Nassau County Schools Facilities Association’s Story

For many years, the Nassau County Schools Facilities Association has stood beside SCO Family of Services as a steadfast partner, champion, and friend. Their generosity has touched countless young people across our programs, and their commitment continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

The Association’s support goes far beyond financial contributions—though those have been invaluable. Each holiday season, they brighten our youth’s lives with thoughtful gifts that remind them they are seen, valued, and cared for. These moments of joy matter deeply, especially for young people who may be facing challenges no child should have to navigate alone.

A special acknowledgment goes to former President Mr. Jon Simpkins, whose leadership and personal dedication have played a major role in sustaining this partnership. Jon has been a true advocate for SCO, always showing up, always lending a hand, and always ensuring that the Association’s support remains strong year after year. His kindness and consistency have left a lasting impact on our community.

To Jon and to every member of the Nassau County Schools Facilities Association: thank you. Your generosity, your heart, and your unwavering commitment have helped us create brighter futures for so many young people. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing this meaningful relationship for many years to come.

Andrea Doering’s Story

Andrea Doering’s connection to SCO began close to home in Sea Cliff, where she came to know Amy Gunter, an SCO staff member,  and her mother. Through that relationship, Andrea developed a deeper understanding of the needs of vulnerable children and families in the community, and that awareness inspired her to support SCO’s capital campaign. For Andrea, investing in the Robert J. McMahon Children’s Center is about helping ensure that children and youth have access to the kind of safe, high-quality environment they deserve.

She believes strongly that if Sea Cliff is home to a facility like this, it should be truly best in class. Andrea hopes the campaign will make it possible to modernize and strengthen the campus so that SCO can continue providing exceptional care to the children, families, and communities it serves. She also sees this effort as an opportunity for the broader community to come together and make a meaningful difference through philanthropic support.

Andrea describes her philanthropy as deeply rooted in her faith. As a Christian, she is especially moved by the call to uplift people who are marginalized, and that belief is reflected in her support of SCO’s mission. What has been most rewarding to her is witnessing the dedication of SCO’s staff and the quality of care they provide every day for the young people on campus. Andrea is joined in this commitment by her husband, Ron, who is also very supportive of the campaign. Together, they are proud to stand behind SCO’s vision and help create brighter futures for the children and families who rely on its care.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Make a Difference

Every day, SCO’s dedicated employees touch the lives of thousands of New Yorkers – providing them with the tools needed to build better and brighter lives. Join us!

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) help youth or adults with developmental disabilities strive to become as independent as their abilities allow.

There are currently multiple Direct Support Professional opportunities throughout Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Nassau and Suffolk.

Responsibilities include

  • Provide a safe, clean and caring living environment for program residents.
  • Foster/promote as much independent behavior as possible when supporting/teaching self-help skills.
  • Participate in activity programming including individual and group activities, sports, games, trips and enrichment activities, etc.
  • Attention to and support of medical issues, student educational/vocational needs, casework and clinical appointments.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license
Search Open Jobs

Why SCO?

SCO’s dedicated professionals help improve the health and well-being of over 45,000 New Yorkers each year. We apply the same principle to ensuring our staff is well cared for through a robust benefits package, professional development opportunities, health and wellness initiatives, tuition reimbursement and more. Our benefits include:

  • Flexible Work Schedule
  • Paid Holidays Off
  • Vacation & Sick Time
  • 403B Retirement Plan
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance & more!

Meet some of our amazing Direct Support Professionals!

Marytheresa Alcindor

Marytheresa Alcindor

Current Position: Program Coordinator, Independence Inns

Marytheresa Alcindor has been doing a phenomenal job in her role as Program Coordinator. Her professional growth is a true reflection of her dedication, professionalism, and strong work ethic.

Read more about Marytheresa

Marilyn Aris

Marilyn Aris

Current Position: Habilitation Specialist, Individual Residential Alternative

Marilyn Aris has worked at our Canarsie IRA for the last 14 years where she has consistently displayed professionalism and respect to all.

Read more about Marilyn

Shayna Amy

Current Position: Community Habilitation Specialist

Shayna Amy is a wonderful Direct Support Professional who consistently demonstrates compassion, loyalty, and dedication to the people we support. Her caring nature and unwavering commitment make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Read more about Shayna

Tyree Grimsley

Current Position: Shift Supervisor, Individual Residential Alternative

Tyree Grimsley has been a consistent asset to the team at our Shady Lane IRA, modeling strong DSP practices that positively influence peers and help maintain high-quality support across shifts. Tyree ensures individuals are well-dressed and appropriately groomed, taking initiative to coordinate shopping when needed.

Read more about Tyree

William Hackett

Current Position: Residential Manager, Individual Residential Alternative

William Hackett began his career with SCO 15 years ago as a Direct Support Professional and, for the past two years, has served in a managerial role. Throughout his career, William has demonstrated exceptional dedication and advocacy for the individuals we support.

Read more about William

Rose Marlowe

Current Position: Community Habilitation Specialist

Rose Marlowe consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment and dedication in her role as a Community Habilitation staff member. She serves as a positive role model for the individuals she supports, always promoting independence, inclusion, and personal growth through her compassionate and person-centered approach.

Read more about Rose

Wilfred Paul

Current Position: Direct Support Professional, Individual Residential Alternative

Wilfred Paul has worked for SCO for the last 10 years. He provides exceptional support, going above and beyond to meet the needs of the people in our care.

Read more about Wilfred

Samuel Olagunju

Samuel Olagunju

Current Position: Career Coach, Brooklyn Youth Center

As a passionate and driven Career Coach, Samuel Olagunju is dedicated to empowering youth to reach their full potential by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Read more about Samuel

Anthony Petroro

Current Position: Day Habilitation Specialist

Anthony Petroro has worked for SCO Family of Services for over 27 years. He is well-liked by the program participants and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that they get the best program experience.

Read more about Anthony

Bernadette St. Rose

Bernadette St. Rose

Current Position: Case Manager, Flushing Family Residence

Bernadette St. Rose consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her. She trains all new Case Managers and Intake Workers and troubleshoots problems across departments, not just within Social Services.

Read more about Bernadette

Tamika Watson

Tamika Watson

Current Position: Housing Specialist, Crotona Inn

Tamika Watson has been a dedicated worker at Crotona Inn since 2017. Ms. Watson initially came to SCO as an Intake Worker but has worn many hats in her tenure. She was first promoted to Office Manager in 2022 and then to Housing Specialist in 2024.

Read more about Tamika

Explore Opportunities with SCO

Nassau County Schools Facilities Association’s Story

Always there for our kids

Read Nassau County Schools Facilities Association’s Story

Andrea Doering’s Story

Making a meaningful difference

Read Andrea Doering’s Story

We serve

900

children and youth in foster care

Support Our Mission

With your gift, you can help strengthen New York families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs.

Donate Now