People Inc.OPWDD Commissioner Tours People Inc.
May 27, 2025
Willow Baer, commissioner of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and members of her state and regional management team were welcomed on Monday, May 19 by People Inc.'s Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO, and several members of the agency leadership and program staff.
The group traveled to several sites, where they met with staff and people receiving services and learned about some of the specialized programs and services provided by People Inc.
At the Center for Human Resources, Learning & Development and Advocacy, they toured the custom hub for professional development, orientation, advocacy, and talent recruitment, where Commissioner Baer addressed the newly hired staff attending orientation. The group also visited the Elmwood Day Habilitation and Respite Programs, the Rehabilitative Services Center, and the Village Green residential group home to learn more about the wide scope of People Inc.’s programs and services.
OPWDD is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome and other neurological impairments.
Scroll through the gallery for pictures from Baer’s visit:
The commissioner's welcome tour began at the People Inc. headquarters. Pictured (left to right) are: Maralyn Militello, MPA, BSN, NEA-BC, chief program officer, People Inc., Henrietta Dennis, deputy director, OPWDD, Maria Torgalski, regional director, OPWDD, Willow Baer, commissioner, OPWDD, and Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO, People Inc.
Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO, People Inc. and Willow Baer, talk with Diane Amoia, who is working on a craft project at the Late Afternoon Respite program in Buffalo.
Maria Torgalski, regional director, OPWDD (left) and Willow Baer, commissioner, OPWDD, accept a gift created by Lucy Delvalle, at the Elmwood Day Program.