About North East
North East Westchester Special Recreation, Inc. strives to provide community-based therapeutic recreation programs that enhance the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of children, teens and adults with developmental disabilities. We provide confidence building experiences that foster and cultivate meaningful relationships.
The North East Westchester Special Recreation Consortium is a non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization operating under the auspices of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities as a certified respite provider. The agency is led by a Board of Directors comprised of the Recreation Superintendents from the twelve participating communities located in the north east portion of Westchester County, New York. Our structure and our programs provide the specific type of support needed for success in community recreational programs.
Our Logo Represents Us
Circular
Reflects unity and wholeness
Tree
Symbolizes growth, strength and knowledge
Sunburst
Opens new directions, awareness, and warmth
Handshake
Shows friendship, sharing and cooperation
Compass Needle
Points to the northeast as the area we serve
Circular
Reflects unity and wholeness
Tree
Symbolizes growth, strength and knowledge
Sunburst
Opens new directions, awareness, and warmth
Handshake
Shows friendship, sharing and cooperation
Compass Needle
Points to the northeast as the area we serve
Fact Sheet
North East Westchester Special Recreation, incorporated in 1981,
is a community-based therapeutic recreation agency serving children and adults with developmental disabilities in the north east portion of Westchester County.
North East is the second largest agency of its kind in the State of New York and has gained local and state-wide attention for the quality and novelty of programs and services.
Programs
North East programs offer a variety of year-round recreational activities designed with the specific support needed for participant success in this environment. Programs develop skills that enhance physical and emotional health, abilities, independence and quality of life.
The North East Westchester Special Recreation Consortium is lead by a Board of Directors made up of the Superintendents of Recreation of the following communities:
Town of Bedford
Town of Lewisboro
Town of Mt. Pleasant
Town of North Castle
Town of Somers
Town of Pound Ridge
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Village of Mt. Kisco
Town of New Castle
Town of North Salem
Village of Sleepy Hollow
Village of Pleasantville
The Board is responsible for establishing policy and directing the priorities of the organization. The Board of Directors employs full-time staff to conduct the day-to-day programs of North East in accordance with Board policies.
Funding
North East Westchester Special Recreation is a non-profit agency. We receive funding from the New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities, town assessments, program fees and donations. Fund raising activities allow us to expand upon our program options and offer programming to more individuals in need of services.
Fall/Winter/Spring Activities Include
Team Sports/ Bowling/Special OlympicTraining
Individuals work to develop sportsmanship, self-confidence and self-esteem while improving sports skills. Training is provided in bowling, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, softball, track and field and aquatics.
TGIF
Start the weekend with friends! Individuals ages 10-16 are provided the chance to have a themed night out one Friday a month. They get to participate in crafts, games and a cooking activity.
Nite Club
A fun night of music and dancing with friends. With D.J. entertainment and monthly themes, it brings a touch of excitement to every event.
Saturday Clubhouse
This fusion of programs provides structured music, art, movement, and gym activities. Children and teens will get the chance to socialize and be stimulated in engaging activities. *Please note individuals will be grouped by age and ability at either a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.
Fantastic Friends
Teens participate in community trips to work towards improving socialization and independence.
The program is a mix of travel, sports, leisure activities and education. We hope to build skills that will stay with our young adults throughout their lives.
Saturday Trips
Weekends Away
There is so much to do and see, so many places to visit! Provides a highly structured and closely supervised opportunity for participants to gain independence from their families and enjoy new situations. *Some overnight experience is needed with North East.
Summer Programs Include
Summer Day Camp
Special Olympics Softball
Concerts In The Park
Frost Valley Vacation Program
Adults are given the opportunity to spend five days in the Catskills and participate in a variety of vacation activities. What a great way for our participants to relax and unwind while at the same time, provide some respite time for their family members.
Our Leadership
Ellie Arnemann
Executive Director
Ellie joined North East in 2018. For more than 30 years, Ellie worked for not-for-profit providers that offered OPWDD services in increasingly more responsible positions.
“I strongly believe everyone should have the opportunity to lead a meaningful life, rich with experiences and filled with valued relationships. I am so proud to be working with dedicated professionals that demonstrate commitment, compassion and enthusiasm. Together, we are committed to ensuring the highest quality of programs for nearly 500 children, teens and adults.”
Nancy Bellini
CTRS, Program Director
Nancy, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, has been with North East since 1984.
“In 1986, I was hired as a full time staff and am thrilled to still be a part of the North East family. As a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, I am so proud of the work we do here at North East. I believe I have the best job ever! We love to do fun things and the people we do them with are truly the best.”
In addition to overseeing all programs, Nancy coordinates; Adult Trips, Team Sports, Aquatics, Winter and Spring Vacations, Summer programs for Adults, Special Olympics Athletics.
Joe Bellini
Program Coordinator/Summer Camp Director
Joe has been at North East since 1993.
“I became a full time staff in 1997, I love working at North East and think our participants are AMAZING! The best thing about North East, besides the people we serve, are our outstanding staff who are dedicated and absolutely the greatest to work with”.
Joe’s programs include; Summer Day Camp, Bowling, Nite Club, Fantastic Friends, Frost Valley Summer Vacation, Special Olympics Athletics.
Brittany Ciliberto
Senior Recreation Therapist
Brittany began working with North East at our Summer Day Camp and became full-time in 2014.
“Having a sister that is autistic has always made me passionate about this population. Getting to work with my sister, her friends and all the amazing individuals is so rewarding.”
Brittany’s programs include; Bowling, Fitness Frenzy, Games, Escapades, Special Olympic Athletics.
Jessie Espinet
CTRS, Senior Recreation Therapist
Jessie began working full-time with North East in April 2022.
Jessie earned her Certification in Therapeutic Recreation after completing her internship with us in 2018.
“I never thought that my decision to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist would lead me to working at a place like North East. Every day I get to work with some of the most incredible people, which makes everything I do that much better. I am so happy to be a part of the North East family”
Kirsten Nesello
Office Manager & Bookkeeper
Kirsten began working with North East in August 2020.
“Coming from 5 years experience working in the athletic summer camp atmosphere, I am looking forward to utilize my expertise and take on a role at North East. I am grateful for the experience to work in an environment that gives back to the community. I have found my role in improving the accessibility of registrations and participant outreach to be very rewarding. I am eager to continue my work in support of the families at North East.”
Board of Directors
Steve Ralston
President
Town of Somers
Andrea “Drea” Russo
Town of Pound Ridge
Chris Soi
Town of Bedford
Dana Durso
Vice President
Village of Briarcliff Manor
Ike Kuzio
Town of New Castle
Douglas Scott
Town of Mt. Pleasant
Matt Trainor
Treasurer
Town of North Castle
Nicole Caviola
Town of Lewisboro
Mike Newman
Village of Pleasantville
Matthew Arone
Secretary
Village of Sleepy Hollow
Kyle Thornton
Village of Mt. Kisco
Lauren Rosasco
Town of North Salem