Pathfinder celebrates 225 years of service by staff

Edmeston, New York, July 10, 2024 ... Pathfinder Village celebrated the work anniversaries of 26 employees and their dedication to serving people with intellectual disabilities during a special luncheon at the Pathfinder Village Pavilion on Wednesday, July 10. The staff members were honored for their collective 225 years of service to the community and Village families.

In addressing the honorees, Board Chair William F. Streck, MD, said, “I've been associated with Pathfinder since 1982. Over that time, there have been great leaders, and we built a lot of things. We're still building. But the fundamental thing I've realized over all these years is the whole heart of Pathfinder is in the work you do.”

“Our staff innovates and motivates as it supports individuals -- this commitment reveals itself in many ways and has lasting impacts,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Karen Knavel. “Your dedication to the ‘greater good’ leads to raising awareness of the possibilities for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. It also leads to greater inclusion and offers our individuals and coworkers opportunities for growth.”

This year’s honorees include Chief Financial Officer Caprice Eckert, who completed 30 years of service to Pathfinder, providing leadership and expertise in all areas of nonprofit administration and human resources management. Residential Team Leader Nancy Olsen and Direct Support Professional (DSP) Peter Iorio, both veterans in direct care services, have completed 15 years each.

Those celebrating ten-year anniversaries include DSP Nicole Mumbulo-Fallon with Pathfinder’s Adult Day Services; Chenango House Manager Brittany Bond, Residential Team Leader Lisa Roper, and DSP Tyler Wranovics, all of the Residential Services; Manager of Fund Development & People Engagement Monica Clark of the Development Office; Director of the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome Brittany Goodrich, Classroom Aid Christopher Jones and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Sherri Palmer of Pathfinder School; and Ancillary Staff Member Grant Stubbs.

Those honored for five years of service include (by department): Adult Day Services - Pre-Vocational Support Professionals Brittany Harty and Roxanne Mills, Pathfinder Produce Workers Brandy Mockovciak and Christopher Scott; Facilities - Maintenance Worker/Water Systems Operator James Harrington; Residential & Program Services – House Manager Sandra Campbell, DSP 2.0 Valerie Estell, DSP Jackie Heelein, DSP 2.0 Samantha Hill, Residential Support Staff Jessica Lund, DSP 2.0 Kaleb Nix, DSP Donna Potter; Administrative Assistant Roderick Simmons.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York. It was founded in 1980 to provide people living with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, vocational/pre-vocational, and outreach programs.  To learn more, visit http://pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo Caption: Pathfinder Village veteran staff members were honored at a special luncheon at  the Pathfinder Village Pavilion on Tuesday, July 10 for their collective 225 years of service to the residential community that serves individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Front Row (l to r): Christopher Scott, Caprice Eckert, Brandy Mockoviack, Monica Clark, Brittany Bond, Grant Stubbs. Back Row: Jessica Lund, Christopher Jones, Jackie Heelein, Roxanne Mills, Roderick Simmons, Brittany Goodrich, James Harrington (far back), Kaleb Nix, Valerie Estelle, Lisa Roper, Nicole Fallon-Mumbulo, Nancy Olsen, Pete Iorio.