Education and Transition Group Administration

Brian McIlvain started at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) in 2013. The majority of his professional career includes assisting families with the review and development of documentation to support a transmittal form for eligibility determination for the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities – OPWDD and an application for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security Administration while coordinating job coaching & benefits advisement services with the Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). Brian feels very fortunate to have collaborated with perhaps thousands of families and colleagues representing school districts and adult agencies for the past forty plus years. Brian is a proud graduate of SUNY Oswego – Bachelor of Science Industrial Technology, Millersville University – Master of Education Industrial Technology, Dowling College – Professional Diploma in School District Education and Cornell University, School of Industrial & Labor Relations – Program on Employment & Disability Training.

​Oscar joined Suffolk Independent Living Organization in January of 2017 as a TBI Waiver Specialist after obtaining his Master’s degree in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University. Oscar was then promoted to the Director of the Opportunity Youth Career Exploration and Access (OYCEA) program under a year grant assisting the youth population with exploring career options, resume building, mock interviews, financial literacy, etc. Oscar is currently obtaining his second Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology – Network and Security. Currently, Oscar is the Director of IT for SILO and is responsible for a variety of tasks: planning and implementation of additions, deletions, and major modifications to supporting SILO’s infrastructure and network security. With that being said, he also develops upgrades to the company's telephone system at the building level, oversees the administration and maintenance of computer stations, software, databases and multi-media equipment for SILO's operational structure, and the Assistive Technology Laboratory. Oscar provides additional support where necessary to include bilingual English-Spanish assistance. Oscar Salgado is a veteran of the US Army as a Cannon Crew Member – Parachutist. While active duty he deployed overseas in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Oscar then became a member of the US Army Reserves having worked under the Military Intelligence sector.

Gregory has spent much of his career working to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities are provided with the best service possible to meet their goals and needs. He started at SILO in January 2020 as an Independent Living Specialist in the Peer Integration Program. He now serves as the Director for the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) program. In this role, he is eager to increase the opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities in obtaining more advantageous employment, while providing support services to program participants and their families. Gregory is a NYS certified classroom teacher who, prior to joining SILO, worked for Eastern Suffolk BOCES at the Masera Learning Center, and as the Lead Adaptive Physical Education teacher at the Reece School in Manhattan. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from CUNY Brooklyn College and is currently attending the master’s program for Business Administration at his alma mater. Greg is an active member of his church, a powerlifting coach for the Special Olympics, an OPWDD Self- Direction Support Broker, and is recognized by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation as a first-degree black belt.    

Kathryn began her career at SILO March of 2020 in the Regional Resource Development Center as the Administrative Assistant for the TBI Waiver. Soon after, she was promoted to a Regional Resource Development Specialist and held that position until 2023 when she then began working as a Transition Specialist in the Open Doors program. Kathryn has since been promoted to Coordinator for the Education and Transition Group. This team of professionals provide a variety of services for Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR). Kathryn will facilitate the planning and billing process for the Education and Transition Group.  Kathryn attended Nassau Community College for Liberal Arts & Sciences. During her time at the college, it shaped her worldview, ethics, and values providing a platform for self-discovery and lifelong learning.

Kelsey Kalafut embarked on her journey at Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) as an intern in August of 2019, witnessing the remarkable growth of the Peer Integration Program from its nascent stages. Throughout, Kelsey took part in its development, working closely with the previous director, Kim Bjorklund, LCSW, and contributing to its expansion. Upon graduation, Kelsey was hired full-time in June 2021 as an Information & Assistance Specialist for NY Connects and soon pivoted back to the Peer Integration Program. Beyond program duties, Kelsey actively facilitates several support groups and orchestrates engaging social events like bingo nights. With a genuine dedication to advocacy, Kelsey's passion lies in empowering individuals with disabilities. Holding a master's in Social Welfare from Stony Brook University and an LMSW, Kelsey is deeply committed to enhancing the lives of the community members at SILO.