Kelli McMahon
DIRECTOR

I am a special education teacher currently working in a school age ABA center for students with Autism. I have a Bachelors degree in Speech and Hearing Disorders and a Masters in Students with disabilities. I am passionate about providing the best education  possible for my students and strongly believe that every success, whether large or small is worth celebrating. I am excited to be on the Board of Directors for Clary Garden and look forward to providing programs, services and support to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Sheri Cappello
DIRECTOR

I have been a counselor and adjunct faculty member at the college level for 27 years. I find no greater joy professionally than to see my students succeed.   As President and Director of Community Affairs for the SLC I witness firsthand the progress and development of our students. Yet I am faced daily with the reality that there are many young adults who cannot attend class due to financial hardship. Being on the Board of Directors for Clary Garden is my answer to this problem. I have a MS Guidance and Counseling, College of New Rochelle, it is my devotion to the students who want to make education a stepping stone in their lives that make my contribution to this organization something I am extremely proud of.

Melinda Placanica
DIRECTOR

As CEO of the Successful Learning Center I am always struck by how much our students love to learn and I am so proud of the achievements they have made since we began offering classes in 2008. It is our belief that education can be an attainable goal for all students and we have created Clary Garden to support that goal. I spent more than 10 years on Wall Street as a database administrator then, after 911 I changed career paths and pursued my love of art and nature.  I have an Associates degree in Hospitality and a Bachelors in Visual Art from New Paltz University. My education allowed me to walk the path I am on now, I am thrilled to be part of Clary Garden so we can help these extraordinary students walk a path of their own.

Terri Schatzberg
DIRECTOR

I was a retail manager for many years before getting married and having children.  I now have two beautiful kids, Sam and Emma and I feel very fortunate to be able to stay home and care for them. When approached by Sheri and Melinda to join the Board of Clary Garden I was very happy. My son Sam was born at 27 weeks, weighing only 2 pounds. A few days after his birth he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, at 2 years old he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Sam is an amazing child and I would not change anything about him, however, everyday is a challenge. My husband Alan and I feel very blessed to be able to give Sam and  Emma the time and support they need yet we recognize not everyone is as fortunate. As a parent and advocate I truly hope that through Clary Garden I can help make a difference in the lives of young adults who are also living with disabilities.