Rick Claydon brings to the Phoenix Center his extensive not-for-profit experience. Mr. Claydon first became involved with the Phoenix Center when he gave one of our students a supported employment position. Since then, he has been a stalwart advocate for the students and programs of the Phoenix Center. Mr. Claydon has devoted his professional life to the Ridgewood YMCA, serving as CEO since 1994. During his career, Mr. Claydon has been a long-time member and past president of the Ridgewood PM Rotary and heads up the International Youth Exchange as Coordinator and Counselor. Mr. Claydon also serves as Board Member and Past President of the New Jersey Association of YMCA Professionals and is a Board Member of the Wells Mountain Foundation, a foundation that primarily supports programs and individuals in third world countries, or other situations of extreme poverty and need.
Carolyn Gretchen is a retired Learning Consultant and Administrator, who has dedicated her professional life to special needs students in both public and private school settings. She has served as a general education and special education teacher, learning consultant, supervisor, and district administrator. Her specialties in academic program development, behavioral management, and staff development have aided students ages 3-21 years old with autism spectrum disorder and behavioral disabilities. Due to her extensive special education background, Mrs. Gretchen was named as an inclusionary consultant for the New Jersey Developmental Disabilities Council and was instrumental in developing the first inclusionary classes in Millburn Township Public Schools. In addition, she developed and implemented comprehensive new and continuing teacher training modules for The Children�s Institute in Verona, NJ. Mrs. Gretchen received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kean University. Post-graduate work was achieved through various state universities. Mrs. Gretchen is a current member of the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, and a former member of ASAH, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the NJ Association of Learning Consultants. She is currently studying for Master Gardener certification through Rutgers University, in addition to being a certified yoga instructor.
Rosemary LaGamma brings to the Phoenix Center her extensive knowledge of education. She retired as Principal of Franklin Elementary School in Bergenfield, NJ in 2010. Mrs. LaGamma guided the district in that capacity since 1982. She also served as a liaison to the Bergenfield Police Department for the Elementary Schools. As well she was the Chairperson and Coordinator of the District�s Language Arts Literacy Committee and the Chairperson of the Franklin Elementary School Building Vision Team. Mrs. LaGamma received her B.A. from Hunter College, her Masters from Farleigh Dickenson University, and an Administration Certificate from Montclair State University. Mrs. LaGamma also served as a member of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association.
Karen McNamara as owner of A Better You, LLC empowers others to achieve a healthy, proactive lifestyle with an emphasis on holistic wellness. She first became enthralled with the students at the Phoenix Center through the Center�s Annual Holiday Toy Drive, which she spearheads. She has also been active in fundraising for Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, NJ and served on the Stewardship Education Committee at the Church of St. Elizabeth in Wyckoff, NJ. Mrs. McNamara received her BA from Muhlenberg College. She is also a Member of the Idea Fitness Association.
Susan Mitchell is a Human Resource Executive who through her own firm, provides guidance and direction on all aspects of human resource effectiveness to her clients. Prior to starting her own firm, Ms. Mitchell was the former leader of human resources at CIT. Ms. Mitchell received her B.S. from St. Peter�s College and her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. As well, she attended the Executive Human Resources Program at the University of Michigan. Ms. Mitchell is a long term member of the Board of INROADS, a non-profit organization providing jobs to talented minority college students. She is also a member of Women United in Philanthropy, SHRM, World at Work, and the Association for Corporate Growth.
George Reinhardt is the principal and co-owner of GeeKay Landscaping, a full service landscape design and build firm in Livingston, NJ. He was also the parent of a special needs child and is uniquely qualified to address the concerns of a typical student and their families. Mr. Reinhardt holds an Associate Degree in Landscape and Design and Horticulture from State University of New York at Farmingdale. He is also a member of the Quality Landscape Association, the Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the USA Hockey Association. He is presently the head coach of the NJ Devil 18 and under AAA Youth Hockey Team.
Karen Reinhardt has seen first-hand the benefits the Phoenix Center offers. She was the parent of a former student and has had a life-long dedication to special needs education and support of their families. She is also a principal and co-owner of GeeKay Landscaping, a full service landscape design and build firm in Livingston, NJ.
Andy Rovegno is a retired business executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in the manufacturing, resale and retail industries. The majority of his career was spent with Mobil Oil and Mobil Chemical Company. Mr. Rovegno received his B.S. in Management from Duquesne University and his MBA in Marketing from St. John�s University. Mr. Rovegno is a member of the Wyckoff Community Emergency Response Team, and a former volunteer with the Posse Foundation, which provides college scholarships for New York City students. He also served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army prior to his business career.
Maria E. Sedlack has been with FitchRatings in New York City since 1990. She currently serves as Managing Director appointed to design and implement finance and marketing strategies. .Mrs. Sedlack received her BA from Drew University and her MBA from Farleigh Dickenson University. She is Past President of the Wyckoff Education Foundation.
George Spina has been employed in public education for the past 21 years and is currently the Business Manager/Internal Auditor for the West New York Board of Education. Mr. Spina is a lifelong resident of New Jersey and lives in Fairfield with his wife Patty. Mr. Spina has two children who are also employed in the education field.
