As ADA’s founding director, Alex draws on her tenure as founder and coordinator of the Assistive Device Center at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA—a school recognized internationally as a leader in the education of children who are blind and deaf-blind. Over the last 20 years Alex has taught hundreds of courses in adaptive design to professionals and parents throughout the Northeast, and through the Hilton-Perkins International Program, has trained educators in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, India, and Poland.
In 1996, Alex was awarded a fellowship in International Community Development co-sponsored by the Partners of the Americas and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. In addition to her experience in the field, Alex holds a Master's degree in Teaching the Visually Impaired from Boston College, and a Master's degree in Curriculum Development from Lesley University. Alex is co-author of the book Creative Constructions: Technologies that make adaptive design accessible, affordable, inclusive and fun. She is also a Citizen Pruner and is licensed by the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and Trees New York to care for NYC trees.
Antoinette LaSorsa, Fabrication Director
Antoinette has been designing and constructing custom-made adaptive equipment and training teachers, therapists, and community volunteers in the principles of adaptive design since ADA’s inception in 1998. She received a BS in Behavioral Sciences from Mercy College in 1992. Antoinette serves on the Board of Directors of Our Journey, a nonprofit organization that offers support groups and retreats to women on a new journey in life.
Lille Troelstrup, Program Coordinator
Lille started as a part-time freelancer in June 2007, after graduating from Parson’s School of Design with a B.A. in Product Design. She now oversees multi-media communications, the Caring Chairs Program, and case studies. In addition, she participates in equipment design, child assessment, and teaching courses. “It’s rewarding to benefit children through adaptive design. Ultimately, it’s about creating a better life for each individual child.”
Kenia Cornelio, Program Assistant
Kenia began interning at ADA in February 2006 and soon became a part-time staff member. In February 2007 she was promoted to a full-time Program Assistant position. Kenia is the proud mother of two beautiful boys, Jensy (age 12) and Johnny (age 8). She recently graduated from Interboro College with a Medical Assistant Associate’s degree. Her cheery personality and fabulous organizational skills are a huge asset to ADA’s operations. Kenia enjoys spending as much time as possible with her children.
Steve Beatty, Prototype Designer
Steve joined the ADA staff in 2007. He comes to us with 30 years of experience in antique furniture restoration. He is responsible for the design of many of ADA’s custom-made pieces. Steve says, “Antique renovation is all good fun. But all this fun is a great deal gooder.” Steve is married to wonderful Laura and has two great kids, Ben and Abby.
Kulwant Kaur, Fabrication AssistantKulwant is originally from Panjab State, India and came to the U.S. in 1996. She is the proud mother of John (age 8) and Victoria (age 2). Kulwant began interning at ADA in 2005, started working part-time for us soon after, and became ADA’s Fabrication Assistant in 2007. Kulwant works on all facets of the adaptive design process. She is also a fabulous sewer and is responsible for many of the ADA designs involving fabric and belting. Kulwant has Master’s degrees in Political Science and in her own language, Panjabi, from Guru Nanak Dev University. She is also a phlebotomist (blood work) and spent one year training at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens.
Kristine Rogers, Grant Writer
Kristine Rogers joined the ADA Staff as a part-time Grant Writer in January 2008. She teaches courses in Asian Cultures and Comparative Religions for the Paul McGhee Division at New York University. Kris lived and worked in India and Pakistan for 4 1/2 years and continues to travel regularly to Asia for her teaching. She spent six years with Futures and Options, a non-profit organization that offers paid, supervised internships to New York City high-school students. At FAO, Kris tended the DYCD grants and managed the Urban Leadership Fellows, a summer internship program in the municipal bond industry, sponsored by the Municipal Forum of New York. “I have always led two lives—in academia and the non-profit sector—both are extremely important to me. I’m delighted to contribute my background and writing skills to expand ADA’s mission.“
Yolanda Ramsay, Events Coordinator Yolanda has a diverse background in theatre, television, and administrative work in the corporate and non-profit sectors. Her volunteer work with various organizations serving children and young adults happily led her to ADA in May 2007. Yolanda is excited and honored to be part of our team of dedicated staff, contributing to the mission and work of ADA. A do-it-yourselfer and craftsperson by nature, Yolanda loves designing and creating beautiful surroundings and objects to share, give, and enjoy. Her daughter, Dahlia, is an inspired world-traveler and Community Development major at Portland State University. As native New Yorkers who love and enjoy their city, Yolanda and Dahlia equally love exploring new places and people, near and far, and sharing time with friends and family.
Steven Fisch, Policy and Marketing Specialist Steven Fisch, Policy and Marketing Specialist Steven became a staff member this past fall. Prior to joining ADA, he was a health care investment banker at Citigroup and holds an M.D. from Columbia University.
