At the June meeting of Eden II Programs, the board of directors approved the addition of three new board members.

Christina D. Thivierge is a co-founding partner and principal of Thivierge & Rothberg, P.C., a private law firm founded in 2008 in New York City that handles exclusively special education matters. From 2000 through 2008, Christina was the Senior Associate at a Mayerson & Associates, where she handled special education matters (primarily for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and related disabilities). Christina received her Juris Doctorate from the City University of New York School of Law and her Bachelors degree from Central Connecticut State University. She is admitted to practice law in the state and federal courts of New York and New Jersey, as well as a number of federal Courts of Appeal. Prior to attending law school, Christina worked for nine years with adults diagnosed with autism and other disabilities through the Central Connecticut ARC. While working at Central Connecticut ARC Christina was a job coach and a group home manager.

David Rose is presently the President & CEO of Eger Lutheran Homes and Services, a health care services corporation consisting of a 378 bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center, a 75 bed assisted living program, a social day care program and an 8 bed hospice residence.  His healthcare career has spanned over 32 years of progressively responsible administrative experience after earning a Masters’ in Health Services Administration from George Washington University. He has had several years of experience working with autistic children and adults and brings personal knowledge and much interest to the Board and organization.

John Lavelle joins the Eden II Board as a parent member. His son, Zachary, attends the program.  He is currently a consultant to nonprofit agencies concentrating on organizational development, fundraising and management.  He has served in the offices of the New York State Senate, the New York City Office of the Public Advocate and the New York City Council.  John and his wife, Amy, reside in New Brighton with Zachary and his brother Jacob.

Additionally, the board voted a new slate of directors: R. Shanx Ravisankar (Chair), Donald Russo (Vice Chair), Gregg Iliceto, CPA (Treasurer), and Jim Caldarella (Secretary). Two board members completed their term, Lenore Puleo and Joe Votto, Esq. The agency thanks Lenore and Joe for their commitment and service, and welcomes Christine, John, and David!