News & Views – Summer 2013 - Kennedy Child Study Center

a Publication of the Kennedy Child Study Center Vol. 6 No.2 Summer 2013
NeWS & VieWS
Enabling young children with developmental disabilities to discover, thrive and achieve for more than 50 years.
BoaRd of diReCtoRS
Michael W. O’Shaughnessy, Chair
Michael A. O’Conor, Treasurer
Richard Ellis, Secretary
Randolph Amengual
James E. Farrell, Jr.
John G. Gibbons
Maurice Halifi
Martin L. Keating
Andrew Kraus
Donna Stockinger-Kraus
Michal Lementowski
Catherine H. Lenihan
Kenneth Lohsen
Lawrence F. McGovern
Dr. Pola Rosen
Melissa Salerno
Parker SantaLucia
Madalena Nicole Sheehan
Elizabeth Schmeelk
Rev. Msgr. Kevin Sullivan
Christopher Thomas
Ju Nie Thong
n
Jeanne Alter, Executive Director
MANHATTAN
151 East 67 th St.
New York, NY 10065
212-988-9500
BRONX
1028 East 179 th St.
1071B East Tremont Ave.
Bronx, NY 10460
718-842-0200
n
www.kenchild.org
About two years ago, Catholic Charities informed the Kennedy Child Study Center of
its intent to help move the Manhattan program closer to the community where the
Center’s children and families live.
Since 1958 and the establishment of KCSC as a model for children with developmental
disabilities, program expectations for children with special needs has changed, and our
ability to respond to these changes is important for our continued growth and success.
After an exhaustive 24-month search in both the north Manhattan and Harlem communities,
KCSC located a space that meets the needs of both children and staff. For children,
both geography and structure were important: KCSC needed to consider where most of the
children lived in relation to the school, as well as physical aspects of the space itself.
The new space would need enough square footage for 158 children; it had to be located
on the ground floor of a building and go no higher than the third floor (as per New York
City daycare requirements); and it needed to be handicap accessible (a New York State Education
Department requirement) and have access to an outdoor play area.
The new space at 2212 Third Avenue meets all of the necessary criteria. It is an older
building with 24,000 square feet in our target area of East Harlem. The second and third
floor will require a complete build out, meaning KCSC will be able to build the new school
to our exact specifications.
By establishing a presence in East Harlem, Jeanne Alter and the Board of Directors believe
the Center will act as a force of good in the community and continue to be an important
resource for families, particularly those who live in the North Manhattan community.
The location at 2212 Third Avenue will enable KCSC to hold more parent workshops and
school activities knowing that families will better be able to reach the Center.
Most important, Kennedy will be able to provide bright, brand-new learning space for
students, which reflects the value that we place on their education.
at a GLaNCe - WHat’S NeW at KeNNedY
n Jill O’Reilly Retires after 31 years (page 2)
n New Bronx Education Director (page 2)
n 19th Annual Spring Benefit (page 3)
n Healthy Eating Activities (page 5)
KCSC on the Move:
2014 Relocation Plans

Jill o’Reilly,
Bronx education director,
Retires
After 31 years of devotion to the children and families of
the Kennedy Child Study Center, Jill O’Reilly, the Bronx
Education Director, retired at the end of June.
In recognition of her work, the Board of Directors recognized
Jill at the 19th Annual Spring Benefit on Thursday,
May 16, 2013. Presenting Jill with her award were Marian
Burke and her son, Christopher, who was in Jill’s first class
in 1969. Mrs. Burke served on the Kennedy Board for 22
years until retiring two years ago.
Jill’s incredible energy and respect for families and staff has
set a high standard for the Center to follow. Jill knew every
child and staff member by name and said hello to them
every morning. We will miss her smile each day but wish her
good health and good times in retirement.
Pictured below are (l-r): Mrs. Burke, Michael O’Shaughnessy,
Jill O’Reilly, and Chris Burke.
Geraldo feliciano
joins KCSC as Bronx
education director
In July 2013, Geraldo
Feliciano will join the
Kennedy Child Study Center
as the Bronx Education
Director, replacing Jill
O’Reilly who retired (see
adjacent article).
Geraldo comes from the
Shield Institute where he
held several roles - first as a
Special Education Teacher,
then Staff Development and Training Coordinator, and
finally, Education Supervisor of the preschool unit. Prior to
that, he worked as a Teaching Assistant in the physical
education department at the Hallen Center, Inc.
Geraldo received a Bachelor of Arts degree at the State
University of New Paltz. In 2010, he obtained a Master of
Science in Special Education at Touro College where he is
currently pursuing a Master of Science in School Building
Leadership. He holds a New York State Students with
Disabilities (Birth – Grade 2) initial teaching certificate.
“I am excited about the experience and expertise Geraldo
will bring to the agency,” said Jeanne Alter, KCSC Executive
Director. “Jill has left us a fantastic program to manage and
I am confident Geraldo will continue to focus on excellence
and best practicies in early childhood special education.”
We are delighted to that Geraldo Feliciano has joined the
Kennedy Child Study Center - Welcome Geraldo!
associates Council
In 2012, the Kennedy Child Study Center established an “Associates Council.”
One of the group’s primary goals is to attract and motivate a new generation of
supporters to the mission of the Center. Thus far, the Council members have
brought fresh ideas and new perspectives to our historic organization.
The group has created an awareness among young professionals about developmental
disabilities and the community of children and families that Kennedy
serves.
This past winter, the Associates Council implemented a Christmas gift fundraiser
that raised funds to provide gifts during the holiday season for the children at the
Center. As the Council grows and creates a connection with more young professionals,
it hopes to also generate attendance at the agency’s Annual Spring
Benefits.
Chaired by Board Member Michal Lementowski, the leadership includes James
Myers, Nina Volpe and Michelle Zimmerman.
Photo (l-r) are: Mike Lementowski, Jean Marc Saleh, Jay Myers, Nina Volpe, and Michelle Zimmerman.

a Glance at the 19th annual Spring Benefit
More than 200 friends of the Kennedy Child Study Center
came together on Thursday, May 16, 2013, to celebrate
the Center’s work and recognize two leaders in the field
of education: Jennifer Raab, the 13th President of Hunter
College, and Jill O’Reilly, our Bronx Education Director who is
retiring after 31 years (see the related article on page 2).
In recognizing President Raab, Michael O’Shaughnessy, Chair
of the Kennedy Board of Directors, noted that Hunter is the
largest college of the City of New York. Since her tenure began
in 2001, he noted that Jennifer “has been responsible for more
than $152 million in philanthropic support to Hunter as well as
government awards and private grants, and she guided Hunter
as it launched its first capital campaign.”
Mr. O’Shaughnessy continued, “You would be hard pressed to
find someone who values education and loves New York more
than Jennifer and we are so fortunate to have her support for
the Kennedy Center.”
Mr. O’Shaughnessy and Benefit Chair Madalena Sheehan presented
President Raab with the 2013 Humanitarian Award for
her unending desire to educate students from all walks of life, as
well as make New York a productive, more positive place to
learn, thrive and grow.
We are deeply grateful to our Bronze Sponsors and Patron
Sponsors for their strong support, and to the Benefit
Committee, chaired by Madalena Sheehan and co-chaired
by Parker SantaLucia and Donna Kraus.
BRONZE SPONSORS
n Randolph and Ann Amengual
n Catholic Charities
n Cullman & Dykman
n Hunter College & Jennifer Raab
n Interaudi Bank & John Gibbons
n Martin L. Keating
n Michael & Pam O’Conor
n Elizabeth Schmeelk
PATRON SPONSORS
n The Burke Family
n Corporate Synergies
n Dale Hunt
n Donna & Andrew Kraus
n Michael & Laura O’Shaughnessy
n Madalena Sheehan
n Chris & Dana Thomas
Photo at left: Nina Volpe
(second from left) & friends.
Photo at right: Michael
(center) & Pam O’Conor
(left) with their friends.
Board Member & Benefit Co-Chair
Parker SantaLucia (l) with Jay
Myers, Member of the Associates
Council.
KCSC Executive Director Jeanne
Alter (l) & honoree Jennifer Raab,
Hunter College President.
Board Members Ju Nie Thong &
Michael O’Shaughnessy, with his
sister, Susan, & his brother, Tom.
Benefit photos by Tina Buckman

a Glance at the 19th annual Spring Benefit
Board Member Marty Keating &
Associates Council Member Nina
Volpe.
Board Member & Benefit Chair
Madalena Sheehan with Alex
Hendrickson (l) & Jake Lachman.
Board Member Catherine Lenihan
& Sister Michael Mary, O.C.
Board Members Donna & Andy
Kraus (standing at right) & their
guests.
Frank Burke (l) & Martin Sheehan.
(l-r): Madalena Sheehan, Msgr.
Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of
Catholic Charities, & Brandon
Wagner.
David Highsmith & KCSC Board
Treasurer Michael O’Conor.
Board Members Ju Nie Thong &
Kenneth Lohsen (r) with Ms.
Thong’s husband.
KCSC Board Member Randolph
Amengual & Jennifer Raab.
To all the individuals and companies
that helped to make the
19th Annual Spring Benefit a success − THANK YOU!
News & Views is a publication of the
Kennedy Child Study Center
Jeanne Alter, Executive Director
Joan Dwyer, Chief Operating Officer
Editor and designer: Sari Anthony,
Director of Development & Communications
Printing: Digital Graphic Imagery
Photography: Sari Anthony, Tina Buckman

STAFF RETIRING
n Jill O’Reilly, Bronx Education Director, retired after 31
years. Jill received the KCSC Service Award at the Annual
Spring Benefit on Thursday, May 16, 2013.
n Sheila Clark, Executive Assistant, retired after 23 years.
Since 1990, Sheila has worked for four KCSC Executive
Directors
n Dianna Thompson, Teacher Assistant, Manhattan, retired
after 20 years
n Roberto Candalaria, Maintenance staff, Bronx, retired after
16 years
Sheila Clark (left),
who retired after 23
years of service,
and
Larry Perry (right),
who was recognized
for his length of
service at KCSC.
Honoring Our Staff
AT THE ANNUAL END-OF-YEAR STAFF LUNCHEONS IN THE BRONX AND IN MANHATTAN,
WE RECOGNIZED STAFF MEMBERS WHO WERE RETIRING AND STAFF MEMBERS WHO HAVE WORKED
AT KCSC FOR 15, 20, 25 AND 35 YEARS.
STAFF RECOGNIZED FOR LENGTH OF SERVICE
n Laurence Perry, Assistant Executive Director, Manhattan,
35 years of service
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
.
Annabelle Castillo, Support Staff, Bronx, 25 years
Diane Sporer, Teacher, Manhattan, 25 years
Nirvani Jagnandan, Support Staff, Bronx, 20 years
Jean Maya, Nurse, Bronx, 20 years
Haydee Figueroa, Teacher Assistant, Bronx, 15 years
Lourdes Fisher-Rivera, Teacher Assistant, Bronx, 15 years
Maria Montas, Finance, 15 years
Alica Nicola, MSC Supervisor, 15 years
Jose Rodriguez, Maintenance Staff, Bronx, 15 years
Wanda Rodriguez, Support Staff, Manhattan, 15 years
WE ARE PROUD OF SO MANY STAFF
WHO DEDICATE THEIR CAREERS
TO THE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
OF THE KENNEDY CHILD STUDY CENTER
Healthy Living Activities
As our society becomes more health conscious, educators at the Kennedy Child Study Center recognize that our students need
to be healthy and nourished to succeed in school and in life. That’s not always easy in some of the communities we serve, where
access to fresh food and outdoor space is restricted and families are battling crises like diabetes, smoking-related illnesses and
obesity. If we want our students to truly excel, we have a responsibility to teach proper nutrition and exercise for the whole family.
Administered through the Early Care & Learning Council of New York State, KCSC was one of five agencies selected in the Bronx
and Brooklyn to participate in a pilot project “Healthy Active Living Grant” (HAL) in February 2013, funded with a generous donation
from the Lowenstein Foundation. During the spring of 2013, the Center began to expand its existing health and nutrition
programs, while adding new and exciting activities to the roster.
A major goal of the program is to address healthy living from start to finish, including
shopping, cooking, eating and exercise.
During cooking labs, parents learned to make several quick, healthy meals, and got
to take recipes, information and leftovers home with them.
Guided tours of the local food market were led by an experienced facilitator who
explained important skills like reading nutrition labels, determining when fruits and vegetables
are ripe, finding sales, and other important grocery-savvy facts.
In June, the Center opened the rooftop playground in the Bronx to parents and students.
Children with developmental delays often need encouragement to interact with other
children and their environment, and there were staff available to explain how to engage
the children and keep them active, healthy, and having fun!

“When i Grow up, i Want to Be ...”
This year’s theme of the 19th Annual Spring Benefit was “When I grow up, I
want to be...” These are some of the photos displayed at the Benefit.
ouR CHiLdReN & faMiLieS
Need YouR SuPPoRt
n $1,000 will provide furniture
and equipment for specialized
programs for children with
autism
n $500 will help purchase
training materials for parents
and caregivers
n $250 will support healthy
eating programs for children
and families
n $100 will help buy holiday
toys for children
For more information on how to help,
please call 212-988-9500.
As with any financial matter, please
seek the counsel of your legal or
financial advisor.
LOOK INSIDE FOR
PHOTOS FROM THE
19TH ANNUAL
SPRING BENEFIT!
KENNEDY CHILD STUDY CENTER
151 EAST 67TH STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10065
Address Correction Requested