The New York City Office

Contact Person:

Ellen McHugh

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Phone: 1-800-405-8818
212-229-3222
Fax: 212-229-3146
Counties Served:

York (Manhattan), Kings (Brooklyn), Queens

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Welcome to the New York City Office of Parent to Parent of NYS
– a place where families of individuals with special needs, and the professionals who support them, can meet and share information.
– a place for us to find each other, a place for us to be made strong.

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The New York City Office Staff

Emily Pinkus
Office Support

I was born and raised in a little town called Chatham, New Jersey. My mother and father are wonderful parents who raised me to lead a happy and promising life.

I also have an older sister, Jen, who is my best friend and my rock. She recently just came back from serving in the Peace Corps in Malawi, Africa for over two years living in a small village. I was extremely proud of her accomplishments- but when she finally came home, I was very inclined to take her passport, so she could never leave again.

I attended Chatham High School and graduated in 2007. I spent my first year of college at SUNY Purchase College, but after my freshman year I decided to transfer to a more appealing and academically driven school. During that time I took a semester off and continued working at a special needs elementary school called, P.G. Chambers School, where I had been a Teacher’s Assistant during the summer program. I loved the experience working with the students and the staff their. The students were all so happy and vibrant. No matter what kind of disability they may have had, they gave off so much positive energy. The little things we do not even pay attention to are such a large accomplishment for the students, which is something so wonderful to experience day after day. In January, I moved to New York City to attend The New School University where I currently study Psychology. I am very excited about my impending graduation this December!

After working at P.G. Chambers I knew I would like to stay connected to that population, and Parent to Parent of NYS was kind enough to take me in and teach me so much more things about the special needs community. I love working here and being able to support and connect parents who have family member with a disability. Since I have been here, I am once again able to experience that satisfying feeling of that comes from helping people in need.

Email | Phone

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Ellen McHugh
Lead Coordinator
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and still live there.
My parents were both Irish immigrants and passed their fierce independence, wit and intelligence on to all four of their children. All of us claim to be the best looking of the four, but I will tell you, confidentially of course, that three of them are mistaken. I attended Catholic grade school and high school, which is a story unto itself, and Hunter College of City University of New York. While at Hunter, I spent a semester in Ireland as an exchange student and attended classes at University College Dublin and Trinity College, or so my parents thought. I married John McHugh in June 1972, much to the surprise of his mother who was convinced he would be with her forever. Since that day, I have always been the favorite daughter-in-law.

We are the parents of three young men: Ruarc, aged 34; Ryan 32, and Nolan, aged 28. All of our children are out on their own and loving it. Ruarc has a severe to profound hearing loss and was educated in the New York City Public Schools in general education classrooms with supports and services from Hearing Education Services. He currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with Adriana, his wife. They were married in 2010 in Bogota, Columbia, where Adriana’s family lives. It was a lovely wedding. Both Adriana and Ruarc are graduates of Gallaudet University.

It is my belief, backed up by research and common sense, that parents are their children’s first and most important teachers and advocates. Parents, and by that I mean anyone who nurtures a child in their care, are the greatest untapped resource our society has. Through Parent to Parent of NY State, I hope to help turn that resource into a geyser of support and information.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 1-800-405-8818
212-229-3222

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Mary Beth Fadelici
Coordinator
Mary Beth resides in Brooklyn with her husband, Bill, son, Will and daughter, Allison.
What characterizes me that I would like to make sure other people know about me and remember me by?
I am a good judge of character and I am a loyal friend and value my personal relationships.

Why is Parent to Parent important to you?
The diversity of the people we meet and knowing in some small way that we might have helped someone through a tough time. When you hear in someone’s voice “she gets it” is probably the most rewarding part of our job. Because I rely so heavily on my friends and family, it is important to let people know that there is someone there for them.

Did you contact Parent to Parent?
Yes, I often reached out to Ellen in our NYC office when I had questions or was at a loss for how to handle a situation.

What happens when a parent speaks with another parent and receives support from another parent?
I believe that loneliness is lifted. These are not the conversations that most parents are having with each other, so it is important to know that there are other people out there to have these conversations with.

How does the opportunity to connect with other parents benefit families?
You tell one person, they tell one person and so on….. Communication is established and information is shared.

What qualities do I look for when recruiting a support parent?
Balance. Someone who is not just looking to break down walls, but looking for solutions. An understanding of how things need to be addressed, and most importantly someone who will listen, not just talk.

What kind of information, referrals, or community connections are families looking for?
Services, access to services, good contact information. Connecting to people and organizations who will recognize their family member as an individual who is not just identified by their disability.

Was there a time when someone went above and beyond all expectations to help you with your child?
When Ellen McHugh got in touch with the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans to help my nephew when he lost his job due to his seizure disorder.

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) | 1-800-405-8818
212-229-3222

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