By Karen Zandi, Mary Cariola Center President/CEO
As the seasons shift and we find ourselves reflecting on this year’s journey, I want to take a moment to speak about the heart of our organization—our incredible staff.
For the students, residents and families we serve, their work is deeply personal. It’s rooted in empathy, resilience, and a belief in the dignity and potential of every individual. It’s not just about programs or policies—it’s about people. And every day, they show up with open hearts and steady hands to serve those who need us most.
There is a quiet strength they bring to the work they do. Cariola’s staff listen with compassion, advocate with courage, and support with unwavering commitment. Whether working directly with students and residents or in administration ensuring our systems run smoothly, their contributions are essential. The team at Cariola is the reason our mission is more than words on a page, it’s a promise to our community that we commit ourselves to.
This work is not easy. It asks a lot—emotionally, mentally, and physically. It requires patience in the face of complexity, hope in the face of hardship, and deep compassion that staff continue to draw from, even when the days are long. And yet, Cariola employees continue to show up, continue to care and continue to make a difference.
I’m grateful for the support of the greater Rochester community along with all in our extended Cariola family—our staff, our students, our residents and their families. Staff dedication does not go unnoticed. The impact is felt in every life they touch, in every story of healing and growth, and in every moment of connection created. Staff are the heartbeat of this organization.
As we look ahead, it is my hope that we all take time to reflect on all that’s been accomplished. I hope our staff feel proud of the lives they’ve helped transform and the community they’ve helped strengthen.
With gratitude to ALL the 700 employees who support our 450 students and residents. Here is a small sample of our Mary Cariola Team.
