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.

Kareem Hairston
Waiver Services Manager
(NYC office)

B.S. Psychology, Northeastern University

Kareem began at New Frontiers in March of 2009. He graduated from Northeastern University in September of 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Kareem’s prior experience includes almost a decade of human services work in case management and supervision. What Kareem loves most about his role is the ability to be hands on with the participants we serve as well as take a turn and be in the office. They say, “too much of anything is not good”, and he feels like his role affords that happy medium. Kareem also enjoys the supervisory aspect of his role. Kareem’s specialty is, by his own admission, simply “altruism”. He says he does not know anything other than helping people, and has always been that way. His kind and gentle spirit makes him stand out in a sometimes tough world. Kareem has the best smile in all of New Frontiers!

Cheryl L. Taylor
Service Coordinator
(NYC office)

Masters of Public Administration (MPA) in Public Affairs and Administration, Metropolitan College of New York

My experience within the human services field has seen me grow from a student intern to an Assistant Program Director of a Mental Health residence. My volunteer experience includes outreach, mentoring, and tutoring; as well as a seat on the Board of Directors for a local daycare center in Harlem, NY. This experience prepared me for my latest journey with New Frontiers in TBI Inc. My favorite part of my role is providing direct services care to our participants in their home. In addition, I enjoy being a part of and growing up with a dynamic organization. Although I have many roles and responsibilities in life; I enjoy life to the fullest without regret! Regardless of my areas of specialization, I always end up in a social / human services agency. Helping people to help themselves!

Mary Dunn
Director of Patient Services
(NYC office)
RN, MSN, MBA

Mary joined the team in June 2009, initially as a consultant and then full time in October 2009. Mary has an extensive background in Long Term Home Health Care working with Geriatric and HIV/AIDS populations. She has held the roles of Director of Patient Services and Nurse Case Manager at several home health organizations in the New York City area. Her favorite aspect of service provision is having the ability to facilitate independence and autonomy for clients and support caregivers in the community Mary is a strong proponent of team development and believes that participating in teams fosters creativity, independent thinking and innovation. Mary’s philosophy is: “At NFTBI, we have an amazing team of professionals and leadership that is always working towards ensuring an empowered, positive, supportive work environment and superior care for our clients. Communication and independent thinking are encouraged at the highest level. These rare qualities allow NFTBI to be flexible and agile in a competitive market place and make it an energizing place to work. I am proud to be part of this team”.

Michele Germain
ILST & Waiver Services Assistant
(NYC office)

B.S. in Recreational Therapy
Temple University, Philadelphia, in May 2007

Michele began her journey with New Frontiers in March 2008. While a student at Temple, she interned at Mount Sinai Hospital (Manhattan) at the Rehabilitation Center, under the Therapeutic Recreation department. She worked closely with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord patients. She also, worked as a Community Training Specialist for an Adult Day Program; where she provided pre-employment training to adults with developmental disabilities, TBI, and mental health in a community based setting. Her volunteer experience includes mentoring, training and counseling people with disabilities. Michele’s favorite part in her new role is being able to provide our participants with the assistance they need so that they can fulfill their independence. She also, enjoys being apart of a wonderful team of individuals who sincerely care about the participants that New Frontiers in TBI, Inc. serve. Michele specializes in laughter and smiles everyday!! She believes each day is a blessing, and life is filled with lessons that allow us to grow and walk the path towards our destination.

JENNIFER RHOAD
Scheduling Coordinator
(NYC office)

B.S. in Recreational Therapy
Temple University, Philadelphia, in May 2007

Jennifer Rhoad began at New Frontiers on December 20th, 2010, and is the newest recruit to the NYC office. She is currently enrolled at the College of New Rochelle, working towards a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences. She has 18 years experience in the Human Services field, and her most recent employment was as a Program Manager for Services for the Underserved, an agency committed to helping individuals and families faced with a wide range of challenges, including disability issues, homelessness, unemployment and poverty. Jennifer feels that in her role in NFTBI she can demonstrate her experience in the human services field, as well as allow her the opportunity to bring ideas that she has acquired along the way. Jennifer feels that one of her strengths is in being innovative, and in coming up with new ideas that will enhance the company. She describes herself as a hard worker, and a dedicated individual who is not only a team player but also a person who can be a great asset to the company. She also likes to learn new things and as a value puts all participants first when it comes to doing her job.