LAUNCH partners with children and adults to provide individualized services that foster learning, independence and growth.
Our Mission
LAUNCH has been proudly serving the greater Onondaga County area since 1985. We have been honored to work alongside a tremendous community of supporters who have generously donated time and financial support throughout the years so that we may continue to impact the lives of our clients.
Our mission is to partner with children and adults in order to provide individualized services that foster learning, independence and growth — guided by the principle that learning is unique for each individual and occurs in all spheres of life. For those who struggle with the process of learning, additional support provides opportunities for growth and increased independence. We strive to provide services and supports that promote lifelong learning and growth and exemplify the tenets that everyone should:
- have access to education and be supported to learn.
- have opportunities for employment and be supported to secure and maintain employment
- have opportunities for community involvement and be supported for active membership in his/her community
Our Core Values
- Client First – We value and respect each individual.
- Strength Focused – We help develop individualized plans based on each person’s abilities, interests and goals
- Empowerment – We strive to empower each individual through education and information to become self-advocates
- Independence – We partner with clients to support their personal and individualized goal attainment
We serve and support anyone who seeks support for learning. This includes children, adults, families, parents and caregivers from all backgrounds and learning styles. Individuals may be typical learners or may have a diagnosed disability. Learning styles and abilities may be shaped by any of the following:
- Learning Disabilities
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Mental Health Concerns/Illness
- Developmental Disabilities
- Low literacy
Notable Milestones in Our History
Key Staff
| Staff Member | Job Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amy Bailey | Director of Education | abailey@launchcny.org | 315.557.0303 |
| Erin Gonnella | Executive Director | egonnella@launchcny.org | 315.409.1361 |
| Savannah Hauck | Community Services Manager | shauck@launchcny.org | 315.234.0175 |
| Chelsea Lembo | Community Pre Voc Manager | clembo@launchcny.org | 315.899.1667 |
| Kristen O’Melia | ACCESVR Employment Manager | komelia@launchcny.org | 315.410.5646 |
| Rachael Revette | Community Habilitation Manager | rrevette@launchcny.org | 315.314.4878 |
| Elvira Sperl | OPWDD Employment Manager | esperl@launchcny.org | 315.314.4653 |
| Kaitlyn Totten | Associate Executive Director | ktotten@launchcny.org | 315.565.1520 |
| Dede Van Allen | Fundraising Manager | dvanallen@launchcny.org | 315.447.8995 |
Board Members
Our Board of Directors is composed of local professionals across a variety of experience and backgrounds who are deeply dedicated to progressing the mission and success of LAUNCH.
| Board Member | Company |
|---|---|
| Maeve Lanning Stockman, President | National Grid |
| Kaylee Chayka, Secretary | Auburn Community Hospital |
| Rich Nave, Treasurer | Retired, Empower Federal Credit Union |
| Liz Lehmann Morgan, Secretary | Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC |
| Murjan Abdi | MACNY |
| Steve Finley | Syracuse University |
| Laura Foster | West Genesee School District |
| Bhargavi Ganesh | Berkshire Bank |
| Cory Laduke | CBRE Upstate NY |
| Nicholas LaFlair | Sidney Federal Credit Union |
| Sam Lyon | Dannible and McKee |
| Stephanie Pelcher | Apter and O’Connor |
| Justin Tierney | BHG Financial |
| Carol Willard | SUNY Oswego |