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Our Corporate Team
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 caregivers. 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 President of the Board. In 2018 he was appointed by the Board of Regents to serve on the New York State Rehabilitation Council (SRC). He currently serves as the President of the SRC. In 2021 he was appointed to the State- wide Advisory Council on Post-Secondary Education for Students with Disabilities.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Brianna Tesoriero, LMSW
Brianna Tesoriero is a licensed master social worker (LMSW) and has been with Suffolk Independent Living Organization, Inc. (SILO) since February 2020. In 2021, Brianna received her Master’s degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration from the University of New England and shortly thereafter obtained her social work license. She began her journey here at SILO as a Specialist for NY Connects and was then promoted to Director of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Medicaid Waiver. Currently, Brianna holds the position as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SILO where she is responsible for overseeing program operations and quality assurance throughout the organization. When Brianna 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 husband, but most of all she loves to travel. Brianna believes that change happens when people are given the support and guidance necessary to draw on their own strengths and recognize their self-value to live happy, fulfilling lives.
Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
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.
Chief Community Engagement Officer/ Board Clerk
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, 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 NY Connects program at SILO. She then became a Coordinator of Special Projects, a Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships, and now holds the title of Chief Community Engagement Officer. Laurie is responsible for the organizing, planning and implementation of all aspects 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 Chief Communications Officer. 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.
Finance Manager
Karina Renaldo
Karina Renaldo started as an Intern in 2018, she interned with the Human Resources department at SILO while obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Farmingdale State College. She graduated from Farmingdale State College in 2018. The same day she finished her last final at Farmingdale State College, she began her career at SILO as the Administrative Assistant for the NHTD Waiver Program. Karina was promoted to a Regional Resource Development Specialist in 2019 for the NHTD Waiver Program, where she reviewed service plans for all the participants in the Long Island Region. In 2022, she was promoted to the Billing Supervisor for SILO. Karina is actively working on obtaining her Master’s Degree from St. Joseph’s University in Management, with a concentration in Human Resources. In 2023, Karina was promoted to Finance Manager, where she is responsible for accounts payable, tracking grant expenditures, purchasing, billing, and reporting to the state.
IT Coordinator
Fernando Bunay
Fernando Bunay is a Telecommunications Engineer and has been with Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) since April 2023, starting as an IT Technician in the Administration Department, prior to being promoted to IT Coordinator in October 2023. Fernando came to the United States from Ecuador in November 2021. He has worked in the IT field for more than 10 years prior, where he got all his experience. Fernando is responsible for all IT related inquiries for the cooperation, Self-Initiated Living Options, Inc. which includes Building 10, the Administration wing and the Independent Living Center. He is also responsible for the Counseling Center in Building 2 and the TRAID Resource room in Building 8.
Fernando ensures every day that all services such as Internet, printers, phone, door, and punch in systems are up and running.
He likes new challenges and likes to help people with any IT related issue. When Fernando is not working, he loves spending time with his family.
ILC and Disability Rights Administration
Empowerment Advocacy Department Director
Marilyn Tucci
Marilyn Tucci has been working at SILO since 2007, providing essential support to individuals with disabilities through peer counseling, advocacy, support groups and providing information and referrals. She has a long history of passionately advocating for those with disabilities in the community, earning numerous awards and recognition for her contributions in various areas. Marilyn can be found with her trusted guide dog, Hedwig by her side as she actively advocates each day to resolve ongoing community accessibility concerns and empower those around her.
Housing Director
Taciana Cheriel
Taciana has been with Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) since November 2020, starting as a Housing Specialist with the Rapid Transition Housing Program prior to being promoted to Assistant Director of Housing Programs. Taciana has her Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Nassau Community College and Bachelors Degree in Criminology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Taciana enjoys spending time with family/friends and decorating for small events in her free time.
Housing Assistant Director
Toni De Sena
Toni has been with Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) since April of 2022, starting as a Housing Specialist with the Rapid Transition Housing Program prior to being promoted to Assistant Director of Housing Programs. Toni worked in the medical field for 5 years where she grew a compassion or helping others. Toni enjoys spending time with family/friends and listening to music.
Director of Independent Living Services & NY Connects
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 Director of Independent Living Services & NY Connects. Kelly-Rae holds a CASAC-T credential from Outreach Training Institute. 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.
NY Connects Assistant Director 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.
Project Coordinator for Disability Vaccine Access Opportunity Center and Westchester Institute for Human Development Innovative Tech in Housing Initiative (WIHD) 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 now the coordinator for the Disability Vaccine Access Opportunity Grant, which ensures equitable access to vaccines and booster shots for people with disabilities, as well as the Westchester Institute for Human Development Innovative Tech in Housing Initiative (WIHD) grant. WIHD is a 3-year project that ensures the availability of enabling and/or assistive technology for individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) in order to promote and support independent living. Alberta 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.
Open Doors Program Director
Nicole Johnson
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, and then to her current position, 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.
Open Doors Assistant Director
Maria Vanegas
Maria Vanegas graduated from Stony Brook University with her Bachelors in Psychology. Maria started working with Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) as of January 2021 as a Housing Specialist with the Olmstead Housing Subsidy Program. Maria then joined the Open Doors Transition Center as a Transitional Specialist, and is now the Assistant Director. Maria also translates for various departments within SILO assisting with phone calls, intakes, and more for our Spanish-speaking participants. If Maria is not at SILO, you will find her hand crafting at home, spending time with her loved ones, or exploring the outdoors. She is looking forward to continuing to advocate for individuals in need of community resources and assisting them to create a life of independence for themselves.
Open Doors Peer Coordinator
Brandon Heinrich
Brandon was born blind with no chance of recovering his vision. He spent the first nine years of his academic life in the public schools but found he was not getting everything he needed from them, due to the absences of state of the art technology, and their lack of education on inclusivity. Brandon then went to a High School for the blind, which proved to serve him much better. Brandon took some time off and began Suffolk Community College in 2015. Brandon began working as a Peer Advocate for SILO’s Peer Outreach Program in 2021 and has since been promoted to Peer Supervisor due to his dedication to the community. He now spends his time advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, including the right for them to live in the community, have safe and reliable transportation, and otherwise live a normal and independent life.
Peer Integration Program (PIP) Director
Kelsey Kalafut
Kelsey Kalafut embarked on her journey at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) as an intern in August of 2019, witnessing the remarkable growth of the Peer Integration Program from its nascent stages. Throughout, Kelsey took part in its development, working closely with the previous director, Kim Bjorklund, LCSW, and contributing to its expansion. Upon graduation, Kelsey was hired full-time in June 2021 as an Information & Assistance Specialist for NY Connects and soon pivoted back to the Peer Integration Program. Beyond program duties, Kelsey actively facilitates several support groups and orchestrates engaging social events like bingo nights. With a genuine dedication to advocacy, Kelsey's passion lies in empowering individuals with disabilities. Holding a master's in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University and an LMSW, Kelsey is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of the community members at SILO.
Regional Resource Development Center Director
Dawn Nodar
Dawn Nodar joined the SILO team in 2016 as the TBI Administrative Assistant. During her time at SILO, Dawn held several positions within different departments which eventually lead her back to the TBI Waiver in the position of Director. Dawn has since been promoted to the Director of the Regional Resource Development Center, which provides administration for both NHTD and TBI waiver programs. 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.
Lead TBI Regional Resource Development Specialist
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, Assistant Director of The TBI & NHTD Medicaid Waiver Program, and now holds the title of Lead TBI RRDS.
Lead NHTD Regional Resource Development Specialist
Audra Messineo
Audra began her career at SILO as a Regional Resource Development Specialist in 2021 for the NHTD and TBI Waiver Programs. In 2023, Audra was promoted to the Lead of the NHTD Waiver Program. Audra received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Therapy in 2008, and Masters of Science Degree in Education in 2013 from C.W. Post Long Island University. She has dedicated 15 years to working with children and adults with disabilities in various degrees and is excited to be able to continue to help individuals maintain their independence in the community. In her spare time Audra enjoys spending time with her family, friends and Cavapoo, Penny.
TRAID Program Director
Ryan Criscione
Ryan began her career at SILO in 2020 as the Administrative Assistant for the NHTD Waiver Program. Ryan was promoted to a Regional Resource Development Specialist in 2021 for the NHTD Waiver Program, where she reviewed Initial Service Plans for all the participants in the Long Island Region. In 2022, Ryan was promoted to the Lead of the NHTD Waiver Program, and in 2023, promoted to director of the TRAID program. She is excited to be able to help people with disabilities flourish in the community. In her spare time Ryan enjoys spending time with her family, animals and playing with special effects makeup.