Meet The Legacy Team
Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to making a positive impact in the community.
Mayra Martinez
Cofounder & CEO
As CEO, Ms. Martinez is responsible for all current operations and future projections of Legacy. Despite her hectic schedule, she enjoys speaking with caregivers about long-term planning. More than anything else, she enjoys working directly with Legacy's participants and those transitioning to living independently or needing intensive skill training.
Ms. Martinez also believes in the power of effectively mentoring her team by implementing new and innovative programs that benefit both staff and participants. She has developed programs such as all facets of life such as the Participant Intern Program, Road Instruction Program, and the Home Efficiency Program that will assist participants with all facets of life.
Anthony Perez
Cofounder & CFO
Mr. Perez is Legacy’s CFO and Director of Finances & Logistics. He oversees a variety of departments including Human Resources, Transportation, and Technology. He also works as a Direct Support Professional and Life Skills Coach. Mr. Perez has worked with numerous male participants over the past four years and has created individualized plans to assist them in the areas of relationships, hygiene, communication, financial literacy, and explore community outings.
Most notably, he has created a Ride Share system in which participants needing these services can call or text a Legacy representative to coordinate their ride.
Monica Maniscalco, M ed
COO & Director of Program and Training
Ms. Maniscalco is Legacy’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Program & Training. Her primary goal is to implement innovative programs to better assist Legacy participants and to oversee the day-to-day operations and functionality of Legacy. In October of 2024 she coordinated Legacy’s first sensory friendly car show and is a passionate advocate of disability rights.
She conducts the required training sessions as mandated by the state and maintains accurate records of all training modules for Legacy’s staff. She is also responsible for developing internal policies and procedures and coordinating outside partnerships.
Ms. Maniscalco holds a bachelor's degree from John Jay College and a masters in Cross Categorical Special Education from the University of Phoenix.
Alisha Zuppardo
Director of Community Development
Ms. Zuppardo is Legacy's Director of Community Development and a Regional Supervisor. She helps manage the transportation department which provides services to participants all throughout NJ. Ms. Zuppardo has been a lifelong advocate for individuals with disabilities. She has worked for over 6 years in various special education positions. She completed an internship experience at Autism Speaks, working in various departments, and as a counselor at the Disability Resource Center at MSU.
Ms. Zuppardo is passionate about her work and is dedicated to consistently breaking down barriers within the disability's community. She strongly believes that with the right support, everyone regardless of their challenges can reach their full potential. But no experience or job has prepared her as much as her role as sister to her brother MJ, who is diagnosed with Autism.
Emily Meccia
HR Associate
Ms. Meccia is Legacy's Human Resource Associate specializing in recruitment and talent acquisition. She plays a key role in identifying, interviewing, and hiring new staff members to ensure the company attracts ideal talent. Her focus is on finding candidates who align with the company’s culture and values.
Ms. Meccia is a skilled Life Skills Coach and Job Coach for individuals with disabilities and is passionate about helping them achieve their full potential.
Ms. Meccia holds a degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Rider University.
Ann Marquez
HR Associate
As Legacy's HR Associate, Ms. Marquez oversees all human resource functions including handling recruitment processes, onboarding new employees, maintaining employee records, and assisting with payroll and benefits administration, ensuring efficient HR operations and compliance with company policies.
Ms. Marquez has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University and a Certificate in Leadership Development from the Center for Creative Leadership in San Diego, CA. Ann is also the proud mom of a great teenage special needs son who is currently learning how to navigate the transition from child to adulthood and helping his mom champion neurodiversity.
CarrieAnn Altamore
Technology and Development Associate & Senior Marketing Liaison
Mrs. Altamore has been a vital member of the Legacy team for over 4 years. In her time at Legacy, she has provided copious amounts of support to the executive team as the technology and development associate.
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Mrs. Altamore also has a significant role on the marketing team as its Senior Marketing Liaison. In this role she helps create and monitor Legacy’s social media platforms and launch community events throughout northern New Jersey.
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Additionally, Mrs. Altamore is an instructor and enjoys working hands-on with her participants. Over the four years, she has worked with multiple participants, providing services ranging from academic tutoring to drivers’ education to life skills and community-based support. Her dedication and passion have helped her participants feel empowered. Mrs. Altamore believes that by equipping them with essential skills, she is helping to pave the way for their future success and independence.
Elizabeth Hamill
Senior Activités Associate
Ms. Henderson has been working with Legacy for 4 years in various capacities. She works as Legacy's Senior Activities Associate for the marketing team overseeing the successful production of the company's newsletter. She is also responsible for identifying new community opportunities for Legacy’s participants.
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She is also a dedicated instructor providing a wide array of services to her participants, striving to always make a positive impact. She believes movement is a form of therapy and incorporates it into her work as much as possible.
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Ms. Henderson has competed in several marathons and enjoys teaching yoga. As a grant writer, Ms. Henderson applies her love of language and community to serve non-profit organizations. Ms. Henderson holds a bachelor's degree in English and Education from Georgian Court University.
Baylee Rose Cooper
Senior Creative Strategist
As Legacy's Senior Creative Strategist, Ms. Cooper leads the marketing team on current marketing trends. She has redesigned Legacy's brand and is responsible for content creation on all social media platforms.
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She is also a dedicated and compassionate instructor with several participants. She proudly provides both virtual and in person services. and provides instruction on a wide range of topics.
Ms. Cooper's experiences are a delicate tapestry built on both professional and volunteer experiences. She is a longtime active member of the Girl Scouts of Northern NJ, and a proud volunteer of the SB Angels, a soccer program for children with special needs.
Jenny Martinez
Senior Purchasing Agent
In her role at Legacy Empowerment Services, Ms. Martinez provides essential administrative support as its Senior Purchasing Agent. Jenny is also an instructor who takes pride in her work with participants. She offers academic tutoring, helping learners achieve their educational goals with personalized support and guidance.
Additionally, Ms. Martinez coordinates efforts to prepare participants to take the road test. She equips inexperienced drivers with the skills and confidence they need to navigate the road safely and responsibly.
With a commitment to excellence in every facet of her professional life, Ms. Martinez is a valued member of her community, dedicated to empowering others and making a positive impact.
Asia Johnson
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Johnson joined the Legacy team in November of 2024. She brings valuable administrative support to various departments. As an Administrative Assistant, she manages reception, inquiries, and responsibilities in the transportation HR departments, and drivers’ education program. She also is also an integral member of the event planning team.
With over three years of experience as a Direct Support Professional, Ms. Johnson has a strong background in the DDD field and is passionate about serving the community.
Ms. Johnson holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance and provides private instruction tailored to meet the individual needs of her students.
Kyle Alicea
Transportation Analyst
Mr. Alicea is Legacy's Transportation Analyst. He is responsible for overseeing and analyzing Legacy's transportation data and identifying trends . He evaluates ride frequency, mileage, costs, and usage patterns, and interprets the data to enhance the service. The data points is then generated into detailed reports that highlight their progress toward greater independence.
Additionally, he assists with Legacy's call Center by gathering real-time data, updating necessary records, and ensuring accuracy. Further, Mr. Alicea ensures that Legacy's services remain efficient, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of the participants Legacy supports.
Mr. Alicea is currently a Senior at Ramapo College of New Jersey and on track to earn his Bachelors in IT Management. As a Transgender man, he has navigated challenges throughout his life that have shaped his perspective. He has a passion for seeking to understand the inner workings of today's world and is constantly fueled by the curiosity on how to make it all better. He believes that in the rapidly growing age of data, he has found a passion for analyzing raw data and translating it to meaningful information.
Amanda Dougherty
Supervisor of Academic Tutoring
Ms. Dougherty has been with Legacy since June 2023 and has since participated in various team roles. She has worked with Legacy’s participants in multiple facets, including academic tutoring, Life Skills Coaching, Driver's Education, Supported Employment, and Community-Based Support. She has recently taken on the new role of Academic Tutoring Supervisor.
Ms. Dougherty earned her BA in Psychology from Rowan University and is currently pursuing her MSW in Clinical Social Work at Kean University. She has a strong professional background in child and adolescent behavioral health, in addition to over five years of professional experience as an academic tutor. Ms. Dougherty is dedicated to serving her participants and supporting families from a strengths-based, holistic approach that honors the unique gifts and needs of the individual and their family.
Sharon Dickerson
Supervisor of Driver's Education
Ms. Dickerson joined the Legacy team in October 2024. She is currently the Supervisor of the Driver’s Education Program. Additionally, Ms. Dickerson is also an instructor providing a valuable service to several participants.
She comes to us with a wealth of transferrable skills and experience from her many years of working in Corporate America. She also has lifetime experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities.
Her dedication to the needs of her participants is unparalleled. Her passion and understanding of their needs in helping them achieve their goals has been the most rewarding of her career thus far.