top of page
Our Team
Jordan Wood, MNA
Executive Director
Jordan Wood has long devoted himself to providing services to people with special needs and has particular expertise with therapeutic recreation and therapeutic special education. Jordan comes to SPARC following 14 years in a variety of programmatic and administrative roles at Green Chimneys, a leader in animal-assisted therapy and educational activities for children with special needs. Jordan holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Administration and has expertise in organizational development and management, designing and implementing programmatic initiatives, strategic planning and financial management in addition to his behavioral support skills and experience. Jordan is a collaborative leader who prizes both inspiration and data-driven measurements to serve the SPARC community.
Kathleen Di Monaco is an educator with deep experience in special education and service to students with disabilities and their families. She has written and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), designed and implemented curricula for Special Education Students, and served as Liaison to the Board of Educators in Yonkers, advocating for the needs of students with disabilities and the staff and administration serving them. She has years of experience teaching students with Autism and brings her expertise, creativity and joy in the IDD population to her role at SPARC. Kathleen holds a Master of Science in Secondary Education (MSEd, SWD) degree reflective of her commitment to the IDD population.
Kathleen Di Monaco, MSEd, SWD
Program Coordinator
LEVEL-UP
.jpg)
Arianna Corsino
Operations Coordinator
Arianna Corsino is a multifaceted professional who excels in project management, administration, digital branding, design, marketing, human resources, arts, education, and event planning. Her expertise extends to orchestrating therapeutic workshops, specifically designed to aid individuals on their path to healing from trauma and a range of disorders. Of note, Arianna's proficiency in project management shines through her creation of a personalized education program for her daughter during her Pre-K and kindergarten homeschooling years, complemented by her degree in fashion design from the Art Institute of New York.
Liz Anderson has over 20 years’ experience creating or managing programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is a teacher of mindfulness techniques for stress management and has a background in creative after school programs, martial arts programs, plus program supervision and management. In her role at SPARC she manages the innovative LINK-UP daytime program for young adults who have finished high school, which provides training in community integration and independent living activities. Liz has completed the Registered Behavior Technician program offered by The Autism Partnership Foundation. She is completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree and is a candidate for a Masters/PhD program in clinical psychology.
Liz Anderson
Program Coordinator
LINK-UP
.jpg)
Johnathan Ramirez
Program Specialist
LINK-UP
Jonathan Ramirez has experience creating. coordinating and overseeing program activities and serving individuals with disabilities. Jonathan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree, and in the past has served as a family court visitation supervisor in custody cases.
Sonja Manrique brings experience cultivating inclusive, equitable learning spaces for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to her role at SPARC. She is a translator for Spanish-speaking populations in SPARC programs and has experience with supporting students with IDD. Sonja holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.
Sonja Manrique
Program Specialist
LINK-UP
Amanda Pearson is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and athlete who is well versed in the evidence-based practices that best support people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). She brings a wealth of experience creating and implementing adaptive wilderness and sports experiences that offer just the right level of challenge, fun and support for program participants. Amanda’s previous experience includes being a Certified Recreation Therapist at Andrus in Yonkers, a Therapeutic Recreation intern at the Academy at SOAR, as well as experience at Bridges for Kids and other programs for children with exceptionalities. Amanda is committed to providing emotionally, physically and developmentally supportive programming and to inspiring SPARC participants.
Amanda Pearson
Program Specialist
LINK-UP
bottom of page