Staff

New York Association on Independent Living, Inc.

155 Washington Avenue, Suite 208
Albany, NY 12210

Phone: 518-465-4650
Fax: 518-465-4625
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Website: www.ilny.org

Lindsay Miller
Executive Director
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518-465-4650 ext. 102

Kaitlyn McInerney
Community Outreach Specialist
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518-465-4650 ext. 103

Alex Thompson
Director of Advocacy
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518-465-4650 ext. 120

Blaise Bryant
Communications Specialist
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518-465-4650 ext. 124

Aurie Mercer
Director of Office Operations & Human Resources
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518-465-4650 ext. 101

Regina Swinney
Administrative Coordinator
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518-465-4650 ext. 118

Nicole Mastroianni
Administrative Support & Event Coordinator
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Conference-related Inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-465-4650 ext. 126

Robert Peters
Director of Finance
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518-465-4650 ext. 107

Renée Wiggin
Staff Accountant –
Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) Program
Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 111

Erin Driggs
Account Clerk
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518-465-4650 ext. 119

Valerie Brennan
Director of Housing Programs –
Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) Program
Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 110

Vincent Negri
Program Manager – Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 117

Krystina Rodriguez
Support Services Coordinator – Rapid Transition Housing (RTH) Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 116

Andria MIller
Housing Program Specialist-
Rapid Transition Housing Program
Olmstead Housing Subsidy
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518-465-4650 ext. 123

Richard DeGrijze
Housing Program Specialist- Rapid Transition Housing Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 145

Tracy Marcus
Housing Specialist Liaison- Olmstead Housing Subsidy
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518-465-4650 ext. 146

Amber Mele
Housing Program Specialist-
Rapid Transition Housing Program
Olmstead Housing Subsidy
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518-465-4650 ext. 125

Suzanne de Beaumont
Assistant Executive Director
Project Director – Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 104

Laurie Carter
Social Work Coordinator – Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 108

Tami Loya

Education & Outreach Director – Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project

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518-465-4650 ext. 105

Sara Morris

NYC Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project &
Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) Housing Coordinator
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518-465-4650 ext. 112

Michele Pedersen
Statewide Transition Specialist Liaison – Open Doors (MFP)
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518-465-4650 ext. 114

Michelle Darling-Downs
Statewide PeerTransition Specialist Liaison – Open Doors (MFP)
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518-465-4650 ext. 128

Katy Bell
Program Director – Open Doors (MFP) Peer Support Program
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518-465-4650 ext. 106

Lesley Kelder
Statewide Peer and Transition Specialist Liaison –
Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 122

Laura Bingell
Nurse - Open Doors (MFP) Transition Center Project
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518-465-4650 ext. 144

Josephine Todaro
Good Neighbor Program Director
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518-465-4650 ext. 121

Success Story

Rosalyn Briggs is a 69-year-old woman who had been living in the Plaza Rehab nursing home since 2019. She had multiple illnesses which unfortunately progressed to the point where she was admitted to a hospice care facility in February 2020 to be “comfortable in her final days.” As a result, her case was closed because her needs could not be met in the community.

Fast forward to August 2021. Rosalyn recovered in hospice care and was re-admitted to the nursing home. Her case was re-opened, paving the road to independence.

“My faith and willpower saved me by bringing me back to good health,” said Briggs.

Despite her desire and willpower to live on her own in the community Rosalyn was very hesitant due to the lack of informal support. Her family lives far away and could not always be there. She also struggled with anxiety about her memory when she was not able to recall certain information.

Transition Specialist Lisa Rivera with Bronx Independent Living Services connected Rosalyn to services so the transition into the community could begin. Lisa connected Rosalyn with the Olmstead Housing Subsidy (OHS) program. She got a Housing Specialist who worked on finding an apartment, along with guiding her through each step of the process to reduce anxiety.

For Briggs, 2022 was a very freeing year. Through OHS she was able to find an apartment and sign a lease in August. Lisa then helped her with the process of getting aide services in the community through a managed long term care plan. She also helped Rosalyn connect with the Good Neighbor Program to provide her with back-up supports and social connections in the community. Rosalyn’s Good Neighbor has already helped her navigate things like getting her social security in her name and getting meals delivered.

In October, after much planning, Rosalyn was finally able to move into her apartment with all the supports she needed. “I’m 1,000%...1,000,000,000% grateful to Lisa and the whole team for helping me get to where I am today. I am truly blessed,” said Briggs.

ILCs Create Community Change!

ILCs address disparities by advocating locally and with NY State to remove systemic barriers, making communities more inclusive and accessible for all.

ILCs advocate for affordable and accessible housing!
Advocacy from the ILC network has led the creation of invaluable programs that help people with disabilities live independently in their community, including the Access to Home home modification program and the Olmstead Housing Subsidy program.
ILCs advocate for accessible transportation!
All Amtrak stations north of Albany are now accessible, thanks to a campaign by ILC advocates. In New York City, ILCs played a key role in the landmark decision to make 50% of all yellow taxis accessible by 2020.
ILCs advocate to increase integrated employment options!
Most recently, ILCs successfully advocated for the State’s Employment First Initiative, which makes integrated employment with appropriate supports and services a priority.