Our Leadership - In Flight's Executive Team

Meet Our Leadership Team!

At In Flight, Inc., we empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach for hopes and dreams and support a meaningful quality of life. We achieve our mission through residential services, day habilitation services, our signature I-SAIL program, and community habilitation services. Learn about our leadership team and their skill-sets spearheading our programs!

After a successful 20-year career in the financial services industry with such firms as Merrill Lynch, Shearson Lehman Brothers, and Smith Barney, Matt initiated the Development effort for the Devereux Foundation (N.Y.) in 2000. After a six-year tenure, he founded Bateman Development Group (B.D.G.), a consulting firm designed to assist non-performing Not-for-Profits with fundraising issues and programmatic difficulties. This led him in early 2010 to In Flight, Inc., a 501(c)3, full-service volunteer agency for people with developmental disabilities under the auspices of O.P.W.D.D. During 2010, Matt assumed a substantial operational role, and in October of that year, was made Executive Director and C.E.O. Within 18 months, he removed In Flight from Early Alert (E.A.) status and acquired Special Needs Program (an agency also on E.A.), as well as Eagle Case Management.

Matthew G Bateman

Chief Executive Officer

Ralph completed his bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy, from Boston University, in 1974. In 1982, he obtained a Master's in Psychology from R.P.I., and in 1984, a Master's in Education from S.U.N.Y. Albany. He played a significant role in the passage of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Bill in New York State. Ralph was president of the Capital District chapter of the NYS Occupational Therapy Association for several years. He was one of the three therapists who established and obtained national accreditation for the occupational therapy assistant program at Maria College in Albany, NY. Ralph also served as a faculty member during the 1980-1981 academic years.

Ralph established and operated Regional Rehabilitation, an occupational, physical, and speech therapy company, which employed up to 150 therapists. When he closed Regional Rehabilitation in 2002, he accepted a management position at Restore Therapy, P.L.L.C. While at Restore Therapy, he established relationships with several colleges to train both therapists and assistant-level students. Mr. LaCasio is currently Managing Director of Occupational Therapy Services and is a member of the company's compliance team, as well as a founding board member of In Flight, Inc.

Ralph LaCasio

Board President

Administrative Leadership Team

Nevena holds a Master of Business Administration in Public Accounting from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant for the State of New York. Nevena has worked as a Special Auditor Investigator for the N.Y.S. Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Prior to joining our leadership team, she worked at K.P.M.G., a global accounting firm located in New York City.

Nevena Ilcheva

MBA, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Greg holds various degrees and certifications in C.I.S., Networking, Database Administration, and Cybersecurity. Greg spent much of his career working in corporate America, but after being blessed with the birth of his special needs daughter, he was inspired to utilize his skills and talents in a meaningful way by providing support for people with developmental disabilities. In addition to working for In Flight Incorporated, Greg has been a consultant for numerous non-profit organizations.

Greg enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. His interests include playing drums, fishing, and restoring muscle cars.

Greg Krom

Chief Information Officer

Dr. Thomas Bathrick brings over 20 years of extensive nursing experience to his role as Vice President of Medical Services at In Flight, Inc. His journey in nursing began with an Associate Degree in Nursing, followed by a Master’s in Nursing with a concentration in Nurse Education. Dr. Bathrick further advanced his expertise by earning a Doctorate in Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology.

Dr. Bathrick's clinical background is robust, including several years working in the Operating Rooms and Emergency Room of a Level 1 Trauma Center in New Hampshire. His leadership skills were honed as the Director of Nursing for a State Developmental Services Agency, where he managed a variety of complex medical issues. In addition, he has served as a Consultant to various healthcare and healthcare education programs, providing valuable insights and guidance.

In his role as Chief Clinical Operating Officer for a large Home Health Organization, Dr. Bathrick oversaw clinical operations, ensuring high standards of patient care. Most recently, he has contributed to the academic field by teaching nursing and serving as the Director of HCBS for the New York State Department of Health (NYDOH).

Dr. Bathrick resides in Albany with his beloved daughter, two cats, and a large dog. His deep devotion to his faith and family is the cornerstone of his life, with his professional achievements serving to support these fundamental aspects of his identity.

Dr. Thomas Bathrick

Dr. PH, MSN, BS, RN

Chief Clinical Officer

John joined In Flight in 2010 as Assistant Residential Director and was transitioned to Chief Compliance Officer in 2015. Since beginning his tenure in 1999, John has held many positions. Starting as a DSP, he has progressed through from Program Manager, Residential Director, Director of Operations, Quality Assurance Director, and Vice President of Program and Compliance, to his current position of Vice President of Residential and Day Habilitation. John holds a degree in Business Management.

Additionally, John's dedication to helping others does not stop at work. He has served his community as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (E.M.T.) for over 15 years.

John Gambino

Vice President of Residential & Day Habilitation

Teresa Stivala, a human resource professional in the field for over 25 years, has been at In Flight since February 2010. Teresa started as a consultant that year and later came on full-time to assume her current leadership role in May 2010. Since this transition, Teresa has also consulted for other local not-for-profit organizations. In 2021, Teresa became a certified professional through The Society for Human Resource Management (S.H.R.M.).

When Teresa is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and is very involved in her local community.

Teresa Stivala

SHRM-CP

Vice President of Human Resources

Dr. Sarah Branham became the Clinical Director in November 2019. She earned her Ph.D. in General Psychology in March 2020. Sarah earned both her bachelor's and master's in Psychology from S.U.N.Y. New Paltz. While finishing her Masters in 2014, Sarah began working at the A.R.C. of Ulster Greene as a residential Staff. At this time, Sarah found her love and passion for this field and decided to make this her career. When she earned her degree in December 2014, she remained at Arc of Ulster Greene and transferred to the clinical department. Sarah worked in the Article 16 Clinic as both a counselor and behaviorist until May 2016. In May 2016, Sarah joined the clinical department at In Flight as a Behavior Invention Specialist and was promoted from within to her current leadership role.

Dr. Sarah Branham

PhD

Vice President of Clinical Services

Jennifer joined In Flight, Inc. in June 2018. Jennifer began volunteering with people with I/DD in 1995. In 2000, she first became employed in the field as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), and has held various roles in recreation, residential, service coordination, and day and community services throughout her career. Jennifer has a bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Mathematics from Saint Joseph's University. She spent a year after college serving with the Jesuit Volunteer Corp in Portland, Maine. In 2013, Jennifer was chosen as one of the Dutchess County Chamber's Forty Under 40 award recipients.

She has always had a passion for working with people with developmental disabilities. In May 2017, Jennifer completed her master's degree in Developmental Disabilities with a concentration in Leadership and Advocacy from Nova Southeastern University.

In her career, Jennifer is most proud of coordinating the annual Holiday Formal Dance since 2005, which is a sell-out event attended by over 500 people with disabilities from local sister agencies every year. Personally, Jennifer is most proud of raising her teenage daughter.

Jennifer Wells

M.S. Developmental Disabilities

Vice President of Community Services & Program Development

Diane Janelli brings over 40 years of diverse nursing experience and leadership expertise to her role as Vice President of Compliance & Quality Assurance at In Flight, Inc. Much of her career transpired in Vermont, including 30 years at the University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC) in Burlington, a tertiary care Level 1 Trauma Center. During her time at UVMMC, Diane worked in various critical care areas, including Intensive Care Units, Labor & Delivery, and all medical-surgical units, as well as pediatrics.

In addition to her clinical roles, Diane served as an educator and financial analyst and held several progressively challenging leadership positions. These included Director of Intensive Care, Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, and Emergency Services. Her experience in Quality Management honed her interest in data analytics to drive performance improvement and enhance care delivery in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Diane’s leadership as Chief Quality Office in Vermont and similar positions contributed to significant advancements in quality, operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, and financial performance, earning multiple awards for exceeding high-performance standards in various hospitals.

After raising her children, Diane pursued further education to complement her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing Administration. Adding to her credentials to broaden her skills and expertise, she undertook additional studies to become Credentialed Legal Nurse Consultant.

Diane now resides in Red Hook with her husband and dog. She enjoys traveling to visit her large family, including her children and grandchildren, who are spread across Vermont and Rhode Island. During the warmer months, Diane indulges her passion for gardening, tending to her flower and vegetable beds. Like her professional life, she is never happy with the status quo – leading to making new beds and continually moving perennials to improve color coordination and enhanced growing conditions.

Diane Janelli

RN, MSN, CLNC

Vice President of Compliance & Quality Assurance

Jill Rodriquez brings over a decade of experience in marketing, community relations, and philanthropy to her role as Director of Philanthropy and External Affairs at In Flight, Inc.

Jill earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Relations and Marketing from Ashford University, graduating in August 2013. She began her career in 2014 as a Marketing Administrator for Simon Property Group, the world’s largest retail real estate company. In 2016, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector as a Community Relations Specialist for CASTLE, a Fort Pierce, Florida-based organization dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect.

In 2018, Jill returned to her hometown of Catskill, NY, where she briefly served as Marketing Coordinator for the Ulster County SPCA before joining In Flight, Inc. in September 2019. Since then, she has built the organization’s philanthropic and marketing initiatives from the ground up, including her proudest accomplishment—the creation and growth of In Flight's signature fundraising event, Cornhole for a Cause. Under her leadership, the event has flourished, raising over $20,000 annually to support In Flight’s initiatives that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In 2022, Jill earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, a globally recognized certification held by just over 7,800 professionals worldwide. Her dedication to advancing In Flight's mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is evident in her strategic approach to development and communications.

When not working, Jill enjoys reading and spending quality time with her husband, Kenny, and their three children.

Jill Rodriquez

CFRE

Director of Philanthropy & External Affairs

Fortunate began her career as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) in 2008, working at Anderson Center for Autism until 2018. During this time, she developed a strong foundation in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In 2016, she earned a Masters in Professional Studies in Humanistic and Multicultural Education, from SUNY New Paltz.

Following her graduation, Fortunate expanded her professional experience by serving as a Victim Advocate, supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes for over a year. She later returned to the OPWDD field as a Care Manager, a role she held for approximately two and a half years. Additionally, she served as a Service Coordinator with the TBI/NHTD Waiver Program, where she further honed her skills in advocacy and program coordination.

Most recently, Fortunate worked as the Director of Program Services at New Horizons Resources Inc. for nearly three years before joining In Flight, Inc. in her current role.

Beyond her professional achievements, Fortunate is also a published author, having written and released both an autobiography and a children’s book. Her diverse experiences and passion for empowering others continue to drive her work at In Flight, Inc.

Fortunate Higgins

MPS

Residential Director

Diane has been a dedicated member of the In Flight, Inc. team since November 2008. She began her journey with the organization as a receptionist, where she assisted both the Human Resources and Facilities Departments. Her commitment and versatility led to her promotion to Administrative Assistant for the Facilities Department about a year later.

In January 2024, Diane's extensive experience and dedication culminated in her promotion to Facilities Manager. In this role, she oversees the maintenance and operation of In Flight's facilities, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for all.

Outside of work, Diane is deeply committed to her family, often helping out and traveling to spend time with loved ones. Her strong sense of family and community reflects her dedication both at work and in her personal life.

Diane Schneider

Facilities Manager

Board Members

Adeline is an attorney specializing in corporate, tax, real estate and trust and estates work. She attended New York University of Law as well as St. John's University School of Law. Additionally, she holds a BA in English Literature from Fordham University. Adeline has served on the Board of the Germantown Student Education Foundation, was Director and VP of the Anderson fund, and was a former community member on the Taconic Farms, Inc. committee for the care of animals. Futhermore, she is also the former Treasurer of the Gardens I Condominium Association.

Adeline Malone,

ESQ.

Board Vice President General Counsel

John currently serves as Senior Vice President and Commercial Lending Team Leader for Salisbury Bank & Trust. He joined Salisbury Bank, in April 2017 and has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry, specializing in the areas of Commercial Lending, Commercial Credit Administration, Credit Underwriting, and Portfolio Management. He is also a graduate of SUNY New Paltz, holding a B.S. in Business Administration, with a concentration in Finance, and a minor in Development Economics.

John has served as the Chairman of the Manufacturing and Trade Committee and Co-Chair of the Employer Resource Committee, for the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, renovating antique homes, woodworking, and cooking. Most importantly, he is the proud father of a special needs child.

John Trott

Board Treasurer

Richard is a financial services professional with 36 years of experience. He takes pride in developing relationships with his clients through discovering their past experiences, present situations and future goals. Richard and his wife, Barbara, live in Milan, NY where they enjoy many large family gatherings with their 5 children, spouses and 11 grandchildren. In his free time, Richard enjoys music and scuba diving. Serving on the Board at In Flight is a welcomed opportunity for Richard as he has a personal connection to their mission.

Richard Totman

Board Secretary

Steve Bischoff is currently an EVP and Strategic Planning at Atlantic Home Loan. Prior to that, Steve was a senior partner and head of the NatAlliance banking and Asset Management teams. He has extensive experience managing risk and building profitable businesses. Steve is known for developing and managing successful teams in the areas of structured finance, derivatives, whole loans and middle market investment banking. He has expertise in trading, risk management and analytical infrastructure.

Previously, Steve was a Chief Operating Officer of Debt Capital markets at Cantor Fitzgerald in New York, a Managing Director in charge of fixed income trading at GMAC/RFC Institutional Capital in Bethesda, Maryland and a Founder, Board Member, Managing Director at Amherst Securities in Houston, Texas. Furthermore, Steve is graduate of Bowdoin College and has obtained FINRA 3, 4, 7, 24, 52, 63, 66 and 79 securities licenses.

Steven Bischoff

Board Member