Our dedicated team is here to help you. We exist for you. We work with you, and for you, to help you achieve your goals.
Our Team (old one)
Danielle Polidori
Heather Gaetano
Mark Poczatek
Ilene Smith
Ilene Smith is the Director of Quality at Catholic Charities Oneida/Madison Counties. Prior to working at Catholic Charities Ilene was an administration providing oversight to the operations of residential programs serving people with Intellectual Disabilities in Oneida County. Ilene has spent the last 25 years of her professional career working in various nonprofit agencies ensuring quality care if afforded to those of all abilities. Ilene has a degree in social work. Prior to joining the CNY Quest board, Ilene served on the board at the Neighborhood Center.
Ilene resides in Deerfield, NY and is a happily married mother of three. Ilene enjoys attending her children’s sporting events and spending time with her family. She is motivated by helping others and believes that when people are afforded appropriate services/support they will achieve success.
Anthony LaPolla
Anthony comes to CNY Quest with a diverse background, spending the last 13 years in the Human Resources industry. He the Founder and CEO of Empower Business Strategies which is a full-service human resources consulting, leadership development, and organizational development firm. Also, for the last 15 years, Anthony has worked in the Funeral Industry, serving families during difficult times in their lives. One of his greatest passions in life is to support and serve the community, in whatever capacity he can.
Anthony holds a B.S. in Health Studies-Human Behavior from Utica University and a M.A in Organizational Leadership from Medaille University in Buffalo, NY. Prior to joining CNY Quest, Anthony served on several community boards, including the Board of Education for the Utica City School District; the Director of Scholarships and Awards for the Genesee Valley Chapter, SHRM Board in Rochester, NY; Board of Director for The ARC Oneida-Lewis Chapter as well as a committee member for The College Works Program; and Secretary for The Abraham House of Utica. He currently resides in New Hartford, NY.
Anthony Ratcliffe
Edward Barone
Eddie Barone is a Community Development Manager with First Source Federal Credit Union. In his role at First Source FCU, he connects local individuals, businesses, and their employees with access to a wide range of services and solutions designed to enrich their personal financial well-being.
Eddie studied education with a minor in special education at the State University of New York College at Oneonta. He has a passion for philanthropy and currently serves on the board of directors for the United Way of the Mohawk Valley, CNY Quest, and is an Ambassador for the American Cancer Society’s “Men Wear Pink” campaign.
Eddie currently resides in New Hartford with his wife Trisha, two children, puppy Summer, and cat Lula. Eddie loves food, coffee, and craft beer. His hobbies include spending time with his family hiking, camping, fun at the beach, and relaxing poolside in his backyard oasis.
Edward Wakeman
Ed Wakeman is a Fiscal Intermediary at CNY Quest. He received an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Mohawk Valley Community College. Prior to working at Quest, Ed spent six years in the Army National Guard as a Healthcare Specialist, where he developed many skills. In his free time Ed enjoys hunting, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
Kayla Bonney
Kayla has worked in the Self-Direction field for a number of years. Prior to becoming a Support Broker at CNY Quest, Kayla gained much of her experience in the field at a local not for profit agency as a Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator and a Coordinator Supervisor. She is excited to utilize her skills and knowledge to continue assisting people with developmental disabilities.
Domenico Morbidini
Domenico Morbidini serves as the CEO of Central New York Quest, Inc., an organization that aids those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has held various positions in the Human Services field, including Director II, Chief Operating Officer, and CEO of two organizations that assist people with intellectual and developmental impairments, having a wealth of management, leadership, and policy formulation experience. Additionally, Mr. Morbidini has worked as a consultant for local service providers who recruited him to design and implement service delivery systems that comply with New York State and federal regulations.
He graduated summa cum laude from Empire State University with a B.S. in Human Services, and recently completed graduate studies from the Owen School of Management at Vanderbilt University.
He has more than 30 years of in-depth training and experience in the field of human services, including work as a certified investigator with experience investigating different various types of abuse in residential, school, and community settings.
He is a native of New Hartford, New York where he currently resides, with his wife, Marlaina, and three children: Giovanni, Sophia, and Giuliana. He is actively involved in his community including advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and participation on his school districts DEI organization committee.