SUSAN CONSTANTINO – PRESIDENT  & CEO, CEREBRAL PALSY OF  NEW YORK

Susan Constantino was named President of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State in July, 2004 after serving one year as Deputy Executive Director. As President she is responsible for the programs and services operated by CP of NYS in New York City as well as the State Association, which offers its 24 Affiliates technical assistance and opportunities for training, information sharing and networking among Affiliate Executive Directors and staff. The organization works with legislative and governmental agencies to ensure that public policy has a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities and their families. Ms. Constantino serves on many governmental task forces, councils and statewide committees representing the interests of CP of NYS, its Affiliates and the people we serve. 

Ms. Constantino was appointed Associate Executive Director in 1994 and spent nine years directing the Affiliate Services Office.  She and her staff organized and coordinated service to Affiliates, including technical assistance on programmatic and funding issues, as well as legislative advocacy. She was responsible for coordinating statewide staff committees, the Elks Home Service Program and the CP of NYS Annual Conference.

She joined CP of NYS in 1989 as Special Assistant to the Executive Director, providing technical assistance to Affiliates in programs and funding. She was instrumental in designing a special residential program for children with severe disabilities who formerly lived in a hospital setting. She also designed and acquired funding for a specialized recreation program for adults with physical disabilities in Brooklyn. That program has grown to include more than 50 people with disabilities. Both programs have been replicated by other Affiliates.

Ms. Constantino served as the Director of Children’s Services at Aspire of Western New York from 1984 to 1989. Under her direction Children’s Services expanded and improved. She was also active on many county and state committees dealing with children’s disability issues.

Ms. Constantino holds both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Special Education from the State University College at Buffalo and has done doctoral course work at the State University of New York at Buffalo.  She is certified as a Special Education Teacher and a School Administrator and Supervisor.

Ms. Constantino is regarded as a leader in her field by Affiliates as well as governmental and legislative leaders, and is known for her keen understanding of programs and services for people with disabilities and their families. She has received numerous state recognitions throughout the years and in 2008 received the outstanding service award from ACCSES.