Executive Directors
The CLC Group has a professional team of highly trained individuals in their respective fields and the common ethos of Client Centered Service, which is at the core of the strategy and success of the organization. As each Affiliate continues to expand their individual services and to provide additional services, these executives are quick to pivot and adapt to the new strategic direction provided it is to benefit the Clients we serve. Most have been with the organization for many years (some over 25 years) and thus have been an integral part of the growth of the Affiliates over time. They are self-motivated and work diligently to provide Clients with the best possible outcome for that individual at that time in their lives.
Sharon Sinnott
CLC
John Porcella currently serves as CEO of the CLC Group of affiliates, after having served as CLC’s Executive Director for thirty years. He first came to CLC in 1990 when asked to assist by helping organize a new, Not-For-Profit organization serving just 16 Developmentally Disabled adults. In the next 36 months CLC expanded by more than 125 consumers, owing largely to the closing of the developmental centers and a real desire to create new and meaningful opportunities, both residential and vocational, within the local community.
Before coming to CLC, he began his career as a staff psychologist and then Director of Education at the Sagamore Children’s Psychiatric Center, a facility serving children with autism. After moving to Dutchess County, he developed the first residential program to serve children with Prader Willi Syndrome in New York State.
He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from St John’s University and is licensed to practice in New York State. He also holds a Professional Diploma and is certified in School Psychology; he holds a District Wide Administrators Certificate . He is a member of the American Psychological Association and is listed in the National Register of Health Care Providers.
Jessica Thomas
CLC
Jessica Joseph-Thomas recently joined the CLC Team as the Executive Director. She has 20 plus years of experience paired with an unparalleled passion for the non-profit industry. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Purchase University and a Master’s degree from Columbia University.
Her career path includes, Residential Services Director at Jawonio, Inc., in New City. Prior to that, she was Deputy Director of Operations and Services at M & K Health Care Services in Middletown. She has worked in the developmental disabilities field since 1998.
Sarah Fiske
CLC Group Services
Sarah joined the CLC family in 2008. She served as Financial Controller of Community Living Corporation until CLC Group Services was formed in 2021 to synergize the business office functions of all CLC Group affiliate agencies.
Originally from Vermont, Sarah received her BS in Accounting from Bentley University. She began her career in the mutual fund industry, at Brown Brothers Harriman in Boston, and quickly realized her heart belonged in the nonprofit world. Before joining the CLC family, Sarah served as Controller at the Archaeological Institute of America.
Sarah has garnered 20 years of financial, organizational and business expertise, and is passionate about using these skills to support the mission of the CLC Group affiliates.
Susan Ferro
Executive Director Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center
Susan joined the team at Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center in 2002 and has served as the Executive Director since 2011. As a strong presence in the local community and equine industry, she is a member of the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl., the Cornell Equine Co-op Extension,
Association of Fundraising Professionals, New York Horse Council, Orange County Farm Bureau, and the American Quarter Horse Association. She is also involved in all aspects of the organization including fundraising events, grant writing, and program development, as well as facility improvements, and equine management. Overseeing the hard work and dedication of Winslow’s team, she is a strong leader through both experience and precedent. Susan looks forward to the growth and expansion of Winslow, not only as a riding center, but as a therapeutic center that offers a variety of programs and services for any individual.
Denyele Urciuoli, MPA
CLC Foundation
Denyele manages the day to day operations of the CLC Pooled Trust and is the Assistant Director of the Hidden Treasures program. Denyele manages over 320 trust accounts with a staff of 8.
Denyele has over ten years of experience within the CLC Group, starting her career at Community Living Corporation as their Consumer Benefits Coordinator. In 2019, Denyele joined the team at CLCF as Director of Trust Services and was promoted in 2020 to Associate Executive Director. Denyele received her MPA from Pace University. She has her BS in Health Care Management from Towson University.
Desiree Antonini
CLC Transportation
Desiree started with CLC Transportation in 2017 offering over 20 years of experience in management and medical marketing.
Amy Berman MA
ADiCares
ADiCares predecessor is ADi. Amy began working with ADi in 2004 as a Medicaid Service Coordinator (care manager). She provided case management to over 400 clients during her tenure at ADi.
In 2017 Amy was promoted to Executive Director, where her role was to develop strategic planning and work with the board of directors. At ADi, Amy supervised case management services, marketing, fundraising, program development, human resources and accounting. Amy grew the agency by 200% and successfully oversaw the transition of the agency to a managed care structure.
Amy has also maintained a private psychotherapy practice over the course of her career.
Amy received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. She did her internships at Yale Child Study Center, Burlington Community Living the Dearborn Academy. She has her BA in Sociology from Curry College.
Elinor LaTouche
Epilepsy Foundation
Elinor LaTouche is currently the Executive Director for the Epilepsy Institute, DBA the Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan NY. Under her guidance, the only NYC agency specialized in meeting the needs of people living with epilepsy, is preparing for the challenges and opportunities that await.
Prior to joining the EFMNY, Elinor served in C-level leadership at a midsized, mission-centric organization supporting people with intellectual disability and their families.
Elinor was selected to be part of part of the United Way’s first Executive Leadership cohort at Baruch College’s School of Public Affairs.
Finding the program extremely enriching, she remained at Baruch to complete her Masters in Public Administration.
Elinor attended Gordon College, on the north-shore of Boston, where she earned a BA in Sociology and Youth Ministry.
As a self-described New Englander, it’s surprising that Elinor feels very much at home in NYC. Currently, Ms. LaTouche lives in Brooklyn NY. She has a wonderful husband, 3 exceptional children and a golden-doodle. Elinor is very involved in her local church, is an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy and is part of a neighborhood book club.
Delores Lulgjuray, PH.D
Community Connections Life
Delores Lulgjuary, PH. D, clinical advisor and author Behavioral Mental Health Model at CLC. Founder of Escapist Travel (formally CE )and Community Connections Life.
Prior to joining the EFMNY, Elinor served in C-level leadership at a midsized, mission-centric organization supporting people with intellectual disability and their families.
Elinor was selected to be part of part of the United Way’s first Executive Leadership cohort at Baruch College’s School of Public Affairs.
Finding the program extremely enriching, she remained at Baruch to complete her Masters in Public Administration.
Elinor attended Gordon College, on the north-shore of Boston, where she earned a BA in Sociology and Youth Ministry.
As a self-described New Englander, it’s surprising that Elinor feels very much at home in NYC. Currently, Ms. LaTouche lives in Brooklyn NY. She has a wonderful husband, 3 exceptional children and a golden-doodle. Elinor is very involved in her local church, is an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy and is part of a neighborhood book club.
Fred Eisman
Westchester Foundation for the Disabled
Fred Eisman, is the President of Westchester Foundation for the Disabled, General Counsel to the CLC Group, and the principal of EismanLaw. For more than 25 years.