Staff
Lori Saile, Director
Jowonio has always been the home of my heart and my career. I first learned about its inclusive approach in a freshman Special Education course at Syracuse University, and immediately knew I needed to learn more. After a practicum and student teaching placement there, I was hired upon graduation in 1987.
I taught at Jowonio for eight years while earning my Master’s in Severe Disabilities, then brought what I had learned to a local elementary school to help launch an inclusive model. After four years, I returned to Jowonio—first as an administrative support teacher, then as Assistant Director after earning a C.A.S. in School Leadership. When founding Director Ellen Barnes retired after 45 years, I was honored to step into the role.
My goal as Director is to honor and advance Ellen’s vision of inclusion—adapting to evolving educational demands, strengthening our innovative practices, improving staff compensation to support recruitment and retention, and partnering with educational institutions and nonprofits to advocate for inclusion for all.
Jennifer Petrie, Assistant Director
I’ve spent my career working in a variety of roles within Jowonio; from a teacher’s aide to special education teacher, clinical liaison, and now assistant director. Each experience has shaped my passion for inclusive education and the belief that all children deserve to learn in environments where they feel valued and supported.
I earned my Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from Syracuse University, along with Certificates of Advanced Study in both School Building and District Leadership (Le Moyne College) and Assistive Technology (George Mason University). I’m especially drawn to Universal Design for Learning and love working with educators to create classrooms where every child can thrive.
Kate Smith, Assistant Director
I have worked in special education and early childhood for 25 years, working as a special education teacher for Jowonio and other programs for a number of years before completing my Educational Leadership program and returning to Jowonio as assistant director and UPK program director. I love supporting Jowonio’s staff, developing meaningful professional learning opportunities and contributing to a positive and innovative working environment.
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
- Michael Rey
Board President, member since 2018, parent of two Jowonio alumni - Liz Dwyer
Vice President, member since 2023, current Jowonio parent - Michelle Hammerle
Treasurer, member since 2020, parent of Jowonio alum - Jakia Durham Kelly
Secretary, member since 2024, current Jowonio parent
- Adrian Bayardi, staff representative, member since 2019, parent of two Jowonio alumni
- Nick Malone, member since 2021,parent of Jowonio alum
- Sheila Mirizio, staff representative, member since 2019, parent of Jowonio alum
- Kobie Natoli, member since 2024, current Jowonio parent
- Chad Norton, member since 2024, Jowonio alum
- Michelle Olevano, member since 2024, parent of Jowonio alum
- Katie Rey, member since 2018, parent of two Jowonio alumni
- Jaime Riley, member since 2025, current Jowonio parent
- Nicole Schuster, member since 2022, current Jowonio parent
- Kevin Tampone, member since 2016, parent of two Jowonio alumni
Ex-Officio Board Members
- Lori Saile, Director, parent of Jowonio alumni
- Bob Pandori, Financial Manager, parent of 2 Jowonio alumni
- Jennifer Petrie, Assistant Director
- Kate Smith, Assistant Director, parent of Jowonio alum