Our Advocates
Leadership & Consultants
-
Barry Dain, MSED, MPA
President
-
Dr. Brian Greenwald, MD
Consulting Physiatrist
-
Dr. Dustin Gordon, PhD
Consulting Neuropsychologist
-
Andrea Leo, MPA
Vice President of Services
-
Catherine Latour, MS
Director of Vocational Services
-
Harold Hesse, MBA
Director of Operations
-
Deborah McKee, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
-
Helene Chitty
Day Program Manager
-
Melinda Pearson, LMSW, CLCP
Director of Behavioral Services
-
Beth Deeter, BSc
Director of Service Coordination
-
Matthew Dain MS BS
Community-Based Services Coordinator
-
Christy Kniffin
Service Coordinator Supervisor
Our Advocacy Team
-
Diana Ackerson
Quality Assurance Manager
-
Dawn Berstein
Human Resources
-
Heather Bettinger
Service Coordinator
-
Brenda Bosques, MSW
Assistant Director of Vocational Services
-
Danielle Carter
Service Coordinator
-
Michelle Davis, BSc
Service Coordinator
-
Sheri Goldstein
Administrative Assistant
-
Amanda MacDonald
Vocational Specialist
-
Peggy Rogan, MEd
Positive Behavioral Intervention Support Counselor
-
Amanda Schmidt, BS
Positive Behavioral Support Specialist and Life Skill Trainer
-
Veronica Scianna
Life Skills Trainer
-
Kevin Scutt
Day Program Facilitator
-
Shannon Shapiro
Independent Living Skills Trainer
-
Barbara Taggart
Day Program Facilitator
-
April Zimmerman
Behavioral Specialist
-
Deric Amato
Transportation Specialist and Life Skills Trainer
-
Paul Akers, LCSW-R
Behavioral Services Consultant
-
Mely Otega
Service Coordinator
-
Judy Hylton
Independent Living Skills Trainer
-
Amanda Morin
Structured Day Program Coordinator
Barry Dain, MSED, MPA
President
The establishment of Advocate Homecare January 1st 2017 was the culmination of a 30-year career for Barry Dain. With a long history of advocating for individuals with brain injury and for their families, Barry founded his company to lead the way in this field in the Hudson Valley.
Barry holds a master’s degree in special education from City University in New York and a master’s in public administration from Long Island University.
Some of the many milestones in his career include opening the first individualized residential alternative for persons with traumatic brain injury in New York State (1994); launching one of the first structured day programs for those with brain injuries under the New York State Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver Program (1996); and opening the first transitional living program in New York State for people with brain injuries (2001).
In 2012 Barry served as the Governor’s appointee to the Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council (TBISCC) and was elected to preside as the TBISCC chairperson, going on to serve two consecutive terms in that role.
In 2016 Barry was elected to serve as the president of the board for the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS). Having already been on the board for a decade, Barry went on to serve two consecutive terms as the president of the board of directors and continues to serve as a board member today.
In November 2022, Barry Dain was recognized for his many years of dedicated board service and his unwavering commitment to individuals living with brain injuries and their families. In recognition of his significant contributions, he received one of the Brain Injury Association of New York State’s highest honors, the Champion of Hope Award. In a lasting tribute to his service, leadership, and advocacy, the award was subsequently renamed the Barry Dain Champion of Hope Award, honoring his enduring commitment to the brain injury community.
Barry maintains a love for food and cooking, and can be found cooking a good burger for the community at Advocate Homecare as well as hosting tailgate barbecues at University of Michigan football games. He is also an avid gardener and a student of theater.
Dr. Brian Greenwald, MD
Consulting Physiatrist
Dr. Brian Greenwald is the Medical Director of Rehabilitation Specialists in Fairlawn, New Jersey. He is the Associate Fellowship Director for JFK Johnson’s Brain Injury Medicine fellowship. Dr. Greenwald is a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
Dr Greenwald completed his residency training in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. He was fellowship-trained in brain injury rehabilitation at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is board certified in both Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Brain Injury Medicine.
Dr. Greenwald has served on the Board of Trustees for the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey since 2002 and is currently the Vice President of the board. Dr. Greenwald has been the recipient of multiple awards for his clinical work, research and teaching. Since 2009 he has been recognized by his peers through the Castle Connolly surveys as one of the Top Doctors in the New York Metro Area. Dr.Greenwald has been extensively published in both peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in the area of brain injury rehabilitation. He is currently involved in research studies to improve the care of brain injury survivors. We at Advocate Homecare have had the benefit of Dr. Greenwald’s expertise since our founding in 2017.
Dr. Dustin Gordon, PhD
Consulting Neuropsychologist
Dr. Dustin Gordon is the Director of Neuropsychological and Clinical Services at Rehabilitation Specialists. He received his PhD in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he now serves as a clinical supervisor for neuropsychology PhD externs, and completed a neuropsychology internship at Cornell University Medical College and a National Institute of Health (NIH) dementia neuropsychology postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
Dr. Gordon has practised neuropsychology ever since, specializing in acquired brain injury. His clinical work has focused primarily on the community re-entry model, and he has published on the topic as well. In 2022 Dr. Gordon was awarded the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey Community Pillar Award for his long-time commitment to improving quality of life for people with acquired brain injuries. Dr. Gordon has been a consultant with Advocate Homecare since our founding in 2017.
Andrea Leo, MPA
Vice President of Services Advocacy Team
Andrea Leo specializes in traumatic brain injury and nursing home diversion and transition, a Medicaid waiver program. She has extensive experience as a service coordinator and in the field of compliance. She holds a master’s in public administration and is a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS). Prior to her current position Andrea served as a director of emergency and crisis services at HONOR in Orange County NYC and as an institutional abuse investigator for the NY State Office of Children and Family Services. While in this position Andrea was certified by Cornell University as a therapeutic crisis intervention trainer. She also provided skill building, planned respite, crisis avoidance, management training, and positive behavioral interventions and supports to foster children via the Bridges to Health Medicaid Waiver Program.
Andrea has been on the Advocate Homecare team since we first opened. Her extensive experience and advocacy skills ensure that the people she works with receive exemplary services from their providers.
Catherine Latour, MS
Director of Vocational Services
Catherine’s career has largely been devoted to helping people find meaningful work in order to gain independence. She joined Advocate Homecare in 2021 to assist individuals with disabilities in various vocational capacities including career exploration, skills assessments, and work readiness. Prior to joining the Advocate team, Catherine worked for a help line, guiding people towards community resources such as emergency housing, financial assistance, and substance use rehabilitation facilities. She also served as an employment specialist in Westchester County helping individuals with disabilities locate and maintain employment, and was selected as the employment specialist for a Project SEARCH program in New Rochelle working with high school students.
Catherine holds a master’s degree in applied psychology, an advanced certificate in rehabilitation counseling, plus two bachelor’s degrees. She is currently working towards becoming a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor. A proud Canadian with dual citizenship, Catherine is a huge Bruins fan, loves reading and spending time outdoors, and is trying to rekindle her love for running.
Harold Hesse, MBA
Director of Operations
Harold has been with Advocate Homecare since 2017. As director of operations, he oversees the day-to-day activities of the company. He is also an independent living skills trainer, helping individuals receiving services at Advocate Homecare live as independently as possible in the community.
Harold has a bachelor of science in business administration, an associate’s degree in cyber security, and an MBA. He is also licensed in project management, technical and data security, physical and equipment security, labor relations, Six Sigma process improvement, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In his free time, Harold enjoys the outdoors, working with people, and spending time with his family.
Deborah McKee, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Deborah McKee is a licensed psychologist with a 20-year private practice. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fordham University, and she has participated in numerous research studies in her field, as well as conducting seminars and making presentations throughout the Hudson Valley.
Her clinical experience is wide-ranging, including private therapy for individuals and couples at numerous agencies in the region as well as providing therapeutic and diagnostic services at Greenhaven Correctional Facility. Deborah has provided therapy as well as clinical staff supervision at Advocate Homecare since 2018. In Deborah’s words, working at Advocate Homecare gives her the opportunity to “make meaningful positive changes in the world and assist people in developing greater life satisfaction and personal growth.”
A mother of three, Deborah enjoys hiking, the arts, and travel, and is learning to play piano.
Helene Chitty
Day Program Manager
Helene is responsible for coordinating activities and outings that are individually tailored to facilitate skill development, self-help, socialization, and effective communication. She also coordinates with other waiver providers to ensure that the supports they use meet the needs of each person, both in the program and in community settings.
Helene joined the team at Advocate Homecare in 2021 with an associate’s degree in human services. She enjoys spending time with her siblings and is a yoga and astrology enthusiast.
Melinda Pearson, LMSW, CLCP
Director of Behavioral Services
Coming soon
Beth Deeter, BSc
Director of Service Coordination
Beth Deeter serves as Director of Service Coordination at Advocate Homecare, bringing more than 30+ years of experience in human services with specialized expertise in the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver Programs. Throughout her career, she has been committed to empowering individuals to access the resources and supports they need to live independently and achieve their personal goals.
Before joining Advocate Homecare, Beth served as a Regional Resource Development Specialist (RRDS), where she developed extensive knowledge of waiver services, community resources, and person-centered care. Her professional background also includes roles as a certified nurse's aide and trainer, senior employment specialist, and Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP). This diverse experience provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the needs of individuals with disabilities and complex medical conditions.
As Director of Service Coordination, Beth leads and supports Advocate Homecare's service coordination team, ensuring high-quality, compassionate, and person-centered services for the individuals and families they serve.
A native of Binghamton, New York, Beth earned her Bachelor of Science in Education/English from SUNY Cortland. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing volleyball, hiking and kayaking.
Matthew Dain M.S.
Community-Based Services Coordinator
Matthew Dain has been part of the Advocate Homecare family since 2018, when he joined the team as a Day Program Facilitator. Since then, he has grown within the organization, serving as an Independent Living Skills Trainer, Positive Behavioral Support professional, and Service Coordinator before becoming Community-Based Services Coordinator.
Today, Matthew helps coordinate Advocate Homecare’s community-based services, working alongside our Life Skills Trainers, behavioral professionals, and counseling teams to ensure that each person receives thoughtful, individualized support. His years of direct experience with individuals in the TBI and NHTD Waiver programs give him a unique understanding of the challenges people face—and the importance of helping each person build greater independence, confidence, and connection to their community.
Matthew’s passion for brain injury services is complemented by his strong academic background in neuroscience. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Bucknell University and a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His graduate research explored the relationship between genetic biomarkers, Alzheimer’s disease, and long-term cognitive outcomes following severe traumatic brain injury.
Outside of Advocate Homecare, Matthew enjoys traveling, spending time with friends, staying active at the gym, and—perhaps most importantly—spending time in the kitchen pursuing his love of cooking.
Christy Kniffin
Service Coordinator Supervisor
Christy Kniffin brings more than twelve years of experience as a service coordinator to her role at Advocate Homecare. As an experienced advocate in the Hudson Valley, she has extensive knowledge of the systems, service providers, therapies, and other resources in the region.
As a parent of two now-grown children on the autism spectrum, Christy successfully advocated on their behalf and found the services they needed as they grew up. Over the years, she became a parent advocate in the Newburgh School District's special education system. Her passion for helping children with ASD led her to a seven-year stint providing in-home applied behavior analysis and applied verbal behavior therapy. She next worked as a Medicaid service coordinator and later became a service coordinator for people with traumatic brain injuries.
Christy has a BA in psychology and is a board-certified brain injury specialist. She volunteers with the Brain Injury Association of New York and helps brain injury survivors advocate for their needs in Albany.
Diana Ackerson
Quality Assurance Manager
Diana Ackerson has worked with people with traumatic brain injuries and other impairments since 2015 in various roles, including independent living skills trainer, structured day program supervisor, administrative process supervisor, and compliance manager. She is a certified brain injury specialist and a credentialed alcoholism and substance abuse counselor trainee.
Diana volunteers for Hope Not Handcuffs, a program connected to the local police department through which she provides compassionate support to people seeking treatment for substance use disorders. She also has experience working with special education students. Diana is passionate about sharing her three decades of recovery experience and bringing strength and hope to others on the same path. She has a wonderful husband and son, is a bird and cat lover, and enjoys country line dancing.
Dawn Bernstein MS
Human Resources
Dawn Bernstein is a human resources and labor relations professional with more than 20 years of experience. She has a master's degree from Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Her wide-ranging experience includes recruitment, training, conflict resolution, performance management implementation, and workplace culture assessment. She is well-versed in federal, state, and local labor and employment laws and oversees compliance.
Dawn is the mother of three boys and a certified wildlife rehabilitator with a huge passion for animals and their rights.
Heather Bettinger BA
Service Coordinator
Heather Bettinger joined the team at Advocate Homecare in 2022 to provide assistance to seniors and individuals with disabilities by coordinating supports and services.
Prior to her work at Advocate Homecare, Heather was a case manager for fifteen years in various capacities, including for people receiving mental health services, within the foster care system, and for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. She has a BA in sociology from LeMoyne College with a concentration in human services and a minor in anthropology. Heather loves music, reading, comedy, football, and sun-drenched beach vacations.
Brenda Bosques, MSW
Vocational Specialist | Social Worker | Service Coordinator
Brenda Bosques, MSW, has more than 20 years of experience helping individuals achieve greater independence through vocational services and person-centered support. At Advocate Homecare, she provides career development, employment support, and NHTD/TBI service coordination, helping individuals build meaningful, independent lives in their communities.
Brenda earned her Master of Social Work from the University at Albany and her Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Monroe College.
Personal Statement
“I believe every person deserves the opportunity, support, and encouragement to reach their fullest potential. My goal is to empower individuals to recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieve greater independence through compassionate, person-centered services.”
Danielle Carter
Service Coordinator
Danielle brings more than 10 years of experience as a Service Coordinator supporting individuals in the NHTD and TBI Medicaid Waiver Programs. Danielle believes that great service coordination begins with listening, building trust, and truly getting to know the person behind the plan. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve their goals, maintain their independence, and remain active and connected within their communities.
Danielle earned her Associate Degree in Human Services and a Certificate in Chemical Dependency Counseling from Dutchess Community College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Community and Human Services from Empire State College. She also completed the Lifespan Gerontology Certificate Program through the University of Rochester.
Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying active. An avid distance runner, she is a proud member of Team Oscar Mike, supporting injured and adaptive veterans through endurance events that celebrate resilience, teamwork, and staying “On the Move.”
Michelle Davis, BSc
Service Coordinator
Michelle Davis serves as a Service Coordinator at Advocate Homecare, bringing more than nine years of experience in mental health, addiction services, and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. Throughout her career, she has found great fulfillment in helping people achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life.
Before joining Advocate Homecare, Michelle began her professional career in real estate property tax. In 2017, she accepted a position at Arms Acres Drug Rehabilitation Center, where she discovered her true passion for human services. She started as a Milieu Counselor and, through her dedication and leadership, advanced to Manager of the Admissions Department.
In her current role, Michelle supports individuals enrolled in the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver Programs. She is committed to learning and growing every day as she helps participants navigate services that promote independence and community living. Her previous experience in addiction services has provided a strong foundation for working with individuals facing complex needs.
Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science degree from The College of New Rochelle. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking and is a devoted caregiver to her mother, finding purpose in supporting both her family and the individuals she serves.
Sheri Goldstein
Administrative Assistant
Sheri Goldstein brings more than 25 years of diverse professional experience in television production, executive support, nonprofit operations, and administration.
Sheri began her career in Los Angeles television production, working on nationally recognized programs including Family Feud, Match Game, The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game, Win Ben Stein’s Money, and Rescue 911. Over the course of her television career, she advanced from Script Supervisor to Assistant Director and Director.
After relocating to the Boston area, Sheri served as Executive Assistant to Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops, supporting engagements throughout the United States, Japan, and South Korea. She later returned to Los Angeles and worked with Deborah Borda, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Sheri also brought her administrative expertise to Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue, where she worked in Accounts Payable and Receiving while supporting the organization’s mission of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in need.
Sheri is pleased to bring her extensive experience, organizational skills, and commitment to service to Advocate Homecare, where she supports the organization and its mission of providing exceptional services to individuals and families.
Amanda MacDonald, MS
Vocational Specialist
Amanda is a Vocational Specialist at Advocate Homecare. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Educational Studies from Siena College in 2023 and recently earned her master's degree in School Counseling from SUNY New Paltz.
After graduating from Siena, she worked as a Behavior Technician, providing ABA therapy services to children diagnosed with autism in Albany, New York. After one year in Albany, Amanda moved to Dutchess County and has never looked back. She became interested in the vocational field because it aligns with her passion for helping students achieve their greatest potential and plan for the future. In her free time, she enjoys reading, exercising, keeping up with reality TV, and playing board games.
Peggy Rogan, MEd
Behavioral Specialist
For over a decade, Peggy Rogan has provided independent living skills training (ILST) and positive behavioral intervention support (PBIS) to help individuals with brain injuries reach their potential and use positive change to address behavioral challenges.
She enjoys helping people maximize their independence and empowering them to advocate for themselves. Prior to joining Advocate Homecare in 2016, Peggy supported individuals with brain injuries at Liberty Resources. She currently works at both Advocate Homecare and ARC Mid-Hudson. She holds a master's degree in education from Western Connecticut State University. The mother of three grown children, Peggy enjoys knitting and reading and began playing the violin in 2014!
Amanda Schmidt, BS
Positive Behavioral Support Specialist | Life Skills Trainer
Amanda Schmidt joined the Advocate Homecare staff in 2019. She finds great satisfaction in helping improve the lives of people at Advocate Homecare by introducing them to experiences such as cooking new foods, pursuing engaging interests and hobbies, and following healthy routines.
Prior to joining Advocate Homecare, Amanda was a Tae Kwon Do instructor, teaching students discipline, routine, respect, courage, and confidence—all life skills that can benefit everyone. She has an associate degree in general studies with a focus on science and expected to receive her bachelor's degree in communication disorders from SUNY New Paltz in 2023, with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist. Amanda loves animals and enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, snowboarding, and mountain biking.
Veronica Scianna
Independent Living Skills Trainer
Veronica Scianna has been with Advocate Homecare since the very beginning, serving as an independent living skills trainer and day program facilitator specializing in traumatic brain injury and Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD).
Veronica has extensive experience in the field as a home and community support provider. Her associate degree in early childhood education prepared her for her early career as a pre-K teacher and daycare provider. Veronica is also a children and family ministry director, providing support to church families and the lead pastor.
Kevin Scutt
Day Program Facilitator
Kevin Scutt started as a volunteer in Advocate Homecare's day program, helping facilitate life skills, meditation, and music groups. A year later, in 2021, he joined the team as an employee while maintaining a peer mentorship program. Kevin came to this work through his own experience: in 2015, he sustained a traumatic brain injury. He has worked hard to get where he is today, completing inpatient rehabilitation, subacute rehabilitation, and, finally, transitioning to the NYS TBI Waiver Program in 2017.
His experiences make him especially compassionate in his role at Advocate Homecare. Kevin is also a musician who performs locally on guitar. He enjoys reading and is a horror film aficionado and critic.
Shannon Shapiro, BA
Independent Living Skills Trainer
Shannon Shapiro is an Independent Living Skills Trainer (ILST) at Advocate Homecare and has helped enrich the lives of participants for many years. She has been with Advocate Homecare for two years and provided various waiver services for many years before joining the organization. Shannon is hardworking, thoughtful, and has exceptional attention to detail—exactly what you want in an ILST. She is a team player, both as an active member of her participants' teams and within Advocate Homecare. Her positivity is felt by everyone she interacts with, and she is a valuable member of the Advocate family.
Shannon Shapiro has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services. She discovered her passion for the human services field as a young girl. The compassion and care she witnessed while watching the Jerry Lewis Telethon, combined with the support she received as a child with a learning disability, motivated her to give back to the disability community. Shannon provides a person-centered approach to everyone she supports.
Barbara Taggart B.A.
Day Program Facilitator
As a Day Program Facilitator, Barbara is passionate about fostering meaningful social connections and creating a space where individuals feel heard and valued. Specializing in developing personal connections, Barbara plans and executes group activities and leads outings that encourage participation, communication, and personal development.
By facilitating engaging group experiences, Barbara helps individuals build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop essential life skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. She also works with individuals on custom projects and activities tailored to specific goals. She holds a bachelor's degree from Manhattan University and associate degrees from Mercy College and Dutchess Community College.
April Zimmerman B.S. M.S.
Behavioral Specialist
As a peer advocate, April volunteers at Advocate Homecare to help participants enjoy activities, attain their goals, and strengthen their life skills. Her life changed forever when she suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), resulting in daily seizures and chronic pain. This experience did not slow her down. Instead, it inspired her to create and facilitate groups in which she motivates others who, like her, are recovering from traumatic brain injuries.
Her goal is to inspire her peers to be excited about learning and to serve as a mentor and role model. She continues her education in a program that focuses on adults with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. She devotes herself to helping others pursue joy, inner peace, and purpose, partly because of her own struggles with depression. She says, “It is an honor and privilege to spend time helping, learning, and growing with” the staff at Advocate Homecare and the people they serve. April is a retired school psychologist with both a BS and an MS in psychology. She has taught as an adjunct professor at The Borough Community College. She is also a certified master dog trainer and holds a veterinary care assistant certificate. In addition to her volunteer work at Advocate Homecare and her love of dogs, April enjoys spending time with family, reading, cooking, traveling, and woodcarving. She lives in the Hudson Valley.
Deric Amato
Transportation Specialist and Life Skills Trainer
Coming soon
Paul Akers, LCSW-R
Behavioral Services Consultant
Coming soon
Mely Otega
Service Coordinator
Mely Ortega is a bilingual healthcare professional with more than 10 years of experience in case management, care coordination, patient advocacy, and healthcare services. She has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families navigate complex healthcare systems, access essential resources, and receive the support they need to live healthier, more independent lives.
Mely earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Mercy College. Her experience, compassion, and commitment to advocacy guide her person-centered approach to supporting each individual and family she serves.
Outside of work, Mely enjoys spending time with her daughter and family, traveling, listening to music, and creating new memories. She values positivity, meaningful connections, and making the most of life.
Judy Hylton
Independent Living Skills Trainer
With more than 25 years of experience supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as individuals with diverse cognitive and neurological needs, I have dedicated my career to advocacy, empowerment, and person-centered support.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside individuals and families as they navigate complex systems, overcome barriers, and pursue opportunities for greater independence, inclusion, and quality of life. I believe meaningful support begins with recognizing each person as an individual—with unique strengths, abilities, goals, and aspirations.
What makes this work especially meaningful to me is the opportunity to advocate for those whose voices may too often go unheard. I am committed to ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and respect, that their rights and choices are protected, and that they are given meaningful opportunities to reach their fullest potential.
For me, this work is more than a profession—it is a purpose. I believe advocacy means not only speaking up when necessary, but also helping individuals find and strengthen their own voices, make informed choices, and have greater control over the lives they want to lead.
Amanda Morin
Structured Day Program Coordinator
Amanda Morin serves as the Day Program Coordinator at Advocate Homecare’s The Ability Center. Her professional background includes activity and vocational program coordination, program development, community integration, and supporting individuals with disabilities.
Throughout her career, Amanda has developed and coordinated vocational, recreational, internship, and skill-building programs designed to promote independence, confidence, and meaningful community involvement. Her experience includes creating engaging activities, developing individualized programming, coordinating community-based opportunities, and helping individuals strengthen practical skills that support their personal goals.
Amanda is passionate about creating an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and encouraged to explore their interests and abilities. She believes successful programming should be person-centered, engaging, and provide meaningful opportunities for personal growth, independence, and social connection.
At The Ability Center, Amanda brings creativity, experience, and enthusiasm to expanding opportunities for participants, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to build a welcoming and dynamic day program.