Our team speaks Arabic, ASL, Haitian Creole, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Uzbek to support you!

Amanda Truffi-Nash is a founding member of A1 Service Coordination, dedicated to helping individuals in the community not only stay safe but thrive as they achieve their goals and find joy in their lives.

With nearly 12 years of experience in the TBI/NHTD field, Amanda began her career working in a TBI Waiver day program, eventually managing its daily operations. This role gave her invaluable case management experience, leading her to become a Service Coordinator. For several years, she served as a Service Coordinator and Independent Living Skills Trainer for the TBI Waiver. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amanda discovered her passion for enrollment and transitioned her focus to helping individuals safely transition from nursing homes and enroll in the TBI and NHTD Waiver programs. This work has been deeply rewarding, and Amanda is thrilled to continue expanding her skills at A1.

Now a mother of two wonderful sons, Amanda balances her professional work with her supportive and loving husband by her side. Her passion for helping ease the burdens of caregivers, so they can focus on enjoying their loved ones, continues to drive her. As both a mother and daughter, Amanda understands the importance of creating a strong support system for families and is committed to building that "village" for the community she serves.

Anastasiia Gorokhova is a vital part of our NYC team, serving as an Assistant Service Coordinator with a strong focus on helping Russian-speaking participants and their families navigate the NHTD and TBI Medicaid Waiver programs. Fluent in Russian, Sakha, and English, Anastasiia brings warmth, clarity, and cultural sensitivity to every interaction—ensuring that the individuals we serve feel truly heard and supported.

Before joining A1 Service Coordination, Anastasiia worked in both healthcare and engineering, including roles as a Front Desk Receptionist in a busy Brooklyn podiatry office and as a Project Engineer overseas. Her unique combination of technical and interpersonal skills allows her to approach service coordination with strong attention to detail, efficiency, and heart.

She is also a certified yoga instructor, bringing a calming, compassionate presence to her work and a deep understanding of mind-body wellness. Whether she’s assisting with documents, supporting participants through the enrollment process, or offering thoughtful communication to families and providers, Anastasiia always shows up with empathy, professionalism, and a sincere commitment to helping others.

Her passion for helping people thrive—especially those who may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of systems or language barriers—makes her an incredible asset to our team and to the individuals we serve across New York City.

Angie Zucco-Adams brings a wealth of experience in workforce development, community engagement, and individualized support to her role as an Initial Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination. With a background spanning over 25 years in counseling, benefit management, and administrative leadership, Angie is passionate about guiding individuals through the NHTD and TBI Medicaid Waiver programs and helping them access the services they need to thrive in the community.

Prior to joining A1, Angie held various leadership roles at the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund and Employment Center, where she managed staff, coordinated training services, and supported hundreds of individuals transitioning through employment and benefit systems. Her compassionate, person-centered approach is backed by strong organizational and communication skills, as well as extensive experience navigating complex service systems.

Angie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Lehman College and a Master’s in Public Health from Walden University. She is fluent in Spanish and proficient in a range of technology platforms, including Salesforce, ICIMS, and Microsoft Office.

Angie is committed to empowering participants and their families, ensuring each person she works with feels heard, supported, and set up for success from the very start of their service coordination journey.

Asolat Suyumov serves as an Initial Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination Agency. With six years of experience in the healthcare community, Asolat is a dedicated professional who is fluent in English, Russian, and Uzbek. Her trilingual abilities enable her to connect with a diverse range of patients, ensuring they receive the highest quality care.

Passionate about patient advocacy, Asolat is committed to helping her patients achieve their health goals and improve their quality of life. Her dedication is evident in her daily interactions, where she consistently goes above and beyond to support those in need.

Outside of her professional life, Asolat cherishes her family of four. She is the proud mother of two beautiful and lively girls and enjoys the unwavering support of her loving husband.

In her free time, Asolat enjoys reading, playing the piano, and biking. These activities bring her joy and provide a well-rounded balance to her life, fueling her dedication to both her work and her family.

Beth Staiano is a dedicated and highly experienced Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination, bringing over two decades of expertise in supporting individuals with disabilities and other complex needs. With a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from Empire State College and an Associate degree in Applied Science from Herkimer County Community College, Beth combines her academic background with extensive practical experience.

In her role, Beth excels at both guiding participants through the initial stages of service coordination and providing ongoing support. Her past experience includes roles such as Independent Living Skills Trainer and Community Habilitation Specialist, where she helped participants access necessary services and develop essential life skills. As a Shift Supervisor at The ARC of Ulster, Beth demonstrated strong leadership and a commitment to ensuring high-quality care for individuals in residential settings.

Beth is also a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), allowing her to offer specialized support for individuals with complex needs. Her focus on communication, documentation, and problem-solving ensures that every participant receives personalized and thorough care throughout their service coordination journey.

Beth’s compassionate, organized, and proactive approach to her work makes her an invaluable asset to A1 Service Coordination, where she is deeply committed to empowering and advocating for the individuals and families she serves.

My name is Boisey Bristo, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional, and Certified Brain Injury Specialist based in Fort Worth, Texas, providing services statewide via telehealth. I specialize in working with adolescents and adults, focusing on anxiety and mood disorders, stress and adjustment challenges, trauma, cultural diversity, and brain injury. My counseling philosophy is simple: "Every journey begins with the first step."

I take an integrated approach, meeting clients where they are and tailoring support to their unique needs. My therapeutic principles draw from Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused strategies. This helps clients gain insight, strengthen the mind-body connection, and create a clear path toward wellness.

Since 2008, I've worked with the TBI/NHTD Medicaid waiver program in various roles, including Independent Living Skills Training, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support, and Service Coordination. With over 20 years of experience as a helping professional, my focus has always been on supporting clients and their families in achieving their goals.

Personal Interests: I’m a big fan of Harry Potter, enjoy spending time with family, exercising, and exploring new foods.

Brittany Hedman is a dedicated Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination, supporting individuals enrolled in the NHTD and TBI Medicaid Waiver programs throughout New York City. She works closely with participants to develop and implement individualized service plans that promote independence, community integration, and quality of life.

Brittany is committed to empowering those she serves by connecting them with vital resources, advocating on their behalf, and ensuring that services are delivered with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Her approach is person-centered and goal-driven, always focused on helping individuals maintain their independence and thrive in the least restrictive setting possible.

With a strong background in human services and a deep understanding of NYC’s diverse communities, Brittany brings both experience and heart to her role at A1.

 CarolLee Bryne brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to the TBI/NHTD Medicaid Waiver community. Her extensive background includes work within the Health Home program, where she gained invaluable insights into the mental health challenges affecting children and families. CarolLee’s experience doesn’t stop there; she has also held various roles in the OPWDD Medicaid Waiver program, further broadening her understanding of the diverse needs of individuals requiring support.

CarolLee is deeply passionate about connecting people with vital community resources, and she thrives on using her knowledge to empower and assist others. Her dedication to helping individuals achieve their goals is matched by her enthusiasm for ongoing learning and professional growth. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Marist College and is committed to pursuing her master’s degree in social work, underscoring her long-term dedication to the field.

With a compassionate approach and a strong foundation of knowledge, CarolLee is an invaluable resource for the individuals and families she serves.

Dan serves as an Initial Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination, bringing warmth, creativity, and over a decade of experience in healthcare, education, and therapeutic services. He holds both a Master’s in Recreation Management and a Bachelor’s in Therapeutic Recreation from SUNY Cortland and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Dan’s professional background includes leadership roles in recreational therapy, clinical consulting, and special education, where he has consistently focused on improving quality of life for individuals with disabilities and older adults.

As an Initial Service Coordinator, Dan supports new applicants as they begin their journey with the NHTD and TBI Medicaid Waiver programs. He is known for his compassionate approach, strong communication skills, and deep knowledge of community resources. Outside of work, Dan is actively involved in volunteer efforts and civic organizations throughout the Hudson Valley.

Elaine Collazo is an A1SC Initial Service Coordinator who brings over 15 years of experience serving individuals with special needs. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, Elaine has a unique ability to connect with and support a diverse range of individuals. Her career began as a 911 Emergency Medical Technician, where she spent over 10 years working alongside esteemed professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of those in crisis in Brooklyn, NY.

Elaine's commitment to education and personal growth led her to earn a Master’s Degree in Special Education, and she is currently in her third year of Doctoral studies in Industrial Organizational Psychology. In addition to her work in the field, Elaine became the first and youngest award-winning Liberal Arts professor at the New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants in Long Island City, NY.

With a deep passion for advocacy, Elaine is dedicated to empowering individuals with special needs and ensuring positive outcomes for the communities she serves. Her commitment to education and advocacy makes her a valuable asset to the A1 Service Coordination team, where she works diligently to ensure that the needs of each participant and their families are met during every transitional phase.

Elena Okhotnikova brings nearly a decade of leadership in home care operations to her role as a Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination. Fluent in both Russian and English, Elena plays a key role in supporting Russian-speaking participants and families across New York City, helping them feel heard, informed, and empowered throughout the NHTD and TBI waiver process.

Before joining A1, Elena served as the Administrator and Director of Human Resources at a Brooklyn-based home care agency, where she oversaw all aspects of agency operations, built partnerships with MLTCs and CHHAs, ensured regulatory compliance, and implemented quality improvement initiatives. Her hands-on experience working with diverse communities makes her especially effective at navigating complex systems and advocating for those in need.

Elena holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Webster University and has completed certification in Automation Quality Assurance. Her professional and cultural fluency, combined with her dedication to person-centered care, make her a trusted guide for individuals and families seeking services and support through the waiver programs.

 Heidi Nylese, LMSW, is an accomplished Initial Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination with a Master of Social Work degree from the prestigious New York University's Silver School of Social Work. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Heidi is a devoted wife and mother, balancing a rewarding career with the joys and challenges of raising a teenage son.

Heidi’s personal journey has deeply shaped her career in social work. She formed a close bond with her paternal grandparents, who were not only family but her closest friends, fostering her deep appreciation for companionship and meaningful relationships. Additionally, witnessing her maternal grandmother’s three-decade battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease gave Heidi profound insight into the complexities of aging and cognitive decline, fueling her passion for advocating for the elderly and individuals with cognitive impairments.

With nearly a decade of experience as a Medicaid Waiver Service Coordinator, Heidi has worked extensively in the Nursing Home Transition & Diversion (NHTD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) programs. She has been a tireless advocate for individuals with complex needs, ensuring they receive the essential support and services needed to thrive in their communities. In her role, Heidi excels at creating individualized service plans tailored to participants' unique health and welfare needs. She collaborates closely with participants, families, and guardians, helping them set goals and craft comprehensive plans that promote independence and well-being.

Heidi’s passion lies in empowering individuals and families to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength. Her nearly 10 years of experience in social work have equipped her with a holistic approach to care, combining compassion and evidence-based interventions to improve the well-being of her clients. Driven by a deep empathy and a commitment to making a positive impact, Heidi helps individuals overcome obstacles related to trauma, mental health issues, and medical challenges, while addressing the unique needs of every person she serves.

Jenn DiBenedetto founded A1 Service Coordination with a team of dedicated professionals specializing in the NHTD and TBI Waiver programs. Together, they created a conflict-free Service Coordination agency focused on delivering the highest standard of support to individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury, disabilities, and the elderly community.

With over two decades of experience in the human services field, Jenn began her career in 2007 and started working with the NHTD/TBI Waiver programs in 2011. Throughout her career, she has been committed to helping individuals access the essential services they need to thrive. Her passion for this work was driven by her personal experience, after facing the challenge of securing care for her grandmother, who was diagnosed with dementia. Experiencing financial strain, family conflict, caregiver burnout, and a lack of knowledge about available resources, Jenn became determined to support others through these struggles. This mission became her life’s work: ensuring that individuals and families receive the services and care they deserve.

Jenn’s background spans a variety of roles, including Service Coordinator, Service Coordinator Supervisor, Director, and Regional Resource Development Specialist. These roles have equipped her with the knowledge and skills to advocate for participants and guide them through each step of the process.

In addition to her professional work, Jenn is a loving wife and mother. She brings the same dedication to the families she serves, striving to keep loved ones at home and out of nursing facilities. With her wealth of experience and knowledge, Jenn remains committed to ensuring that A1 Service Coordination delivers exceptional support to individuals and families across New York City and the Lower Hudson Valley.

Jodie Cohen-Freedman is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a strong background in healthcare, mental health, and long-term care services. As an Initial Service Coordinator at A1 Service Coordination, Jodie brings over 15 years of experience supporting individuals with complex medical, cognitive, and behavioral needs. Her deep understanding of discharge planning, care coordination, and community-based services allows her to guide individuals and families through the NHTD and TBI Medicaid Waiver programs with compassion and professionalism.

Prior to joining A1, Jodie worked in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers, providing psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, and emotional support to residents and their families. She also has experience in psychotherapy, guardianship case management, and youth services, making her well-rounded in both clinical and community settings.

Jodie holds a Master of Social Work from Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brooklyn College. She is passionate about advocating for participant needs and ensuring each person she serves feels heard, supported, and empowered to live safely and independently in the community.

Kristine Bradford is a dedicated Initial Service Coordinator with over two decades of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and older adults across a variety of community-based settings. With a strong background in service coordination, benefits navigation, and advocacy, Kristine is passionate about helping participants access the resources and services they need to live safely and independently in the community.

Prior to joining A1 Service Coordination, Kristine worked for several years in the NHTD and TBI Waiver programs, where she developed and managed service plans, coordinated housing support, and ensured timely visits and documentation in compliance with NYSDOH guidelines. Her earlier roles included working as a Case Manager and Service Coordinator, where she provided employment support, entitlement assistance, and comprehensive care coordination.

Kristine holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Fredonia State College. She brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the challenges participants face, making her a valued resource for individuals and families navigating the waiver programs.

Lisa Turdo is a compassionate and dedicated Initial Service Coordinator with a strong commitment to supporting others, especially the elderly and those who are unable to advocate for themselves. She holds a degree in Human Services and Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College, where she graduated with high distinctions.

During her internship with the Alzheimer’s Association, Lisa worked closely with families to help them access much-needed services for their loved ones and caregivers. She also joined the Association in Albany, where she advocated for increased funding and grant opportunities by meeting with state senators and members of Congress.

Lisa’s passion for service is deeply personal—she was the primary caregiver for her mother, who battled early-onset Dementia/Alzheimer’s for many years. This experience shaped her empathetic and proactive approach to care. In addition to her professional work, Lisa has volunteered in many areas of her community, supporting children, adults, and individuals with disabilities.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys kayaking, camping, working out, meditating, reading, and, most importantly, spending time with her three children, who are her greatest joy.

Luz Mota is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the human services field, specializing in Neurological Impairment and Traumatic Brain Injury (NHTD & TBI). For the past 8 years, she has been dedicated to empowering and supporting individuals within these communities. Prior to that, Luz served as a Waiver Service Supervisor and Homefinder Coordinator for foster children, further expanding her expertise in working with vulnerable populations.

Luz’s passion for helping others shines through in her work with the elderly, disabled, and TBI populations. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she effortlessly bridges language barriers to ensure that all individuals receive the comprehensive care they need.

Outside of her professional life, Luz is a proud mother of two and cherishes quality time with her family. When not busy with her family, she enjoys music, dancing, and gardening—hobbies that reflect her vibrant and joyful spirit. With a heart dedicated to service and a zest for life, Luz is an invaluable asset to our team.

Lynn Pucino brings over 30 years of experience in human services, with a diverse background that spans foster care, preventative services, inpatient psychiatric care, and OPWDD. She has held key roles such as Residential Service Manager and Service Manager for Service Coordination, with a specialization in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Lynn is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), a designation that reflects her advanced training and expertise in supporting individuals with brain injuries. She holds a Master’s degree in Psychology from Marist College and has significant experience in providing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as well as overseeing Independent Living Skills Training (ILST). Her extensive knowledge of the NHTD and TBI waiver programs makes her a valuable resource for the individuals and families she serves.

Outside of work, Lynn enjoys traveling and exploring new places, with a particular love for cruises. She also treasures the time she spends with her family and friends.

Melissa E. Vargas is the Waiver Enrollment Specialist at A1 Service Coordination, bringing over 20 years of experience in social services to the team. She holds a Master’s in Counseling from Mercy University and an Advanced Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Alfred University. Melissa’s deep passion for helping and supporting individuals and families, along with her natural ability to build strong, trusting relationships, inspired her to pursue a career in mental health counseling.

Melissa is also bilingual, fluent in both Spanish and English, which allows her to effectively communicate and connect with a wider range of individuals and families in need of support.

Throughout her career, Melissa has worked across various fields and agencies, always dedicated to empowering people to become the best version of themselves. Her extensive experience in social services has equipped her with the skills and empathy needed to provide invaluable support to individuals navigating complex systems and challenges.

In her free time, Melissa cherishes moments spent with family and friends. She is an avid reader and enjoys staying active through running, walking, and working out, maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Her commitment to both her personal and professional growth reflects the passion she brings to her role at A1 Service Coordination.