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Board of Directors A Message
Board of Directors

Chief Executive O cer

Maria Cappoletti

Dr. Michael Kelberman Frank Behlmer Bruce Daniels
President Vice President & Treasurer
Frank Behlmer
Dr. Michael Kelberman Interim Secretary Bruce Daniels Dear Friends, Supporters, and Members of the Kelberman Community,
President Vice President & Treasurer
Interim Secretary As we mark our 20th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude. Reflecting not only on

this past year, but on the twenty years of impact that the Kelberman Center has
had on the community, it invokes excitement, pride, and continued commitment for
the future!
Two decades ago, Kelberman was founded with a singular mission: to support
individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through advocacy, education,
Doug Bottego Joanne Donaruma Dr. Stephen Eadline Dr. Johnathan Cooper Humpf and community engagement. Today, we stand proudly as a growing, vibrant
MD Henderson

Doug Bottego Joanne Donaruma Dr. Stephen Eadline Dr. Johnathan Cooper Humpf community. What began as a grassroots e ort has evolved into a leading voice for
MD, FAAP
MD Henderson autism acceptance, awareness, and inclusion. In 2005, the estimated prevalence
MD, FAAP of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was 1 in 166 children. Twenty years later, in 2025,
the latest estimate according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) is 1 in 31 children. These statistics only emphasize the importance of our
continued purpose and mission. We will continue to walk alongside individuals with
c on tinued purpose and mission. W e will c on tinue to w alk alongside individuals with
autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities ensuring they have access to
meaningful experiences, compassionate care, and the opportunity to thrive.
Maria Kontaridis, Mark Livesey Patrick Scully Mark Vacca Colin Wixson This past year we built upon our legacy, deepening the impact of our programs
Ph.D. through innovation, collaboration, and commitment to optimizing services. We
Maria Kontaridis, Mark Livesey Patrick Scully Mark Vacca Colin Wixson strengthened our community outreach and engagement focused on promoting
Ph.D. inclusivity into the fabric of our communities. We expanded our recreational
Leadership Team programming, recognizing that joy, creativity, and play are not extras—they are
Leadership Team essential to well-being. These inclusive experiences have supported individual
development while also strengthening the bonds within our community.
Beyond the services and the programs are the stories - of progress, resilience, and
joy. Stories like that of Josh, Blake and Bryce who all have experienced challenges,
opportunities, growth, and success, throughout their journey. Read more about
them in the pages ahead. They will continue to add chapters to their stories, on the
path toward their individual goals and dreams. These stories are why Kelberman
exists - to help people and families author their own story one page at a time.
Maria Cappoletti Kelly Carinci Nicole DeRosa, PSY.D., Our 20-year milestone is not just a celebration of the past; it is a call to action for
Chief Development & BCBA-D, LBA
Maria Cappoletti Kelly Carinci Nicole DeRosa, PSY.D., the future. The needs of the autism community are evolving, and so must we. This
Chief Development & BCBA-D, LBA would not be possible without the dedication of our team, the trust of the families
we serve, and the generosity of our community. To every donor, volunteer, sta

member, partner, and family who has walked this journey with us: thank you. Your
commitment fuels our mission. Together, we will continue to build a community
ed to thriv
er
with autism is seen,
e.
w
alued, and empo
v
person
e e
wher
where every person with autism is seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.
v
ery
With heartfelt appreciation,
With heartfelt appreciation,
Heather Arcuri Christina LaPolla
Vice President of Educational Vice President of
and Clinical Services Administrative Operations
Heather Arcuri
Christina LaPolla
Maria Cappoletti
Vice President of Educational Vice President of Maria Cappoletti

and Clinical Services Administrative Operations Chief Executive O cer