and teenage social functions. Her second career as an educator, entailed working as school secretary, para educator and teacher. She left education to join her husband Joe at SILO. Laurie's volunteer work prepared her to work as an Outreach Specialist for the newly formed SILO’s NY Connect program and than as Coordinator of Special Projects and now as Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. Laurie is responsible for organizing, planning and the implementation of SILO events such as the ADA celebration, SILO conferences and any workshops made available to the public. She is charged with connecting SILO with government offices and community leaders. She is also responsible for any other initiative that involves developing partnerships with businesses, community agencies, houses of faith and professional organizations.

Chief Communications Officer: Jill Cuyar
​Jill Cuyar started working at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) in the Regional Resource Development Center for the NHTD Waiver Program in 2016 and has since worked in the Housing Department and NY Connects department prior to becoming Director of Communications. Jill has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a Minor in English from CUNY Hunter College, and has a background in Case Management, as well as Online Marketing. She is responsible for developing, writing and editing marketing and communications material, including press releases, email marketing and social media content. She ensures that all communications and marketing material aligns with SILO standards. As Director of Communications, Jill is tasked with responding to media inquiries and performing media outreach to achieve brand placement in publications. A significant part of this role is to ensure that the organization’s culture, values and beliefs are visible throughout our public presence.​

Billing Supervisor: Michelle Rodriguez
Michelle Rodriguez began at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) in 1996 through the Department of Labor and was then hired for a Secretary position in 1997. Michelle has been with SILO for over 23 years and has worked in numerous positions. Currently, she is the Billing Supervisor for SILO. She is responsible for all billing and various administrative duties for the organization. Michelle attended BOCES for Office Technologies classes and graduated in 1994. Throughout the years, Michelle has been recognized for all of her hard work, dedication, and value that she brings to SILO. 

Director of Information Technology: Oscar Salgado, MSW
Oscar joined Suffolk Independent Living Organization in January of 2017 as a TBI Waiver Specialist after obtaining his Master’s degree in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University. Oscar was then promoted to the Director of the Opportunity Youth Career Exploration and Access (OYCEA) program under a year grant assisting the youth population with exploring career options, resume building, mock interviews, financial literacy, etc. Oscar is currently obtaining his second Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology – Network and Security. Currently, Oscar is the IT Coordinator for SILO and is responsible for a variety of tasks: planning and implementation of additions, deletions, and major modifications to supporting SILO’s infrastructure and network security. With that being said, he also develops upgrades to the company's telephone system at the building level, oversees the administration and maintenance of computer stations, software, databases and multi-media equipment for SILO's operational structure, and the Assistive Technology Laboratory. Oscar provides additional support where necessary to include bilingual English-Spanish assistance. Oscar Salgado is a veteran of the US Army as a Cannon Crew Member – Parachutist. While active duty he deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Oscar then became a member of the US Army Reserves having worked under the Military Intelligence sector.

Director of Independent Living Services & NY Connects: Amy Menditto, LMSW
Amy Menditto, LMSW, is the Independent Living Director and Program Director for NY Connects at Suffolk’s Independent Living Organization. Inc. NY Connects at SILO develops and implements informational materials and procedures to educate the public, community groups, policymakers, etc., and increases awareness regarding the NY Connects Program, especially as it pertains to long-term care, services and support. As the Independent Living Director, she holds a strong commitment to promoting and advocating for the full integration of individuals with disabilities. In 2019, she created a partnership with Long Island Cares and Island Harvest starting the Food Pantry at SILO and is currently a Certified Opioid Overdose Prevention Trainer. Amy has also coordinated and executed The NYS Department of Labor Opportunity Youth Career Exploration & Access (OYCEA) Grant. SILO’s mission was to empower young adults to reach their full potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. She implemented and facilitated three different workshops geared for student’s needs and cognitive ability for the students at BOCES. A highlight was the coordination of the Hip Hop Summit Youth Council and Seaman Neck BOCES Academy 300 preventing gang membership. Amy began her career at SILO in 2015 as a Transition Specialist for the Open Doors Transition Center and a year later promoted as the Regional Lead Transition Coordinator.

Director of Counseling and the Peer Integration Program: Kim Bjorklund, LCSW
Kim Bjorklund started her career at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) in July of 2017 as an Information & Assistance Specialist for the    NY Connects Program. She is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and is a certified field supervisor for college level social work student interns (SiFi certified 2017). Since she began her career at SILO, Kim has created an ever expanding internship program, a holiday program to assist families in need, and was elevated to Director of the Peer Integration Program in 2019. Kim works incredibly hard for all of the participants SILO serves and is looking forward to further expanding SILO’s services with a new counseling center that will be opening in the near future.

Director of Housing Programs: Kelly-Rae Douglas
Kelly-Rae Douglas started her career with SILO as an Administrative Assistant with the NY Connects Program in 2017. From that point, her passion for Human Services & Advocacy only continued to grow as she moved into various positions within the organization, leading to her current position as Housing Program Director. Kelly-Rae is also a leadership member of LI-CAN, a not for profit that brings community members, organizations & agencies together to work with political leadership towards systemic change on various issues within our communities.

Director of Open Doors Program: Michelle Darling-Downs
Michelle Darling-Downs has served as the Director of The Open Doors Program since January 2017. Michelle oversees all aspects of The Open Doors Program which focuses on assisting people living in nursing homes and intermediate care facilities (ICF’s) to transition back to the community and receive individualized home and community based services. Open Doors is administered through the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL). Transition Specialists at SILO coordinate the referrals with the primary goal being to assist people in nursing homes and ICF’s to return to the community with services and supports for successful transitions. Michelle Darling-Downs began working at SILO in 2010 as the Lead Regional Resource Development Specialist (LRRDS) for the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver Program through New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH NHTD Waiver). Throughout her career at SILO Michelle worked as a Regional Resource Developmental Specialist (RRDS) with both the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program (TBI Waiver) and the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver Program (NHTD Waiver). Prior to joining SILO in 2010, Michelle Darling-Downs was the Director of Medicaid Service Coordination at Catholic Charities, which provided service coordination to individuals with developmental disabilities through the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Michelle Darling-Downs has been working in the field of human services since 1993. Her positions range from Supportive Case Manager for Office of Mental Health (OMH), Case Management OMRDD, Family Support Services Coordinator, In Home Residential Habilitation Supervisor, Associate Regional Resource Development Specialist Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI) and Director of TBI Waiver Service Coordination. Michelle Darling-Downs earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook in May 1996.

Director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI): Dawn Nodar
Dawn Nodar joined the SILO team in 2016 as the TBI Administrative Assistant.  During her time at SILO, Dawn held several different positions within different departments which eventually lead her back to the TBI Waiver at her current position as Director of the Program.  Dawn earned her Bachelors of Science degree in business at St. John’s University in 1995 and her Masters of Arts degree in Education at Grand Canyon University in 2012.​

Director of the Nursing Home Transition Diversion Waiver (NHTD): Brianna Albano, LMSW
Ms. Brianna Albano is a social worker (LMSW) and has been with Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) since the beginning of 2020. Ms. Albano came to SILO with prior experience working as a Senior Case Manager for individuals with severe and persistent mental health disorders. She currently holds the title of Regional Director for the New York State Department of Health Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Medicaid Waiver. Ms. Albano received a Master’s degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration from the University of New England. Ms. Albano is continuously seeking to gain additional skills and broaden her education. When Ms. Albano is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family. She especially loves outdoor activities such as going on hikes and biking nearby trails with her fiancé. Ms. Albano believes that change happens when people are given the support and guidance necessary to draw on their own strengths and recognize their self-value in order to live happy, fulfilling lives.

TRAID Program: Maureen Erickson
Maureen Erickson started her career with TRAID, Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities, in 2016 under the guidance of The Long Island Communities of Practice.  She is honored to be able to continue this work with SILO.  In 2017 she was an Information Specialist for NYConnects.  TRAID is a short-term loan program of assistive technology and durable medical equipment for individuals in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  Maureen is a member of the IPAT, Interagency Partnership on Assistive Technology.  In her spare time Maureen is also the President of her SEPTA.

Coordinators and Supervisors of Other Programs

Assistant Director for the Regional Resource Development Center: Kelly Koerner
Kelly Koerner started working at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) in the Regional Resource Development Center (RRDC) for the TBI Waiver Program as the TBI Administrative Assistant in 2018. Kelly has been promoted within the RRDC as a Regional Resource Specialist and now currently holds the position as Assistant Director of The TBI & NHTD Medicaid Waiver Program

Assistant Director of Housing: Nicole Bunay
Nicole has been with Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) since the beginning of 2019, starting as a Housing Specialist with the Rapid Transition Housing Program prior to being promoted to Assistant Director of Housing Programs. Nicole has her Bachelor’s Degree in Science Technology and Society- Health and Wellness, with a concentration in Psychology, from Farmingdale State College. She has a love for people and animals alike, so when she is not identifying housing and facilitating moves, she is spending time with her golden retriever, Paisley.

Assistant Director of NY Connects and Food Pantry Coordinator: Maria Patellaro
Maria has been with NY Connects since December of 2018, starting as the program’s Administrative Assistant while also helping to build and maintain the Lending Closet program and on expanding SILO's Food Pantry. Maria was promoted to Assistant Director of NY Connects and is also now the Food Pantry Coordinator. In addition to her experience at SILO, Maria has a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Long Island University.

Peer Coordinator- Open Doors: Brian Solomons
Brian has a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from CW Post/Long Island University. After working on Wall Street, he started as an intern at SILO in 2014. After interning, Brian was officially hired as a SILO employee. In 2015, Brian became a Peer Coordinator with the Open Doors program. Brian acts as a liaison between the peers and their participants and NYAIL.

Coordinator for Disability Vaccine Access Opportunity Center and Public Education & Outreach- NY Connects: Alberta Galdi, FDC
Alberta has worked in Human Services for over 40 years, in very diverse programs from mental health, housing, community outreach and program development. She is a recipient of the Award for Excellence from the Foundation for Human Potential. Her tenure here at SILO, for the past 5 years, has produced an expansion of her advocacy for the most marginalized groups of people within our community, that SILO serves. She is rooted in solution based options, in shared power/partnership, and promoting an empowered and interdependent lifestyle for people with different abilities-Including Loving Kindness.  

Project Manager for Enabling and Assistive Technology to promote non-certified housing options for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities: April Goss
April Goss joined the SILO team in 2019 as a part time Benefit Advisor to help ensure that our consumers have the information they need to overcome barriers to successful employment. In 2021, April took on an additional role as a Project Manager of a newly created grant meant to promote independent living through the means of enabling and assistive technology. Prior to working at SILO, April was employed for 25+ years in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities as a Direct Support Assistant, Supervisor for Day Treatment, Medicaid Service Coordinator and Program Coordinator of Day Habilitation, Respite and Benefit & Entitlement services.  April earned her Bachelors of Social Work at Stony Brook University in 1998 and has since been credentialed by Cornell University as a Work Incentive Practitioner for both adults and youth.  While not at SILO, April is a care manager for a senior with Alzheimer’s, advocate for mental health services and a volunteer at nutrition and housing programs for those in need.  April especially loves time spent with her children, her puppy and playing volleyball.  April believes that nothing is impossible when we coordinate our efforts and allow the voices of those with disabilities to steer the process.  

Education and Outreach Training and Coaching Specialist and Peer Supervisor – Open Doors: Martha Vargas
Martha has been working for SILO since January 2014, starting in the TBI Waiver program, and in 2016, became a Regional Resource Development Specialist for the NHTD Waiver Program. Later that year, she was moved to the Open Doors program, working as a Transition Specialist (TS). As a TS, she worked with participants, making referrals and overcoming barriers to facilitate a safe transition into the community. In 2020, Martha accepted the position of the Education & Outreach Specialist and Peer Supervisor, where she provided Education and Outreach to Community Groups and to nursing homes on LI and part of Queens. At the Nursing Homes, she provided education on the MDS Section Q referral process to Open Doors, which gives the resident a direct voice in expressing preference of where they would prefer to live and gives the facility means to assist residents in locating the programs that can assist in making a safe transition. Martha’s current role is Education and Outreach Training and Coaching Specialist and Peer Supervisor, where she continues to provide such education and training, as well as being a Coach, where she is responsible for providing Person Centered Planning (PCP) to those participants who transitioned and want this service. As Peer Supervisor, Martha assigns and oversees Peer Advocates (PA) to the participants who want to be part of the Peer Program and are looking to make a safe transition.