Linda Laul began her career as a special education teacher and moved into administration for the New York State system supervising residential, day and clinical programs throughout Long Island, NY where she worked for over 19 years.

She joined ADAPT Community Network in July 1990 as the Assistant Executive Director for Day Services. Laul later assumed responsibility for all programs and clinical services as Chief Operating Officer and now leads the organization as Chief Executive Officer of ADAPT Community Network.

Laul received her BS in Education from St. John’s University and her MS in Special Education from Brooklyn College.

A’Isha Torrence has overseen intricate budgeting, financial processes, and reporting for substantial not-for-profit organizations. With an extensive tenure of nearly 25 years at AHRC NYC, she played a key role in these responsibilities. Additionally, Torrence holds the position of co-chair for the Interagency Council Fiscal Committee and serves as a Board member for the New York State Society of CPAs.

Jim Brown has served as the CIO at ADAPT Community Network for 23 years. Having accumulated, three decades of experience in the healthcare information technologies industry, he has held roles as both a consultant and an executive. Over the last twenty-five years, his focus has been on information systems within the non-profit Healthcare and Human Services sectors in New York State. In addition to his tenure as interim CIO for a Care Coordination Organization (CCO), he assumed the role of past chairman of the InterAgency Council (IAC) Information Technology Committee. Furthermore, Brown dedicated several years to serving as an adjunct Professor, teaching graduate courses in Health Care Economics at the University of Phoenix.

Dahlian Porter has worked in the Intellectual Developmental Disabilities field for 26 years. His first job in the field was a Direct Care Worker and currently serves as Chief Program Officer. Porter joined ADAPT 19 years ago. During his tenure at the agency, he has held several key positions as a member of the senior management and executive leadership team.  

As part of his advocacy efforts in 2019, Porter joined the Executive Board of the InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, INC. IAC serves over 150 Agency Members and provide services to children and adults in NY State.  In addition, Porter sits on several committees hosted by the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State.  

He received his Bachelor’s from Dowling College and is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities. 

Mariette McBride has worked in the Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities field for over 35 years starting as a Direct Support Professional while completing her studies. McBride holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from St. John’s University.  After spending several years working in the behavioral support area, Mariette joined ADAPT Community Network in 1995 as a Day Program Director, and in her tenure has held many positions on the Senior Leadership team. Mariette has been with the organization for 28 years and is currently serving as the Chief Quality Improvement Officer. In this role Mariette is responsible for developing the relationships and the integration of all new network member agencies, leading the Quality Improvement Committee, supervision of governmental relationships, grant writing and management, and ensuring ADAPT’s continued accreditations. In 2011, Mariette received the Affiliate Leadership Award from Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State.

Michael Matrone graduated from Syracuse University in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  In 1988, he moved to New York City and started working as a Direct Care Worker in the field of individuals with disabilities.   He worked as a Group Home Manager, a Residential Director and Coordinator of Operations for Program Support and currently holds the position of Chief Compliance Officer since 2011 and has been with ADAPT for 25 years. Matrone’s role gives him the opportunity to interact with agency staff helping to create a positive, safe and honest environment at ADAPT Community Network. 

Rajesh Shah has worked in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities field for over 25 years in progressive roles including his current role of Chief Financial Officer. He joined ADAPT Community Network 19 years ago and oversees the Finance, Budgeting and Information Technology Departments. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Gujarat University in India. He is a Chartered Accountant (CA) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Peter Anzalone oversees the Education Department at ADAPT Community Network, which comprises eleven schools and the Tech Works Department. With a tenure of 9 years at the organization, he initially joined as a Coordinator of Operations. Over time, he earned promotions, progressing through roles such as Vice President of Education, leading up to his current leadership position in 2022. Before joining ADAPT Community Network, he held diverse positions in Education Administration within various non-profit settings. 

Anzalone’s academic qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education from Misericordia University, a Master’s degree in early childhood education from Queens College, and a master’s degree in school building leadership from St. John’s University. Anzalone holds certifications in NYS licensure for elementary/special education and school building leadership. He emphasizes a strong commitment to prioritizing students as the organization’s focus and fostering their journey toward reaching their full potential. 

Laura Hickman has dedicated her life to the service of others through her work with non-profit organizations. Starting as a Direct Support Professional she has worked for nonprofits for almost 25 years. Before re-joining ADAPT Community Network in 2020 Hickman lead the major giving department at Action Against Hunger, she was also an assistant director in philanthropy at the Cleveland Clinic. Hickman holds an Associates Degree in business from Alpena Community College. A Bachelor’s in Human Services from Kennesaw State University and a Masters in Public Administration Metropolitan College of New York. In 2023 she was named the Alpena Community College Distinguished Graduate. When not working Hickman likes to travel with her family and spend time with her friends.  

Matthew Parascando boasts a career spanning over 17 years in developmental disabilities, having occupied diverse roles within the industry. Presently, he holds the position of Senior Vice President of Program Services at ADAPT Community Network. In this capacity, he is responsible for the supervision of Day Habilitation, Supported Employment, Recreation, Community Outreach, and Residential Services for ADAPT.

Ronak Parikh brings over last 14 years, of experience advising not-for-profit and for-profit clients, including hospitals and health systems, primary care providers, long-term care providers, behavioral health providers, intellectual and/or developmental disability service providers, child welfare providers, managed care organizations, health care technology companies, and investment firms, on navigating the changing health care policy landscape and market trends and taking advantage of related business opportunities.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Tufts University in International Relations and Biomedical Engineering and a Masters of Public Health in Health Care Policy and Management with a concentration in Global Health.

As the Senior Vice President of Community and Business Development, my focus is on developing new programs and services to better meet the needs of the people supported by ADAPT, as well as exploring and pursuing new ventures and establishing new partnerships to help ensure ADAPT’s future as a leader in the field.

Laura DeCarlo has been in healthcare administration for over 27 years, and has dedicated the past seventeen years of her career to ADAPT Community Network. Currently overseeing all operational functions for two multispecialty Article 28 clinics and nine Article 16 habilitation clinics, she plays a pivotal role in the organization’s healthcare services. 

In addition to her operational responsibilities, she has actively contributed to the development of a curriculum and rotation program for dental students at ADAPT. Her involvement in shaping educational initiatives reflects her dedication to advancing healthcare education within the organization. 

DeCarlo’s commitment extends beyond her specific role, as evidenced by her longstanding service as co-chair for the Interagency Council and Cerebral Palsy Association of NYS Clinic Committees. Over the years, she has played a vital role in these committees, contributing her expertise to enhance the quality of care and services provided by ADAPT Community Network.

Kim DiSario has worked in the not-for-profit field since November 1998. Her prior experience includes accounting and consulting services for various not-for-profit agencies across the Long Island, New York City, and Upstate regions.

Kim DiSario joined ADAPT Community Network in 2019 serving as the VP of Budget & Finance working to prepare the annual agency budget, preparing the annual Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR), preparing the AHCF cost report, preparing monthly and quarterly financial statements, along with analysis of any significant budget variances.

Tracy Pickar brings more than two decades of experience in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities field to ADAPT Community Network, where she became a part of the team over two years ago. Possessing a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis, Pickar also holds a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Michigan.

In the capacity of Vice President of Family Support Services, she assumes responsibility for overseeing all Family Services, which encompass Community Habilitation, Doorways to Independence, Family Reimbursement, Housing Assistance Services, Housing Subsidy, and Project Connect.

Her involvement extends beyond ADAPT, as Pickar holds the role of Chair Elect for the Lifespan Care Committee at the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM).

Rose Wargo has dedicated nearly three decades to her career in the field, with a commendable 18-year tenure at her current workplace. As a Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse, she holds a wealth of expertise in her specialized field.

In her role, Rose takes on the responsibility of overseeing nursing operations across a spectrum of programs, including residential, day, and Children’s programs. Her extensive experience ensures the well-being and healthcare standards of the individuals under her care.