Jackie Ceonzo was inspired to create SNACK* in 2003, motivated by her role as a mother raising two sons- one with severe autism and one typically developing. With a vision to provide a place where both her children and others could thrive, she formulated a plan to establish a space welcoming of all individuals, irrespective of their backgrounds, to gather, learn, grow, and build connections. Driven by this commitment, Jackie evolved SNACK into a lively and inviting space for kids, teens, and young adults, offering a diverse array of classes and opportunities. Jackie worked with a pediatrician, a disability advocate and a behavioral specialist to initially create SNACK. She spent three years funding, developing, implementing and building the SNACK organization to what we see today – growing from having served 6 people when SNACK’s doors first opened, to now serving over 250. Jackie is actively involved in SNACK’s administrative and programming decisions and is available on-site to meet with parents, caregivers, SNACK attendees, outside therapists, etc. Jackie served as President of the Alumnae Association of The Marymount School of New York for over 10 years. She recently completed serving 20 Years as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Hawthorne Foundation, an agency that provides a continuum of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Jackie received her BA in Economics from Villanova University, where she met her husband, Joe; their son, Andrew, is also a proud Villanova alum. 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 her son, Joey was diagnosed.

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.