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. She manages and oversees the NJ FamilyCare Housing Supports Program, which assists individuals in finding and maintaining housing across New Jersey through The Division of Medical Assistance and Human Services (DMAHS).
A lifelong advocate for individuals with disabilities, Ms. Zuppardo has more than eight years of experience in various special education roles. She also completed an internship at Autism Speaks, working across departments, and served as a counselor at the Disability Resource Center at Montclair State University.
She is deeply passionate about her work and committed to breaking down barriers within the disability community. She firmly believes that with the right support, everyone, regardless of their challenges, can reach their full potential. Yet no professional experience has shaped her as profoundly as her role as sister to her brother, MJ, who is diagnosed with autism.
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. Hamill has been a valued member of Legacy for five years, contributing in multiple capacities. In her role as Senior Activities Strategist on the marketing team, she oversees the successful production of the company newsletter and is responsible for identifying new community opportunities for Legacy’s participants. Over the past year, she has also overseen Legacy’s Inclusive Culinary Instruction Classes, coordinating activities and supporting growth within that department.
In addition to her marketing and program oversight responsibilities, she is a dedicated instructor who provides a wide array of services, always striving to make a positive impact. Believing that movement is a form of therapy, she incorporates physical activity into her work whenever possible.
An avid marathon runner and yoga instructor, Ms. Hamill brings her passion for wellness into her professional and personal life. As a grant writer, she combines her love of language and commitment to community to support nonprofit organizations. She 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.
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.
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.
Asia Johnson
Transportation Services Supervisor
Ms. Johnson joined the Legacy team in November of 2024. In her role as Transportation Services Supervisor, she oversees the coordination of transportation services, ensuring participants receive reliable, safe, and supportive assistance. She works closely with families and team members to maintain clear communication, organization, and accurate documentation.
In addition to her supervisory responsibilities, Ms. Johnson is also an active member of the event planning team, where her attention to detail and dedication to Legacy’s mission enhance every project she supports. With over three years of experience as a Direct Support Professional, she brings a strong background in the DDD field and a deep passion about serving the community.
Ms. Johnson holds a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Montclair State University and also provides private vocal instruction tailored to the unique needs of each student.