Jackie was inspired to create SNACK in 2003, when her son Joey, whose disabilities fall on the Autism spectrum, was turned away by a special needs program because “he wouldn’t fit in” due to his significant needs. She formulated a plan to establish a center where Joey and other children with special needs would be welcome, regardless of their language abilities, behavioral challenges or skill level. She envisioned a place where parents and children would feel comfortable socializing and learning life and recreation skills in a creative and safe environment. Jackie worked with a pediatric neurologist, a disability advocate and a behavioral specialist to create SNACK (Special Needs Activity Center for Kids). She spent three years funding, developing, implementing and growing the SNACK organization to today’s level. Jackie is actively involved in the Center’s administrative and programming decisions and is available on-site to meet with parents, caregivers, and outside therapists. In addition to her time developing SNACK, she is also Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Hawthorne Foundation, an agency that provides a continuum of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. An alumna of the Marymount School of New York, Jackie recently completed serving 9 years as President of the Alumnae Association and a member of the Board of Trustees.  Jackie’s business experience includes 16 years in the textile industry supplying major retailers and manufactures. She had risen to the position of vice president, with responsibility for $75 million of annual sales, when Joey was diagnosed.  Jackie holds a BA in Economics from Villanova University.

Gray is a Board Certified Music Therapist with a Bachelors degree in Music Therapy from Temple University. Before starting at SNACK, Gray practiced music therapy in a wide range of settings including facilities for adult psych and crisis response, skilled nursing and hospice, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Gray now fills a number of roles at SNACK including leading music classes, system admin, media production, fundraising, web design, and enrollment.

Jeanne has over twenty-five years experience as a sales, marketing and business development executive, and consulting positions to bring new companies to the marketplace. She has worked with small to large Fortune 500 companies as well as advocacy, community-based and non-profit organizations. Jeanne has a proven track record in strategic planning and development, building relationships with key decision makers, establishing strategic partnerships and raising funds to support SNACK’s organizational needs and growth. Since joining SNACK in 2006, she has been instrumental in helping to generate over $5 million dollars in fundraised revenue by developing and managing a variety of fundraising initiatives, enabling SNACK to maintain and expand its programs to significantly increase the number of families it serves.

Liz oversees daily activities, scheduling and staff management, and assists the children in social skill development as well as oversees various organization administrative responsibilities on a daily basis. In addition to her duties at SNACK, she has worked for over twenty years in the field of developmental disabilities, nine of which were working as the Behavioral Specialist Trainer under the direct supervision of a PhD Behavioral Psychologist. Liz holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Hunter College.

Katie is our program director for classes at 53rd St geared towards children and adolescents, including Snacktivities Classes and Holiday Program. She oversees enrollment and scheduling for new and returning families as well as overseeing day-to-day facility operations at SNACK. On the facility side, Katie ensures that the class environment is safe, clean, and comfortable our staff and participants. Katie has been involved in the special needs community her entire life, as her autistic brother is a frequent competitor in the Special Olympics. Katie has a degree in Musical Theatre from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.