Meet the esteemed team at Long Island Advocacy Center Inc., a dedicated group committed to protecting the rights of students and individuals with disabilities. Each member brings a wealth of experience and a personal commitment to advocacy and legal support.

Our directors work tirelessly to guide LIAC’s strategic direction, ensuring that our services align with our mission to empower and protect the community we serve.

The Board consists of professionals from diverse backgrounds, including legal, educational, and financial sectors, all united by their passion for social justice. Their leadership is instrumental in shaping the policies and initiatives that LIAC undertakes.

Under their governance, LIAC continues to be a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals across Long Island, advocating for necessary changes and providing essential services.

Board of Directors

Susan Burger

President

Thomas Blennau, Esq.

Trustee

Glenda Jackson

Trustee

Catherine Breidenbach, Esq.

Secretary

Tahmeed Kalam

Treasurer

Our Staff

Eilleen Buckley, Esq.

Executive Director

Jen Schwartz (Suffolk)

Assistant Director

Mindy Turansky (Nassau)

Assistant Director

Finance

Michelle Montenora, CPA

Financial Director

Alyssa Franco

Staff Accountant

Legal Department

Diane Collins, Esq.

Legal

Diane Inbody, Esq.

Legal

Liane Wolff, Esq.

Legal

Victoria Vine, Esq.

Legal

Jian Chen, Esq.

Legal

(Speaks Mandarin)

Nassau County

Jeanne McElwain

Intake Coordinator/Education Advocate

Kelly Agurkis

Education Advocate

Sylvia Caban

Education Advocate

(Habla español)

Donna Hemphill

Education Advocate

Carolina Trigo

Education Advocate

(Habla español)

Suffolk County

Anita Durney

Intake Coordinator/Education Advocate

Shannen McCabe

Intake Coordinator/Education Advocate

(Habla español)

Steven Broschart

Education Advocate

Lissy Escobar

Education Advocate

(Habla español)

Selva Herrera

Education Advocate

(Habla español)

Kelly Oroza

Education Advocate

Anita Saltzman

Education Advocate

Nassau & Suffolk County

NY Region 1 Collaborative PTIC

Helene Fallon

Project Co-Director

Roberta Grogan

Project Co-Director

Anna Bingham

Administrative Assistant

Family Support Programs

Anita Durney

Family Support Access Coordinator

Shannen McCabe

Family Support Access Coordinator

Stefanny Droz

Benefits Advisement Specialist