New York City Staff

Priya Pinto
Executive Director & Administrator
(NYC office)

M.S. counselor Education, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY
PhD., Counselor Education, State University of NY at Buffalo
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor

Priya has an extensive background in working with individuals with disabilities, including individuals with developmental disabilities and brain injury. Priya started in the field as a vocational evaluator, but that opportunity opened the door to several others, resulting in a broad based experience that included case management for multiple client needs, assisting clients with setting and achieving personal and vocational goals, offering support and resources to help obtain and retain employment in the community, and behavioral assessment along with positive, proactive behavior support and management. Priya also has experience in teaching rehabilitation topics to professionals working in the field. As an owner and an Administrator, Priya admits that the favorite part of her role is the creativity that can be employed in solving work problems, using a mutual vision and value system that herself and her partners use as their guide for decision making. Her area of specialty is a broad understanding of behavior, what causes and sustains both desirable and undesirable behavior, and her knowledge and expertise of those principles as they apply to the population of individuals with brain injury. Through it all, Priya has a dual commitment: the first is to the right of an individual with a disability to choose and to be integrated in the community, and to be respected as a unique individual with a unique perspective. The other equally important part is the provision of a workplace that is comfortable and respectful, where individuals can use their talents to flourish and grow and, where they can achieve recognition and value.

CHERYL TAYLOR
Waiver Services Manager
(NYC office)

Bachelor of Professional Studies in Human Services
MPA in Public Affairs and Administration

Metropolitan College of NY

Cheryl began her journey with New Frontiers in TBI in April 2010. Professionally, she has grown from a HCSS, to a Scheduling Coordinator, to a Service Coordinator, and now to her current position as Manager of Waiver Services. She has seven years of experience within the human services field ranging from Administrative Assistant to Assistant Program Director of a Mental Health residence. Cheryl’s favorite part of the job is providing direct service care to our participants in their homes—helping people to help themselves! In addition, she enjoys being a part of and growing with a dynamic company. Although Cheryl has many roles and responsibilities in life; she enjoys life to the fullest without regret!

MICHELE GERMAIN
ILST/Waiver Services Assistant
(NYC office)

B.S. Therapeutic Recreation
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Michele began her journey with New Frontiers in March of 2008. She graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation. Michele has worked with adults with developmental disabilities providing pre-employment training and community integration skills. Her volunteer and internship experience includes mentoring, teaching, training and counseling individuals and groups with disabilities. Michele’s favorite part of her role at New Frontiers is being able to provide the participants with the assistance they need so that they can fulfill their independence. She also enjoys being a part of a wonderful team of individuals who sincerely care about the participants they serve. Michele understands the importance of living life to the fullest and she believes that each day is a blessing. “We live life on levels and arrive at stages; my job is to help my participants overcome those stages so they may reach their highest point of purpose in life”.

YULANDIE LATHAM
Director of Patient Services
(NYC office)
RN, BA BSN

Yulandie joined the NFTBI team in mid December 2011as interim Director of Patient sevices and then took on the full role of Director of Patient Services in February 2012. Yulandie has a very versatile background, and has worked as a Staff RN, Home Care Supervisor and Case management Nurse in Maternal/ Infant care. In all her positions she has maintained excellent nursing skills and has adapted well to new situations. Most of all , Yulandie has genuine concern for those in her care. Her key motivation for expanding her horizons with New Frontiers was to do something new and to become involved in providing innovative holistic care to NFTBI’s TBI participants. Yulandie is committed to doing whatever is necessary to spread the word about NFTBI’s unique services in her role as the new Director of Patient Services. More importantly, Yulandie wishes to welcome all potential participants to reach out to NFTBI, as she recognizes a team of superior professionals who will work diligently to assist you to reach your fullest potential.

KRISTEN ADDESSI
Services Coordinator
(NYC office)
BA, PSYCHOLOGY
College of Staten Island, Staten Island, NY

Kristen joined the New Frontiers in TBI Waiver team in October 2011. Kristen has enjoyed working in various positions in the field of Disabilities, including as Service Coordinator for individuals with Autism under the OPWDD HCBS Waiver. Kristen's interest in Human Services field began during her last semester of college, where she participated and developed an internship working with individuals with multiple disabilities in their current day programs. That experience further inspired her desire to aid individuals of all abilities, and to develop their independence and individuality. Kristen states that she feels very honored to be at New Frontiers with her coworkers and to be part of a team that works closely together to ensure that all of participants receive the best care and services that they deserve.

KAREEM MCGEE
Scheduling Coordinator
(NYC office)

Kareem Mcgee was born and raised in Florida. He graduated from Dunedin High School in 1994. Kareem joined New Frontiers in 2009 as an HCSS and became Scheduling Staffing Coordinator in June 2011. Kareem has a passion for helping people and enjoys the constant challenges of the job. He is good at giving directions and “taking charge” in a situation. Kareem’s happy smile and polite manner is his trademark characteristic here at New Frontiers.

NICOLE HUTCHINSON
Service Coordinator
(NYC office)

B.S. Psychology,
Howard University, Washington D.C.

One of the newest members to the team, Nicole came to New Frontiers in the hope of gaining experience working with a different population. Nicole holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Howard University, and is currently enrolled in a Master’s Program for Marriage and Family therapy at Mercy College. Her experience extends to working with those in the mental health field, with at-risk youth, and briefly with young adults with developmental disabilities. Nicole believes that a lot can be learned from the people that we work with as well as from those with whom we interact on a daily basis. Nicole approaches work with the same attitude she has in her life of total optimism. Her motto is “where there is a will there is a way.” As such, Nicole aspires to spread hope and evoke change amongst those who believe they are “stuck,” or do not believe that their life can hold greater value. It gives her great pride when a person she is working with is able to accomplish and achieve their personal goals. This reward is why Nicole continues to enjoy working in the human services field.