Concepts of Independence, Inc
Program Director, 1980 - 2001
Board Member 1976 - 1980
Co-Founder 1976

Program Director

• Managed the operation and development of the largest and most successful Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program in New York State. A program that grew from four to more than 1,000 consumers who employ more than 2,000 personal assistants.

• Directed the development of the program from a branch of the New York City Home Attendant Program to a multi-county service provider, offering services to both Independent and Non-Independent Consumers.
  

• Fostered the development of an operational structure that enabled the program's departments from intake to billing to achieve their operational objectives, while promoting the program's primary mission to enhance consumer independence and control.
  

• Introduced and developed computerized systems designed specifically to serve the needs of our unique program including a Quicken/Excel check-writing report-generating system, a dBase IV consumer file that generated Nurse's Assessment schedules, program statistics and savings projections, and an Access-based system to monitor and control Personal Assistant Health Assessments.
  

• Designed the Consumer Manual to promote a consumer's smooth transition into the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.
  

• Developed a multiphase Recruitment Assistance Program that included a Hotline, Network List and Agency List to assist consumers with the process of attracting potential Personal Assistants.
  

• Created the idea and cost elements of Cobra Units, which was included in a grant proposal submitted to the New York State Department of Health, a program that extended free coverage to unemployed long-term employees and thereby promoted work force continuity.
  

• Successfully worked with legislators to secure a legislative modification, which enable consumers to self-manage high-level health services, throughout New York State.

Board Member

• Assisted with the preparation of the 501C3 not-for-profit corporation status that was received on December 12, 1977.

• Wrote and prepared marketing materials used to promote program development and expansion.

• Participated in workshops and meetings that sought to address the concerns and questions of consumers, legislators, and members of the professional medical community.

Co-Founder

• Worked with Victoria Holland and Ira E. Holland to create the first Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program in New York State.

Goldwater Memorial Hospital
Medical Utilization Review Analyst, 1977 - 1980
Hospital Care Investigator, 1977 - 1977
Senior Clerk, 1974 - 1977
Volunteer, 1967 - 1974

At Goldwater I had the opportunity to establish long-term relationships with many people with severe disabilities. These relationships enabled me to learn about many of the problems that confront people who require long-term support services.

EDUCATION

• New York University - SCPS - Certificate in Bookkeeping - 2001
  

• Baruch College - Graduate Division - City University New York 1973 - 1977
  Graduate level courses: Accounting, Data Processing, Management, and Health Administration
  

• St. John's University - BA - Psychology - 1973