Agents of Humanity

Dr. Dale Coffin, Ed. D.,D, OTR/L is a Clinical Professor and  Chairperson of the Occupational Therapy Program at Stony Brook University.   Dr. Coffin ensures that Service & Scholarship are embedded throughout the OT Program at Stony Brook University to produce empathetic and compassionate practitioners. She serves on the Board of Directors at The Nicholas Center. Each Spring she brings student...

Bobby Keller is the Executive Director of The Community Chest of Port Washington. For over 75 years, Community Chest has been the driving force behind unified fundraising, raising and distributing funds to 28 essential nonprofits, directly benefiting over 7,000 Port Washington residents each year. It directly fuels programs in social services, health and wellness, education, and more, ensuring com...

Matt Ross is the Founder of One River School of Art + Design. Since 2012, One River has grown from one location in Englewood, NJ to fifteen schools in six states with a goal to “transform art education” across America. Prior to One River School, Matt was the CEO of School of Rock, a nationally recognized music school for kids. He is active in promoting Autism awareness and supporting emerging arti...

Megan and Scott Vaccaro, husband and wife and owners of  Captain Lawrence Brewing Company - Westchester’s largest craft brewery, with locations in Elmsford and Mt. Kisco. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, Captain Lawrence is a Westchester staple with a commitment to giving back to the community through programs like Captain Cares and Community Pints Night, which TNC is proud to partici...

Once a teacher in New York City, Dave Kaufstein is now the Director of Educational and Clinical Services at The Nicholas Center in Westchester. He also previously worked right here with some of us at TNC Port Washington! For more information on TNC: https://tncnewyork.org   Today's podcast is hosted by our very own Agents of Humanity.   Follow @thenicholascenter on Facebook, @nicholascenter on Ins...

With a background in pharmaceuticals and business, Mitch Baruchowitz is now Majority Owner and CEO of Westchester Soccer Club. WSC is a homegrown pro soccer club in USL League One. The team, which is now entering its second season, was built from the ground up, fueled by the spirit of Westchester and the belief that soccer can bring people together. The Nicholas Center is proud to partner with Wes...

Joe D'Alonzo serves as the President of Cow Bay Contracting, having worked as a laborer, foreman, field super and project manager over the past 30+ years in the business. He is an avid supporter of the Autism community and most recently, was elected Sewer Commissioner of Port Washington.     For more information on Joe D'Alonzo and Cow Bay Contracting: https://cowbaycontracting.com/ Today's podcas...

Lisa Lewis has a Master’s Degree in Clown & Circus History from NYU, co-founded the Super Scientific Circus, and spent many years working with the Big Apple Circus in multiple capacities, including helping create the Big Apple Circus Embraces Autism show. She is the founder and executive director of Omnium: A Bold New Circus, whose mission it is to include and welcome the beautiful mosaic of h...

Born in South Africa and raised in Kenya, Sos is a man of many talents. An investigative journalist, Sos is also a children’s book author, Musician, and more. Most recently, Sos has worked as a storyteller at local libraries and is a direct support professional right here at TNC!    For more information on Sos Kituyi: https://sosmusical.world/ Today's podcast is hosted by our very own Agents of Hu...

Sam Timothy, an avid fisherman who first held a rod when he was just 4 years old, cultivating a passion that has taken him to lakes, oceans, ponds, and rivers around the country and the world! Based in Denver, Colorado where he recently moved, Sam now enjoys the focused practice of fly fishing the renowned waters of the South Platte, the Gunnison, and the Arkansas River and exploring the waters of...

Patrick Farrell is a pianist, vocalist and 6-time Grammy Award contender. Pat leads the Cold Spring Harbor Band, which performs a Billy Joel Tribute Show around the country and also performs with international recording artist D.S.B.. They have performed the National Anthem at Carnegie Hall, Shea Stadium, Giant Stadium and performed for NFL Pregame Superbowl and NY Mets Pregame World Series partie...

For the first time ever, we are joined by 3 guests! Our first guest is Cory Levine, Director of Licensing and Partnerships at IMG Licensing and brother to one of our fellow participants at The Nicholas Center, Emily. Joining Cory are his cousins, Eric & Mitchell Smith. Eric is the President & COO of Incremental Media, while Mitchell is Head of Original Content at “X” (formerly known as Twi...

Through his company, Unparalleled Performance, and their trademarked “5Ls – The Gift of a Balanced Life” program, Mike is fulfilling his lifelong desire of changing people’s lives by giving them real tools to find true work- life balance. With over 30 years of business experience across multiple industries, Mike advanced to serve as an Executive Board Member of a global BPO organization. As a Serv...

Sean McCarthy serves as Commissioner of the Port Washington Police District. Elected in 2024, Commissioner McCarthy brings experience from 33 years working for the Nassau County Police Department where he held many different positions, rising through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Chief of Support Services. For more on the Port Washington Police District:  portwashingtonpd.ny.gov Today's podcast...

Roz Nowicki is a global brand development and licensing executive with more than 30 years of experience. Her impressive resume has included serving in executive leadership roles for Fortune 500s and other iconic companies, such as “Mattel Inc.”, “Peanuts Worldwide LLC”, “20th Century Fox”, “4Kids Entertainment”, “Universal Studios”, “Guess”, and “The Walt Disney Company”. Currently, she is the Glo...

A resident of Port Washington, NY for over 30 years, Rachel is a staple in our community. Her position as head librarian of the Children’s department at Port Washington Public Library is just one of the many things she does. She is also the creator of “Rachel’s Merchant Monday”, a social media series highlighting local businesses and promoting town pride. Most recently, Rachel’s efforts were recog...

Nicole Pitman or “Nicky” is Director of Shemesh Farms in Malibu, California. Shemesh Farms is a small herb farm with a big impact. Built in connection with The Shalom Institute on a foundation of inclusivity, sustainability, and interconnection, they offer employment, programming, and community to adults with diverse abilities. An L.A. native, Nicky moved back to her hometown and beloved Shalom In...

Manny is a Fine Artist, Musician and Art Educator, who has exhibited his art work in a number of galleries across Long Island. Manny is also a co-founding member of the alternative hip-hop group “A Side Of Darkness”, where he goes under the stage name OGManny G and has performed in NYC and Long Island. Through his music and art he expresses socially and politically driven awareness, which is showc...

On today's very special episode of Agents of Humanity, the co-hosts are joined by Tracy Lefkowitz. Tracy serves as Art Director & Program Director of The Art Guild in Port Washington, NY. Previously, she has worked as an Art Director at Golden Books after working at Scholastic Publishing, Early Childhood Today Magazine, and Workman Publishing and then worked many years in Early Childhood Educa...

On today's very special episode of Agents of Humanity, the co-hosts are joined for a fun-filled chat with our friend, Brooke Mellett. Brooke is the proud Program Director of The Nicholas Center, where she has worked for the past decade, watching our co-hosts blossom through the program. She is also the recent winner of Long Island Business News' 40 under 40 award.   Today's podcast is hosted by ou...

John Ziegler, a Long Island native who uses his comedy to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. John dreamed of going into stand-up comedy as a child. He made it a reality when he switched careers at age 40. But everything changed after more than a decade on stage when at age 54 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. After learning the news, he decided to write a comedy special…and with the h...

Tommy DiMisa, "Tommy D" is “the Nonprofit Sector Connector!” - a philanthropic activist, he serves on multiple nonprofit Boards and hosts a weekly live program, “Philanthropy in Phocus,” interviewing nonprofit leaders -to share their story and amplify their message. Tommy D is active with the LindyLoo Foundation honoring the life of his cousin. believes that everyone has access to and can offer th...

Maria Dente-Higgins is the founder and director of “Dente’s Dreamers”, an inclusion-based production company through which she creates theatrical experiences that are nothing short of magic—where every voice is heard, every talent is honored, and every ability shines. Additionally, Maria is a devoted special education teacher of 13 years with the New York City Department of Education and the proud...

Lisa Szilagyi began her career in special education after the birth of her daughter Emily who was born with “Tuberous Sclerosis Complex” or TSC. An award winning Special Education Teacher, Lisa has been involved with the TSC Alliance, created multiple programs connecting people with and without disabilities, and more. Today, Lisa is the co-founder, President & Program Director of The Aurelia F...

Kevin Schultze joins us from the Farmingdale Public Library, where he works through Helen Keller Services’ work experience program. One of his many duties at the library is creating and hosting their first ever podcast, “Beyond the Rotunda”, where Kevin interviews authors, people of interest from the community and more.    https://www.farmingdalelibrary.org/     https://rss.com/podcasts/beyond-the...