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

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, including DSP, Program Manager, Residential Director, Director of Operations, Quality Assurance Director, and now his current position of Vice President of Program and Compliance. 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 Program and Compliance

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

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

Vice President of Medical Services

Jennifer joined In Flight, Inc. in June 2018 after working for The Arc of Dutchess and then New Horizons Resources. Jennifer began her career in 2000 as a DSP, followed by roles including Rec. Manager, IRA Coordinator, M.S.C., and A.D. of Community Programs. 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. Jennifer is most proud of raising her daughter and coordinating the annual Holiday Formal Dance since 2005, which is a sell-out event attended by over 400 people with disabilities from local sister agencies every year

Jennifer Wells

MA, Developmental Disabilities

Director Community Services

Jill has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing/P.R. She started her career in corporate marketing working for Simon Property Group, later moving into the world of non-profits. She worked in various charities in Development and Fundraising for CASTLE, a Child Abuse Prevention Charity in South Florida, the S.P.C.A., and now In Flight. In 2022, Jill obtained the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (C.F.R.E.) certification.

Jill Rodriquez

CFRE

Director of Development & External Affairs

Elizabeth brings over 25 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Science from New York University and a Master of Public Health from CUNY Hunter College. Additionally, she is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience in developmental disabilities, having worked in senior management roles overseeing Residential Services, Quality Assurance, Program Development, and Behavioral Support Services.

She has served on various committees and coalitions, including the Mid-Hudson Coalition for the Development of Direct Care Practice, the Mid-Hudson Training Consortium, the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission, and the New York Public Health Association Conference Planning Committee.

As a consultant, Elizabeth conducted pre-audits for agencies preparing for state surveys, developed staff training modules, and authored policies and procedures for both new and existing programs. She has also successfully written RFPs and launched newly awarded programs.

Elizabeth’s previous affiliations include the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health, the Commission on Quality Leadership, Greystone Programs, and the NY Foundling Home.

Elizabeth Connolly

MPH, CHES

Director of Compliance/QA

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

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