Leadership Team
Leadership at Cardinal Cushing Centers
Since 1947, the Cardinal Cushing Centers have been at the forefront of serving those with special needs. Today, our leadership team expands on that tradition, by continuing to pioneer new and better ideas in teaching, transition programs, employment, and community living through innovative facilities, curriculum, and programs.
Jo Ann Simons
President & CEO
Ext. 1200
jsimons@cushingcenters.org
Jo Ann Simons, MSW, is a parent-professional well known in the area of intellectual disability who constantly challenges herself and those around her to turn problems into answers and challenges into opportunities. Jo Ann received her BA in Urban Studies from Wheaton College and her Masters in Social Work in Policy, Planning and Community Organization from the University of Connecticut. Currently she is President/CEO of St. Coletta and Cardinal Cushing Schools of Massachusetts, a Board member of the National Down Syndrome Society, and a Trustee of LIFE, Inc. of Cape Cod. Jo Ann also serves as a consultant to Special Olympics, Inc., and lectures throughout the world on issues related to transition and future planning. Previously, she was the Executive Director of the Arc of East Middlesex, the Deputy Superintendent of the Walter E. Fernald State School, the Director of Policy for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation, President of the National Down Syndrome Congress (1983-1991), and on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics International. Jo Ann has two adult children: Jonathan, who has Down syndrome, is a graduate of Swampscott (MA) High School, Riverview School’s post-graduate program, GROW, and Cape Cod Community College. Jon lives independently in his own home and has a life filled with meaningful paid work, important volunteer activities, many leisure pursuits, and close friends. Emily, who reminds her that being “typical” is special, too, is a graduate of Cornell University and its law school.
Sig Kozaryn
Vice President of Finance/CFO
Ext. 1215
skozaryn@cushingcenters.org
Sig Kozaryn obtained his BS in accounting from Quinnipiac University, and has various experience in nonprofit and profit organizations. He helped start a battered women’s shelter on Cape Cod, a Buddhist meditation center, and has served on the board of several nonprofit corporations. He also serves on the MAAPS Contract & Reimbursement committee.
Sig oversees the overall financial and operation activities of Cardinal Cushing Centers Inc. He serves as the V.P Finance and Treasurer for CCC Board of Directors as well.
Additionally, Sig supervises Maintenance in Hanover & Braintree, IT, Switchboard, Finance and Food Services. He is responsible for preparing and presenting quarterly and annual financial statements to the Board of Directors, as well as preparing the UFR and financial statements for the auditors. Other duties include strategic planning, preparing budgets, analyzing and reviewing contracts, preparation of DMR contracts, and implementing financial controls over policy and procedures to ensure validity of the company’s financial statements and reporting.
Marybeth Hasenfuss
Vice President of Human Resources
Ext. 1216
mhasenfuss@cushingcenters.org
Marybeth Hasenfuss obtained her BS in education from University of Massachusetts, Boston. Previously, she was the Regional Director of Human Resources at the American Red Cross, Vice President of Human Resources at Good Samaritan Medical Center, Director of Human Resources at Goddard Memorial Hospital, and Manager of Compensation & Benefits at University Hospital.
Marybeth is responsible for the full coordination of all employee related issues including but not limited to: compensation, recruitment, employee culture, and personnel labor/legal issues. She has written and implemented human resource policies and procedures for the organization, and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations as they pertain to employee policies and procedures. She participates in the strategic planning process involving new programs, serves as a resource to Payroll/Finance in the implementation of new benefits and policies and oversees Program and Management Training. Marybeth also sits on the Human Resource Advisory Board for the South Shore Chamber of Commerce.
Michelle Markowitz
Vice President of Admissions
Ext. 1205
mmarkowitz@cushingcenters.org
Michelle Markowitz has a BS in Psychology from Bridgewater State College and has been at Cardinal Cushing for almost 15 years. Michelle’s extraordinary passion and commitment to the field of Special Education began at an early age. As a high school student, she volunteered at Braintree St. Coletta’s Day School where she did afterschool programming and summer camp with students. Michelle has held various positions at Cardinal Cushing Centers including the Education and Residential Departments, rounding out her comprehensive knowledge of Cardinal Cushing’s program and services.
Currently as VP of Admissions and Outreach, Michelle is responsible for the Admissions process including but not limited to: initial review of all applicants, touring and interviewing families and students for potential placements, facilitating discussions for acceptance at Board of Admissions meetings and completion of extensive admissions processes. In her outreach role, Michelle is responsible for national and international recruitment. Michelle spends a lot of time cultivating and enriching relationships with not only families and students but also educational consultants, school districts, special education attorneys, advocates, and other referring agencies. Michelle represents the organization at many conferences throughout the year and has served on the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs National Conference Committee as well as represents the organization through the Independent Small Programs Alliance. Michelle is an active member of the South Shore Young Professionals Group as well as a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Cardinal Cushing Centers.
Jansi Chandler
Vice President of Development
Ext. 4611
jchandler@cushingcenters.org
Jansi Chandler has been a development professional for 30 years, specializing in public and private development. Since April 2012 she has held the position of VP of Development at Cardinal Cushing Centers, where she is responsible for all fundraising for the organization as well as overseeing its development projects. Prior to that she was the Director of Development at Grant Communications Consulting Group where she provided technical assistance in nonprofit development, specializing in capital and annual campaigns. She has also held the position of Managing Director for Economic Development for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the six departments and 70 staff that make up the Economic Development Division. For 11 years, she was the executive director of the Lynn (MA) Department of Community Development and obtained and implemented state and federal grants of more than $80 million for housing, community-and economic development programs. Ms. Chandler has a B.A. from Connecticut College and an M.B.A. from Suffolk University.
Jean Rogers
Vice President of Community and Adult Services
Ext. 1225
jrogers@cushingcenters.org
Jean Rogers has an MS in Counseling and a BS in Human Services Administration, and has been the VP of Adult Services at Cardinal Cushing Centers for fourteen years. Previously, Jean was the Program Administrator at the Kennedy-Donovan Center for eighteen years.
As the VP of Adult Services, Jean’s responsibilities include but are not limited to: Coordinating all aspects of Residential and Employment programs supporting over one hundred individuals. She maintains the highest level of licensure through the Department of Mental Retardations office of Quality Assurance and CARF. To develop and monitor budgets for all Adult Services programs, as well as pursue additional funding sources beyond DMR and MRC. She is responsible for Quality of Assurance for all Adult Services programs, as well as overseeing upkeep and maintenance of all of the facilities. Jean actively pursues new referrals for our existing day and residential programs, and develops new programs including Day Habilitation and Individual Support. Jean also serves as Coordinator of Cardinal Cushing Human Rights Committee.
Larry Sauer
Vice President for Student Programs & Services
Ext. 1202
lsauer@cushingcenters.org
Larry Sauer has a Master’s of Science in Human Services Administration from University of Massachusetts, Boston, as well as a Masters of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Theatre, both from the University of Dayton in Dayton, OH. Larry has been an employee at Cardinal Cushing Centers for twelve years, and was the Executive Director of our Hanover campus before becoming the VP of Student Programs and Services. Previously, he was the Assistant Executive Director at North River Collaborative.
As VP of Student Programs and Services, Larry is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of three Chapter 766 private day and residential programs employing 275 employees serving 140 students with a wide variety of special needs. He is directly responsible for the supervision of six program directors, including the vocational, residential, clinical/student services, health services, and two educational directors. He is the primary contact for DESE, DEEC, and DCF, and oversees all education program licensures. Larry consults with the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Human Resources concerning budgetary and non-programmatic issues.
Larry was elected to the Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools (MAAPS) Board of Directors, and to the Executive Committee. He is currently serving as the MAAPS Vice President. Larry also serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Cardinal Cushing Centers.