Meet The Legacy Team
Mayra Martinez
Co-Founder & CEO
As CEO, Ms. Martinez is responsible for all current operations and future projections of Legacy. Despite her hectic schedule, she enjoys speaking with caregivers about long-term planning. More than anything else, she enjoys working directly with Legacy's participants and those transitioning to living independently or needing intensive skill training.
Ms. Martinez also believes in the power of effectively mentoring her team by implementing new and innovative programs that benefit both staff and participants. She has developed programs such as all facets of life such as the Participant Intern Program, Road Instruction Program, and the Home Efficiency Program that will assist participants with all facets of life.
Anthony Perez
Co-Founder and CFO
Mr. Perez is Legacy’s CFO and Director of Finances & Logistics. He oversees a variety of departments including Human Resources, Transportation, and Technology. He also works as a Direct Support Professional and Life Skills Coach. Mr. Perez has worked with numerous male participants over the past four years and has created individualized plans to assist them in the areas of relationships, hygiene, communication, financial literacy, and explore community outings.
Most notably, he has created a Ride Share system in which participants needing these services can call or text a Legacy representative to coordinate their ride.
Monica Maniscalco, M Ed
COO & Executive Director of Program and Training
Ms. Maniscalco is Legacy’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Program & Training. Her primary goal is to implement innovative programs to better assist Legacy participants and to oversee the day-to-day operations and functionality of Legacy. In October of 2024 she coordinated Legacy’s first sensory friendly car show and is a passionate advocate of disability rights.
She conducts the required training sessions as mandated by the state and maintains accurate records of all training modules for Legacy’s staff. She is also responsible for developing internal policies and procedures and coordinating outside partnerships.
Ms. Maniscalco holds a bachelor's degree from John Jay College and a masters in Cross Categorical Special Education from the University of Phoenix.
Alisha Zuppardo
Director of Community Development
As a member of the Executive team, Ms. Zuppardo is Legacy's Director of Community Development and a Regional Supervisor. She helps manage the transportation department which provides services to participants all throughout NJ.
Ms. Zuppardo has been a lifelong advocate for individuals with disabilities. She has worked for over 6 years in various special education positions. She completed an internship experience at Autism Speaks, working in various departments, and as a counselor at the Disability Resource Center at MSU.
Ms. Zuppardo is passionate about her work and is dedicated to consistently breaking down barriers within the disability's community. She strongly believes that with the right support, everyone regardless of their challenges can reach their full potential.
But no experience or job has prepared her as much as her role as sister to her brother MJ, who is diagnosed with Autism.
Ann Marquez
HR Associate
As Legacy's HR Associate, Ms. Marquez oversees all human resource functions including handling recruitment processes, onboarding new employees, maintaining employee records, and assisting with payroll and benefits administration, ensuring efficient HR operations and compliance with company policies.
Ms. Marquez has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University and a Certificate in Leadership Development from the Center for Creative Leadership in San Diego, CA. Ann is also the proud mom of a great teenage special needs son who is currently learning how to navigate the transition from child to adulthood and helping his mom champion neurodiversity.
Jenny Martinez
Regional Supervisor
In her role at Legacy Empowerment Services, Ms. Martinez provides essential administrative support as its Senior Purchasing Agent. As a Regional Supervisor covering several southern counties, she is responsible for overseeing a multitude of cases and supporting several instructors.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Jenny is also an instructor who takes pride in her work with participants. She offers academic tutoring, helping learners achieve their educational goals with personalized support and guidance.
Additionally, Ms. Martinez coordinates efforts to prepare participants to take the road test. She equips inexperienced drivers with the skills and confidence they need to navigate the road safely and responsibly.
With a commitment to excellence in every facet of her professional life, Ms. Martinez is a valued member of her community, dedicated to empowering others and making a positive impact.
CarrieAnn Altamore
Senior Marketing Liaison/Technology and Development Associate
Mrs. Altamore has been a vital member of the Legacy team for over 4 years. In her time at Legacy, she has provided copious amounts of support to the executive team as the technology and development associate.
Mrs. Altamore also has a significant role on the marketing team as its Senior Marketing Liaison. In this role she helps create and monitor Legacy’s social media platforms and launch community events throughout northern New Jersey.
Additionally, Mrs. Altamore is an instructor and enjoys working hands-on with her participants. Over the four years, she has worked with multiple participants, providing services ranging from academic tutoring to drivers’ education to life skills and community-based support. Her dedication and passion have helped her participants feel empowered. Mrs. Altamore believes that by equipping them with essential skills, she is helping to pave the way for their future success and independence.
Elizabeth Henderson
Senior Activities Associate
Ms. Henderson has been working with Legacy for 4 years in various capacities. She works as Legacy's Senior Activities Associate for the marketing team overseeing the successful production of the company's newsletter. She is also responsible for identifying new community opportunities for Legacy’s participants.
She is also a dedicated instructor providing a wide array of services to her participants, striving to always make a positive impact. She believes movement is a form of therapy and incorporates it into her work as much as possible.
Ms. Henderson has competed in several marathons and enjoys teaching yoga. As a grant writer, Ms. Henderson applies her love of language and community to serve non-profit organizations. Ms. Henderson holds a bachelor's degree in English and Education from Georgian Court University.
Baylee-Rose Cooper
Senior Creative Strategist
As Legacy's Senior Creative Strategist, Ms. Cooper leads the marketing team on current marketing trends. She has redesigned Legacy's brand and is responsible for content creation on all social media platforms.
She is also a dedicated and compassionate instructor with several participants. She proudly provides both virtual and in person services. and provides instruction on a wide range of topics.
Ms. Cooper's experiences are a delicate tapestry built on both professional and volunteer experiences. She is a longtime active member of the Girl Scouts of Northern NJ, and a proud volunteer of the SB Angels, a soccer program for children with special needs.