September 25, 2024
Shannon Manages Success in Sports and Life
A young woman supported by Person Centered Services is the Student Manager for the women’s basketball team at her university.
At each practice and game, Shannon Salluzzo is there to guarantee that the players on the women’s basketball team at Nazareth University are equipped to do their best. As Student Manager, Shannon loves making sure the Rochester-based team is prepped, hydrated, and ready to win.
When Shannon was young, she was diagnosed with a chromosomal abnormality. She received six therapies a week through state-funded Early Intervention. Her family felt uncertain about what her future might look like as she grew older.
While in eighth grade, the Salluzzos connected with Amy Albanese at The Arc of Monroe, who provided them with information on eligibility for Medicaid and services through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Amy now works as a Community Relations Manager for Person Centered Services.
“We’re forever grateful to Amy Albanese for starting us on the right path,” said Mary Salluzzo, Shannon’s mother, who received life-changing resources and support from Amy. “We give her all the credit in the world.”
After becoming eligible for services, Shannon was linked to Care Coordination, which helped her access the opportunities she needed to thrive. At Person Centered Services, Care Coordinators made sure Shannon was empowered to meet her personal goals and dreams. The family signed up for Self-Directed Services, which gives Shannon flexibility as she pursues programs that are perfect for her needs.
Though Shannon has partnered with a few different Care Coordinators at Person Centered Services, Mary says that the transitions have all been easy and smooth. Her family is currently working with Andrew Kuhn, who truly enjoys serving them.
“Mary is a very good advocate,” said Andrew. “It is always a pleasure to work with her and Shannon. I get positive energy every time I meet with them.”
“All the Care Coordinators that Shannon has worked with have been fantastic,” said Mary, who appreciates Andrew’s insight and commitment.
Mary credits Shannon’s previous Care Coordinator, Juliett Markajani, with helping Shannon transition from high school to college. Juliett has since been promoted to a Care Coordination Supervisor at Person Centered Services’ Rochester offices.
“Juliett was instrumental in opening up possibilities for Shannon,” said Mary. “She stepped in to make sure that Shannon was eligible for the program she wanted to get into.”
With Juliett’s aid, Shannon secured an extension to enroll in the LifePrep@Naz program, held at Nazareth University through The Arc of Monroe.
LifePrep@Naz has been an amazing experience for the 20-year-old. Each week, Shannon takes classes at the Golisano Academic Center, where she learns job readiness and life skills. She always makes time to visit her friends in the dining hall, sharing a bite to eat.
Shannon works with both the women’s basketball and volleyball teams at Nazareth. In her role as Student Manager for basketball, she helps out during practices, games, and other events. She enthusiastically assists with equipment set-up, music, water, and prepping the training room.
Through her college experience, Shannon is constantly learning lessons that will get her far in life.
“My advice to others is get involved, be on time, and do your homework,” shares Shannon.
Outside of her time at Nazareth, Shannon enjoys swimming, watching sports, and going to live games. Her favorite team is the Buffalo Bills. She even had the chance to meet Bills quarterback Josh Allen at St. John Fisher’s Buffalo Bills Training Camp!
Shannon’s reputation in her community is so well-regarded that earlier in the year she was selected to take part in an important unveiling. She was on stage for the announcement of a new plan to construct an Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute at the University of Rochester’s Medical Center, funded by philanthropist Tom Golisano.
During the event, Shannon thanked the prominent businessman for his generous donation, which led to her being featured in the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.
Shannon was also interviewed by Channel 8 in Rochester about her participation in the 3rd Annual Festival of Inclusion at Nazareth and her involvement with the Best Buddies program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Watch the full segment here.
“Shannon’s a blessing and a joy,” said Mary. “She loves life – and she’s ‘living her best life.’ I’ve never liked that expression, but it’s true!”
At Person Centered Services, we’re so excited to help people like Shannon live their best lives each day!
Shannon publicly thanked well-known businessman and philanthropist Tom Golisano for his $50 million dollar gift to build the Golisano Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Institute at the University of Rochester’s Medical Center.