General Council Officers
Bryan Rothenstein, LMSW – HHCS
Chairperson
Rachelle Kivanoski – Parent
Vice-Chair Parent
Marjory Antoine – Birch Family Services
Vice-Chair Provider
Marion Resnick – Parent
Secretary
Christopher Greif – BFSSAC
Treasurer
Transition Committee
Pilar Jones – AHRC
The Transition Committee meets monthly to assist Brooklyn students and families with the transition process from school to adult services under OPWDD. Monthly meetings provide a forum for providers, educators, and families to share resources, discuss program opportunities, and troubleshoot emerging issues as students and families navigate the system of services available to those entering the post-school world.
Family, Provider & Care Management Information Committee
Debra Greif – Brooklyn Family Support Service Advisory Council
Rose Sauls – Brooklyn Community Services
The Family, Provider & Care Management Information Committee provides information and outreach to the I/DD community of Brooklyn along with representatives from families, agencies, state officials. Through ongoing monthly meetings, relevant topics will be presented and discussed, including Family Support Services, Family Reimbursement, Self-Direction, Care Management, etc. If you are a family member, self-advocate, care manager or service provider, there will be something of interest for you to attend.
Legislative Committee
Lucina Clarke – My Time Inc.
Maria Willis – CP Unlimited
The Legislative Committee was established to help educate the general public regarding the achievements and challenges of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. It is a place where advocacy happens and the voices of those who live in the system can be heard.
Children Services Committee
Marjory Antoine – Birch Family Services
Trudy Pines – AHRC
The Children’s Committee is a forum for parents and providers to identify needs and find solutions, through presentations and discussions regarding the education and care of children with developmental disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one.
Employment Committee
Jajaida Gonzalez – Services For The Underserved
Gillian LeBron – Goodwill
The Employment Committee will provide an opportunity to discuss and troubleshoot access to meaningful employment opportunities for the intellectual and developmentally disabled population throughout Brooklyn. Providers, advocates and families can share resources and make recommendations to state officials that raise the awareness and struggles of not just finding employment, but maintaining successful employment for the I/DD population.
Residential and Housing Committee
Vacant
Vacant
The Residential and Housing Committee is comprised of providers and family members. The meetings are designed to assist families who are looking for placement, as well as for people already in a residence who have questions about residential services. The committee demonstrates the benefits of a good partnership between families and providers. The committee is designed to share and problem solve residential and housing issues. Providers explain the regulations that govern the operation of the residences and how parents can best advocate for their loved ones.
*If you are interested in helping to chair the Residential and Housing Committee for the Brooklyn DD Council, please email the Chairperson*
Brooklyn Developmental Disabilities Council 
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