Here to Support YOU!
Jeannine Garab
Executive Director
Jeannine first joined the staff as a part-time employee in 1987 and later served as an intern while completing her degree at the College of Saint Rose.
Garab was named Executive Director in 1991 and has since earned her spot as an established leader in the local community through her continuous dedication.
Darcy Below
Office Manager
Since 2005, Darcy is one of the very first people you’ll see when you come into the office and one of the first you’ll speak to when you call! Darcy started at the agency as an Administrative Assistant and was promoted to Office Manager.
In addition to ensuring our operations here are running smoothly, she keeps us all on task and fully stocked! Darcy makes sure our mailings, postcards, and invitations arrive safely at your door. She also assists with our many special events throughout the year and proudly serves on the Confections in Chocolate planning committee.
Diana Voss
Administrative Assistant – Traumatic Brain Injury Programs
Diana has been with the team since 1997! She ensures our days are running smoothly and efficiently!
Diana is in charge of accepting applications for our Tara Fund and disseminating the proper information to the committee that decides the recipients.
She says it has been a joy for her to watch our programs and services flourish and grow. She is thankful for all of the on-the-job training she has been given since 1997 and loves that her skillset has grown as the agency grew.
Gabby Kernozek
Marketing, Communications, & Special Events Coordinator
Gabby joined the team in 2023 and is thrilled to be part of such a devoted team. Her goals are to increase awareness of the Foundation’s mission, promote fundraising efforts and foster a tight-knit community in person and digitally. Gabby Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from MCLA.
Jeff Riccio
Director of TBI
Jeff, who had been with the EFNENY for 12 years prior, was promoted to the Director of EFNENY’s Traumatic Brain Injury Program in 2022. In Jeff’s current role, he oversees all of the consumers receiving services, as well as the service coordinators for the agency.
Jeff says his favorite part of his job is advocating for people. He says he’s proud of being able to help those living with epilepsy live stable lives and be independent and safe within their community.
Jordan Dunn
Special Events Manager
Jordan joined the team in May of 2022 as the MCSEC but has since transitioned to the role of Special Events Manager this past January.
Jordan brings with her a passion for both the community and for bringing events to life. Jordan graduated from Siena with a double major and a double minor in 2021.
Kathy Gavitt
TBI Coordinator
Kathy joined the team in January of 2023 as a TBI Coordinator.
Her goals are to provide services to TBI waiver individuals in the most inclusive, creative, and resourceful way possible.
Fun Fact: Back in the 1970s and 80’s she was an EEG Technician. One of the machines was run on tubes and the ink in the pens was Nigrosine (octopus ink)! Kathy also was a part of the Peace Corps!
Mary Beth Champagne
Accounting & HR Administrator
Mary Beth Champagne started providing accounting services for the Epilepsy Foundation in January 2000. She fulfilled the accounting function while also holding the position of Health Educator.
She held both positions for 5 years until her focus became just Accounting and Human Resources in September 2006. Her favorite part of providing health education was the wealth of information being given to audiences that were unaware of epilepsy.
She says, “Knowledge is power and the more you know about something, the less fearful you are of it”.
Rachel Yattaw
Health Educator & Advocacy Coordinator
Rachel joined the team with a Bachelor’s in Public Health from SUNY Albany.
Rachel is excited to be able to help the local community become more educated about epilepsy and its numerous impacts on the everyday lives of the constituents we serve in NENY.
Sam Champagne
Programs Coordinator & Counselor
Sam joins us with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Gender Studies and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Plattsburgh. Sam will be offering counseling to individuals with epilepsy and their families, both virtually and in person, and looks forward to getting to know the people that EFNENY serves throughout the northeast.
Susan Kaczynski
Director of Donor Engagement
Susan has been with EFNENY for over 17 years. Starting as the Special Events Coordinator before being promoted to Director of Development, Susan has now taken on the role of Director of Donor Engagement this past January.
Suzanna Ritchey
TBI Coordinator
Suzanna joined the team in May of 2022 as a TBI Coordinator.
In her day-to-day, she works with people living with epilepsy due to a TBI to ensure they are receiving services and enrolled in programs they need and are entitled to.
Before joining the team at EFNENY, Suzanna worked as a nurse for 15 years.
Suzanna enjoys her position because it allows her to help others regain their independence.
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