A MONTH OF DISCOVERY FEBRUARY 2026

Dear Friends,

We’re excited to begin the countdown to this year’s Evening of Discovery Gala, with tickets and sponsorship opportunities now available. It promises to be a meaningful evening celebrating our shared commitment to The Center’s mission, and we look forward to sharing more about this year’s auction in the coming weeks. In this issue, you’ll also find highlights from across The Center, from expanding international partnerships and welcoming new leadership, to advancing research and community connections that continue to shape the future of care.

Our Annual Evening of Discovery Gala Returns

Join us for an unforgettable evening in support of The Center for Discovery.

The Evening of Discovery Gala honoring Brian Harper will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Cipriani 42nd Street. To purchase tickets, sponsorships, or a digital ad, please click here.

Proceeds from the evening support a wide range of initiatives across The Center for Discovery, including organic farming and nutrition, Animal Assisted Intervention and Education, Integrated Arts such as recreation and music therapy, assistive technology and innovation, and critical capital improvements across our campuses. Funds raised also support our 1,800-member workforce through benefits including on-site childcare, access to healthy and affordable food, wellness services, and education and career development opportunities.

TCFD Leadership Strengthens International Partnerships in Italy

Members of The Center for Discovery’s leadership team recently traveled to Italy to advance international collaboration in disability services, research, and innovation. The delegation participated in a national conference in Turin, met with policymakers and providers, and shared TCFD’s SynergE6 Healthspan Model.

A highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian Ministry for Disabilities, formalizing a partnership to exchange best practices and strengthen global efforts in care and inclusion.

Read more about the visit and this growing collaboration on our blog here.

Welcoming Elizabeth Lynam, Chief Operating Officer

We are pleased to welcome Elizabeth “Betsy” Lynman as The Center for Discovery’s new Chief Operating Officer, bringing deep operational expertise and a strong commitment to TCFD’s mission. In this role, Betsy will work closely with leadership and teams across the organization to support operations, strengthen collaboration, and help advance The Center’s mission. Betsy previously spent six years with AHRC New York City as Executive Vice President and Chief Program Officer and, most recently, served as CEO of NeuSpark Person Directed Services.

New TCFD Research Published in Research in Autism

We are proud to announce the publication of our latest research paper in Research in Autism, in collaboration with the team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). A big thank you to our collaborators from RPI – Juergen Hahn and Emma Dando, and our research team lead by Johanna Lantz, Jenny Foster, and Conor Anderson.

By leveraging AI and high-quality data, this study explores how technology can support the complex decision-making process for residential care placement. At TCFD, we believe that data-driven insights are key to providing the best possible outcomes for individuals with ASD and complex medical issues.

Read the full paper here.

Michael Dubilier Named New Board Chair

The Center for Discovery recently announced the appointment of Michael Dubilier as Chair of its Board of Directors. Dubilier, who joined the Board in 2019, brings more than four decades of experience in investment banking and private equity and has played an active role in guiding The Center during a period of significant growth and innovation.

We also extend our deep gratitude to Edward Sweeney for his extraordinary leadership and service to the Board over the past 15 years, including nine years as Chair. Sweeney will continue supporting The Center’s mission as a member of the Board of Directors.

A Special Collaboration with Monticello High School’s Art Club

The Monticello High School Art Club created handmade holiday artwork for residents at The Center for Discovery. To make each piece personal, students gathered details about residents to inspire their creations.

Three students visited Otis House to present the artwork, bringing joy to residents. In return, residents shared a handmade thank-you card and Day Hab–crafted gifts.

This meaningful collaboration was a wonderful way to connect with local students and brought joy to everyone involved.

DNA Daily Decisions: Trust Your Gut

Earlier this year, the Department of Nourishment Arts® (DNA) launched DNA Daily Decisions, a series designed to show how small everyday choices can support long-term health and wellness. Developed by our DNA dietitians and featuring Cornell University interns, the series translates nutrition science into simple tools we can all use in daily life.

The latest installment, DNA Daily Decision #2: Trust Your Gut, focuses on the importance of fiber. Most Americans don’t consume enough fiber, a key nutrient found in plant-based foods that supports digestion, helps reduce inflammation, and promotes overall gut health.

Watch the “Trust Your Gut” video here and explore the companion guide here for shopping tips and snack ideas.

Stepping Into the Future: Virtual Reality Transforms Therapy

Valid Gains Through Video Games (VGTVG) Conference

At the Valid Gains Through Video Games (VGTVG) Conference at Monmouth University, James Paladino, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Matthew Mosenson showcased The Center for Discovery’s innovative use of virtual reality integrated into therapy services. Their poster, co-authored by Innovation team member Joshua Nathan, demonstrated how immersive technology can be adapted into a shared, accessible experience that helps address individualized goals for individuals with complex needs.

Attendees were invited to experience the technology firsthand, and it quickly became a standout—sparking excitement and meaningful conversation about how purposeful innovation can expand access, deepen engagement, and drive therapeutic progress.

Stronger Together: Building Custom Cardboard Solutions Through Partnership

The Innovation Team recently reconnected with our partners at Adaptive Design Hudson Valley (ADHV), continuing a collaborative partnership grounded in shared values of creativity, accessibility, and individualized design.

ADHV provided TCFD with a variety of cardboard-constructed adaptive equipment, including a demo Cardboard Stander designed to offer functional positioning using sustainable, low-cost materials. When the stander proved too small for one of our students, our team returned with updated measurements developed in collaboration with Physical Therapy team to ensure proper alignment and support. In true partnership fashion, the ADHV team worked alongside us, walking through their fabrication process step-by-step so we could build a properly sized, custom stander back at TCFD for a student in our Communication & Technology School Program.

This kind of open knowledge-sharing reflects what meaningful collaboration looks like. When clinicians and innovation teams work together – across organizations – we expand what’s possible for the individuals we support.