Center for Career Freedom

Staff & Board of Advisors

ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS:

Elizabeth A. Edgar - Executive Director & CEO

Elizabeth has over 30 years of progressive experience in early 1 childhood education and healthcare. Notable is her 20 years of early childhood experience as a Pre-K Care Center Director, where she  specialized in the study of functionality and cognitive abilities and how they relate to training developing minds. She also represented an Early Intervention Program (EIP), a national program for infruits and toddlers with disabilities. The EIP is administered by the NYS Department of Health through the Bureau of Early Intervention. Liz also has fifteen years' experience as a Certified Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, EKG Tech and Phlebotomist in several hospitals and Nursing homes throughout Westchester and the Bronx. At the Center, Liz oversees all staff and students' performance as well as referrals from ACCES-VR, High Schools, One Stop and Providers.

Cathy Frusciante, NYCPS, CRPA, VSR - Exec. Assistant to the CEO

Cathy is a NYCPSS, VSR, and CRPA, with her primary interest being in Veteran support. Cathy comes to The Center with a diverse background which has allowed her to acquire over 30 yrs. of various experience working with people and the public within the corporate, medical, real estate and peer fields. At The Center, Cathy is the Administrative Assistant to the CEO & Founder as well as overseer of The Centers office operations and social media. In 2018, Cathy created The Cyber Seniors Program at NYP's Westchester Div. and weekly "All About Employment/Social Skills Hour" at The Center. As a Peer, Cathy provides an open door to all and is always happy, willing, and available to advocate and provide support, encouragement, and resources to & for those who may be unable to do for themselves (ie: re-entry, DV, Veterans, etc). Cathy also participates in Westchester County's Mental Health sub-committee. Fun fact, Cathy is also a hypnotist whos received a Mayoral Proclamation for World Hypnotism Day and recognized by her peers. Some of Cathy's cherished moments are of a video she was asked to participate in with MSAA & of her unwavering and continuous volunteer service to our Military Veterans who she  Wholeheartedly supports and deeply respects.

Meet our Board:


Sondra Borek
Gina M. Rustici - Board Member

Gina M. Rustici holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Supply Chain. She currently serves her local community hospital as the Senior Director of Supply Chain operations for Premier, Inc; a healthcare consultant company and group purchasing organization.  She has over 15 years of experience in project management, contract negotiation, quality assurance and operational process improvement. Her and her husband, Richard, have been married for 12 years and reside in Yonkers, NY with their 2 children. She considers it an honor to serve on the Board for The Center for Career Freedom to advocate for people with Disabilities as this allows her to give back to her community. When not working, Gina enjoys tackling home improvement projects, home decorating and planning events.

Barry HarrisonBarry Harrison - Board Member

Barry Harrison owns and operates a Network and Cyber Security Consulting Firm that has been serving the financial industry for over 2 decades. In the early days of the Center, Barry helped define the teaching methodology for our students that live with Autism, a methodology that we are still using today. Barry is also a Certified Medicaid Self-Direction Broker and a strong and active advocate for the legal rights of the disabled community. Most importantly, Barry is the father of a young woman that lives with Autism and is passionate about improving not just her life, but the lives of others like her.

David MinotDavid Minot – Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisor

David joined his father in 2007 to launch Autism Spectrum News. Both Mental Health News and Autism Spectrum News are hardcopy quarterly newspapers that reach over 160,000 consumers, families, treatment professionals, service providers, educators, and decision makers across the country. To learn more go to Mental Health News or Autism Spectrum News.

Don MarinaroDr. Don Marinaro – Special Needs Education Advisor

Dr. Don has over 35 years experience in the development, implementation and operations of Special Education Programs in the Newark, New Jersey and New York City Public School Systems. His most recent position was the Executive Director -Special Education for the Newark Public Schools where he was responsible for 7,200 students, ages 3-21, diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum, medically fragile and behaviorally challenged. With a staff of over 1,200 employees in 35 schools, Don pioneered initiatives in model educational programs including professional development partnerships with local universities, parent education  and parent volunteer academies and inclusive work-study transitional programs. He increased attendance and reduced suspension rates by over 75% and, increased graduation rates by 200%. He is an Adjunct Lecturer at Fordham’s Graduate School of Education and a consultant helping to launch a charter school for students on the Autism Spectrum in New Jersey. Don earned a Doctorate Degree in Education, a Masters in Special Education and holds NYS and New Jersey certification in Administration and Teaching. Don oversees the Cybility Tutorial development, field-testing and implementation.

INSTRUCTORS

Edward Pinkowski - Head Trainer

After twenty plus years in the building trades, Ed decided on a career in Computers. He had always been proficient, could trouble- / shoot and even build a desktop computer. With the support of  lIHlr ACCESS-VR in White Plains, Ed enrolled at the Center for Career Freedom where he quickly earned his online Microsoft Certificates in Word 2007 and 2010, Excel 2007 and 2010, and PowerPoint 2010. A natural teacher, Ed volunteered to be a Peer Instructor and foimd teaching to be his second career. Ed has applied for his NYS teaching license and is very popular among his many students.

Joliese Hurns-Gibson - Instructor

My name is Joliese M. Hurns-Gibson and I'm going to explain when, where and how I started my career in computers. In 2016, it all began when I met with ACCES-VR to help me discover what career would suit me best. Gwen, who works for ACCES-VR, asked me questions about what 1 liked and what I was good at. Based on my answers, it was determined that I could develop skills to become a computer specialist. ACCES-VR recommended that I attend a computer school called Center for Career Freedom, a nonprofit organization, where 1 was trained and learned to become an instructor in teaching and certifying students in Microsoft office. I currently volimteer at New York Presbyterian Hospital in White Plains, where I teach patients how to use various programs, such as Facebook, Instagram, Email, Internet surfing, etc. The Center for Career Freedom has shown me to never give up on fulfilling my dreams. 1 am very gratefiil for the opportunity I was given to enhance my career. "Jesus said, with God all things are possible."

Toniqua Melvin - Instructor

The Center for Career Freedom has helped me in many ways that 1 can't even begin to put into words. Ever since 1 came here 1 have skyrocketed, like really. I now have sbc certifications in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word Expert and Excel Expert. _ 1 was hired to be an intern helping other students with what 1 have already accomplished. So thank you ACCES-VR and The Center for giving me this great opportunity; I'm forever grateful. I expect to receive my NYS Dept of Education teaching license in 2019. The people here are so nice and friendly it's like my second home.

Silvia E. Sanchez - Instructor

In just eight months, Silvia earned her online Microsoft Certificates for Word, PowerPoint & Excel These hard skills, combined with her excellent "people skills," make Silvia an ideal employee. The Center was fortunate that she chose to work here. "I love to work with people with disabilities. I have lived my life with Cerebral Palsy and was fortunate to meet many talented caregivers. Now it's my turn to give back." Silvia credits Jessica Sudol her counselor at ACCES-VR, White Plains District Office for providing the opportunity to study Computer Software at the Center.