Our 2023 Walking on Sunshine fundraiser is in the books.  Thanks to over 800 walkers, volunteers, and community supporters we received over $176,000 in contributions to support our students and residents.

Money raised will help fund special Agency initiatives and programs including our Adaptive Equipment Workshop, Social Work Department, Community Service programs, Preschool evaluations and purchasing specialized equipment for clinical, classroom, and residential use.

Attendees at the 15th annual event enjoyed family activities, live music, team mascots, group photos, food, sunshine, and of course that great feeling you get when supporting Mary Cariola Center.  Enjoy the memories of the day and visit our PHOTO GALLERY. 

Be sure to save the date for our Walking on Sunshine 2024—Sunday, September 22 at Veterans Memorial Park in Penfield.

Jerry and his wife, Laurie, wanted to make a special gift to Mary Cariola in such a way that it would honor his late parents, Louise and Henry Sass.  When Jerry heard about plans for a sensory path and garden to be created at our State Road residence, the light bulb went off.  Jerry’s parents’ home, of years ago, was just down the road from where our State Road home was built.  Combine that with Louise’s love for plants and gardening and Jerry knew exactly what he wanted to do.  

The Sass Sensory Garden was dedicated in September, with Jerry and his son, Jerry Jr., coming all the way from Vancouver, Washington. At the dedication Jerry said,
“I feel like I got back a little piece of that farm.”

All of our residents and families will experience delight of specially selected plants and trees to heighten smell, touch, movement, and social engagement.  A variety of sensory stations, including a water feature, allows for many choice-making opportunities. 

We are humbled by this generous gift and grateful to Jerry and his family for this barrier-free paradise that is already being enjoyed by our residents, their families, and staff.

We’ll be raising funds to develop a much-needed, site-based day habilitation program with clinical services for individuals with complex disabilities and behavior challenges who are frequently denied services.

“Sometimes, it’s up to half of our graduates who are not well transitioned into adult programs,” said Agency President and CEO, Karen Zandi.
“Just like Mary Cariola did in 1949 when she helped found the agency, we must create what doesn’t exist.”

You’ll be learning more about this exciting initiative in the next two weeks.  In the meantime, save the date for Tuesday, November 28 and ROC the Day with Mary Cariola! 

Visit and Donate at roctheday.org/marycariolacenter

Physical Therapist Mary Guider works with Hal during a direct therapy session.

Occupational Therapist Jenny Wheeler and Physical Therapist Kristen Gauck collaborate on motor strategies with Matthew.

Over the course of this school year, Mary Cariola School Program related clinical services (Speech, OT, PT, Vision, Music, Counseling) will be transitioning to the use of a 3:1 or monthly service delivery model as recommended at the CSE/CPSE meeting.

The 3:1 model is an evidence-based practice for school-based clinicians and supported by the American Speech and Hearing Association, American Occupational Therapy Association and American Physical Therapy Association. This model is utilized successfully in several local school districts and BOCES programs in our region.

“This new therapy model offers our clinicians the opportunity to provide more comprehensive care to our students,” explained Physical Therapy Supervisor, Dr. Graig Baxter. 

“Once a month, our team gets to look beyond their direct therapy sessions and assess what else they can do to make their students more successful at school. 

It may be collaborating with the classroom, or training staff on how to best work on a related service IEP goal, or it may be pushing into a different part of the student’s school day.”

In this student-centered model, direct therapy services are provided three weeks out of a month and consultation services provided during the fourth week.

Consult services may include a variety of activities including team collaboration, contact with families, classroom training with the student and classroom staff, and creation of specifically designed programs or materials uniquely beneficial to a child’s program.  This new model will be a benefit to our students, staff and families.

“Ultimately, this consult time helps create a more inclusive school program as our therapists are now afforded routine time to assess their students and their school day as a whole, more so than just their standard 30-minute therapy sessions allow,” said Dr. Baxter.

Mary Cariola Center is thrilled to be the official sponsor of the 13WHAM News at 6:00 PM nightly feature, Bright Spot.  Each month, our Mary Cariola Employee of the Month is highlighted in a television commercial immediately following the daily feel-good news spot.

Cariola President and CEO, Karen Zandi said, “We are so happy to sponsor one of the most popular segments in local television news. It’s even better when we are featuring our remarkable staff.”

Each spot will feature a brief story and on-the-job video of our Employee of the Month. 
Look for it on the 3rd Thursday of each month @ 6:25 PM on 13WHAM ABC News.

Mary Cariola Center recently recognized milestone anniversary employees at its Community Services Appreciation Brunch and
School Conference Day Event.

“Our employees are the heart and soul of everything we do,” said Agency President Karen Zandi.  “When our long-time employees share why they continue to work in our residences and school, it’s a meaningful reminder to ALL of us that our work is special, rewarding and valued. I am so proud of all our employees and the amazing job they do.”

The Agency recognized employees who were celebrating milestone anniversaries in five-year intervals starting at the 5th anniversary mark and going up to an incredible 35+ years.  We congratulate 55 employees who represent an impressive 630 years of service.  Thank you for your commitment to Mary Cariola Center!