Page 26 - 12th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards Program

Leadership Excellence

Robert Ciatto, President/CEO Suzanne Chimera, Co-Founder
Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. Hair We Share
807 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Bethpage, NY 11714 4 Expressway Plaza, Suite LL14, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
(516) 822.0028 | www.acld.org (516) 484-8483 | www.hairweshare.org
ACLD is a leading not-for-profit agency on Long Island with the mission to provide opportunities Meet Suzanne Chimera the Co-Founder, driving force, and visionary of Hair We Share. Suzanne
for children and adults with autism, learning and developmental disabilities to pursue enviable has worked with diverse cases of hair loss including, but not limited to chemotherapy, alopecia,
lives, promote their independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. head trauma, and burn victims. With three decades of experience as a custom wig designer
During his 10 year tenure with ACLD, Rob Ciatto has been instrumental in improving how Suzanne’s impact extends beyond her technical expertise. Her passion for people, unwavering
ACLD meets its mission. Initially, he expanded the Day Habilitation program, establishing commitment, and exceptional leadership skills, have propelled Hair We Share to new heights.
over 200 volunteer sites and increasing program participation from 300 to 500 individuals. He Suzanne understands that a strong team is the backbone of success. Suzanne is a critical thinker
also enhanced the agency’s transportation system for a better traveling experience to and from anticipating challenges and strategizing effective solutions that benefit donors, volunteers,
the agency’s programs. Rob was pivotal in the transition of eight state-run homes for adults and most importantly wig recipients. Her interpersonal skills foster collaboration, creating a
with developmental disabilities to 15 residential homes operating under the ACLD banner. In harmonious and welcoming working environment.
addition, he further expanded the Residential Program with the creation of three aging-out
houses. The ponytail tracking program, Suzanne’s brainchild, has been a resounding success. The
ponytail tracking program allows hair donors to see a photo of the wig created from their
Rob’s commitment to both the individuals ACLD supports and its employees is unmatched. hair. Suzanne describes each wig as a mini community, it takes five donors to make one wig,
He strengthened workforce development by coordinating a Master’s Cohort program with five people coming together to help one person. Donating a ponytail and sponsoring a wig for
Stony Brook University, resulting in 16 graduates in 2021, with ongoing enrollment aimed at someone in need creates a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving. At Hair We Share our mission
cultivating future leaders among ACLD’s staff. transcends hair, it touches lives. Our wigs provide dignity to chemotherapy patients, empower
alopecia warriors, help accident, and burn victims feel whole again, brings smiles to the faces of
Rob not only leads ACLD but is also vested in ensuring the entire industry is providing the highest children by providing suitable and age-appropriate wigs. At Hair We Share we believe that hair
level of support and services for people with IDD with his involvement with the InterAgency isn’t just about appearance – it’s about dignity, confidence, and self-esteem.
Council, Seamless Care Alliance for Nassau and Suffolk and the New York Alliance, all giving
him the opportunity to provide input, insight and perspective on the future of this field.

Shannon Boyle, Executive Director David Kilmnick, PhD, Founder & President
New Ground Inc. New York LGBT Network, Inc.
70 Acorn Lane, Levittown, NY 11756 125 Kennedy Dr, Suite 100, Hauppauge, NY 11788
(516) 564-4764 | www.newground.org (631) 665-2300 | www.lgbtnetwork.org
Since 1991, New Ground has aided countless Long Island Veterans and families in breaking the David Kilmnick, PhD is a founder and President of the LGBT Network, which he began in 1993
cycle homelessness and poverty, addressing barriers preventing them from leading successful as Long Island Gay and Lesbian Youth, Inc. (LIGALY). From its infancy to today, David has been
lives. New Ground offers comprehensive long-term solutions, including adult and youth a driving force and leader in how the organization achieves its mission.
education program completion, financial literacy training, career development, and more.
Emphasizing critical life skills, clients define their needs to achieve future self-sufficiency. New While David was a masters’ of social work graduate student at Stony Brook University, he took-
Ground also prioritizes the well-being of children within families, ensuring their academic, on a thesis project to design an anti-bullying curriculum to deliver in local Long Island schools.
mental, and physical success for future independence. In doing so, a tremendous need was unmasked: Whenever the workshops were conducted,
LGBT youth consistently had questions like, “Is there a place to go where I can meet other kids like
Overseeing all facets of the agency since her career began at New Ground 21 years ago, Shannon me?”
Boyle has spearheaded operations, administration, development, fundraising, and expansion
efforts, as well as manages programs and services. Under Shannon’s visionary leadership, she David saw the need for a safe space for LGBT youth outside of their schools – and subsequently
has laid a strong foundation for future growth, responding to the growing community need founded the organization in 1993 – something that did not exist previously.
by expanding services. Collaborating with the Northport VA in 2016, New Ground extended
support to over 500 homeless Veteran households. Subsequent expansions included doubling the In the following 30 years, David has led the organization to offer a range of outreach, support,
capacity of the JumpStart Program in 2022 and gaining approvals for the Patchogue Housing education, health, and advocacy services and programs for tens of thousands of LGBT people
Development in 2023, adding 17 units to the Long Term Housing Program (LTHP). and families based out of five LGBT community center service sites. He’s also spearheaded a
series of “firsts” – a prom for LGBT youth in the suburbs, an LGBT Parent-Teacher-Student
Shannon’s background in clinical social work paired with her business savvy sense gives her an association, a major partnership with the NY Mets for a Pride Night at Citi Field, and LGBT-
innovative approach to tackling homelessness on Long Island. She has become a symbol of hope friendly housing, to name just a few. Each effort drove institutional change and social change to
for so many facing adversity and has strategically positioned New Ground to empower even create more safe spaces for the LGBT community.
more Veterans, parents, and children to take steps towards success, ensuring a brighter future
for generations to come.

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