About the Committee
The Statewide Family Support Services (FSS) Committee was established by sections 13.05 and 41.43 of the NYS Hygiene Law. The statewide committee has a representative from each of the local Family Support Services (FSS) Advisory Councils across the state. The local councils are made up of individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. They plan, coordinate and monitor the delivery of Family Support Services across the state. The Family Support Services Program helps families who are caring at home for a relative with a developmental disability by providing aid to the caregiver, enhancing family stability and preserving family unity.
More information about the Family Support Services Councils
Membership
The statewide committee is made up of one representative from each of the 17 local Family Support Services (FSS) Advisory Councils across the state.
| Member, County of Residence | Background | District |
|---|---|---|
| Karen Eichensehr, Steuben | Family Member | Region 1: Finger Lakes - South |
| Chris Palega, Monroe | Family Member | Region 1: Finger Lakes - Monroe |
| Ann Scherff, Genesee | Family Member | Region 1: Western - North |
| Crystal Vossler, Allegany | Family Member | Region 1: Western - South |
| Gayle Pado, Tioga (Co-chair) | Family Member; FSS DDAC representative | Region 2: Broome |
| Janice Fitzgerald, Franklin | Family Member | Region 2: Sunmount |
| Dawn O'Hara, Cayuga | Family Member | Region 2: Central |
| Scott Brady, Schenectady | Family Member | Region 3: Capital |
| Maria Suchy-Kozak, Westchester | Family Member | Region 3: Hudson Valley - Westchester |
| Vacant | Family Member | Region 3: Hudson Valley - Orange, Sullivan & Rockland |
| Vacant | Family Member | Region 3: Taconic |
| Kathleen Nowak, Staten Island (Co-chair) | Family Member | Region 4: Staten Island |
| Debra Greif, Kings | Family Member | Region 4: Brooklyn |
| Aliya Hussein, Queens | Family Member | Region 4: Bernard Fineson - Queens |
| Mary McGuire-Weafer, New York | Family Member | Region 4: Metro - Manhattan |
| Tina Veale, Bronx | Family Member | Region 4: Metro - Bronx |
| Mary Fasano, Nassau | Family Member | Region 5: Long Island |
Local Advisory Councils
Nineteen local Family Support Services Advisory Councils made up of people with developmental disabilities and their family members help plan, coordinate and monitor the delivery of Family Support Services across the state.
The Statewide Family Support Services Committee is made up of one representative from each of the nineteen local Family Support Services Advisory Councils and advises OPWDD regarding families’ support needs and the design, implementation and monitoring of Family Support Services.
If you would like to learn more about the local Family Support Services Advisory Councils or the Statewide Family Support Services Committee, or if you would like to get involved, call 866-946-9733.