Deidre Rienzo Ray 
DIRECTOR

If you’re a business owner who loves to talk about your business—but needs help writing about it—I can help. If the written words don’t flow so easily, I’ll get inside your head, understand your audience, and bring your unique voice and message out—clearly, elegantly, and engagingly. It’s an honor to bring my skills and enthusiasm to Clary Garden and support the incredible individuals striving toward their personal academic dreams.

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 Chief Executive Officer and Director, Administrative Affairs of the SLC, 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.