Jackie 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 has spent 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 manufacturers. She had risen to the position of vice president, with responsibility for $75 million of annual sales, when her son, Joey was diagnosed.