Marjorie Madfis, MBA
President, Executive Director
Marjorie Madfis founded Yes She Can Inc. in November 2013, inspired by her daughter, Isabelle who is now a young woman with autism. Marjorie realized that her daughter and other teens with autism transitioning from high school to the adult world, need specialized coaching and training to be able to join the workforce. From her observations and experience with her daughter, she believed that people with autism particularly needed to have an immersive experience to prepare for the competitive work place: learning about business, executing tasks, and practicing social skills in an authentic setting.
In her leadership role at Yes She Can, Marjorie serves as the executive director, supervising the Director of Training Programs, the Director of Marketing and Retail Operations, and volunteers. She also is responsible for strategy, development, and communications.
Previously Marjorie had a successful 30-year career in corporate marketing with expertise in branding, strategy, and interactive marketing. In 2013 she retired from IBM after 17 years of service where she held leadership roles in digital and social media marketing.
She holds a BS from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA from Boston University.
Patricia Salner, MPA
Director, Secretary
Patricia Salner had a successful 30-year career in nonprofit management and development and municipal finance. She led positions in education and health organizations in board governance, fundraising, and community relations. Pat also has extensive experience in strategic planning and event management. Prior to her joining the not-for-profit field, Pat worked in the banking and insurance industries.
In addition to her role on the board of Yes She Can Inc., she serves on several nonprofit boards in Hartford, CT, and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
As a certified yoga instructor, Pat leads classes with a special focus on cancer patients. She also leads weekly yoga sessions for Yes She Can participants and staff.
Pat holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Hartford and a Bachelors degree from Wheaton College.
Jessica Markowitz, MPA
Director, Treasurer
Jessica Markowitz is Senior Director of Finance, Data, and Administration at Footsteps, a nonprofit organization that assists individuals who are contemplating leaving ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in their quest to lead self-determined lives. Previously, Jessica was the Director of Finance and Administration at Pro Bono Partnership, a Westchester-based nonprofit organization that provides free business and transactional legal services to nonprofit organizations in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Jessica volunteers for NonProfit Westchester, an association of nonprofit organizations serving as the co-chair of the Human Resources Affinity Group.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts from Purchase College and a Masters of Public Administration from Baruch College.
Amy Gravino, MA
Director
Amy Gravino is a Certified Autism Specialist and the president of A.S.C.O.T. Coaching where she offers autism consulting, mentoring, and college coaching services for individuals on the autism spectrum. Amy was diagnosed with Autism when she was 11 years old.
As a relationship coach at the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services, Amy collaborates with the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology to develop sexuality education for students and community members on the autism spectrum, as well as works with autistic students on issues related to relationships and sexuality.
She has given two TED talks and presented to numerous audiences about autism and sexuality; preventing and ending bullying; issues related to girls and autism; growing up on the spectrum; and autism and transitioning to secondary education.
Amy’s writing has been published in a variety of outlets, including the textbook Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Education, the Reader’s Digest book The Best Life Stories, “Autism Spectrum Quarterly” magazine, the official blog of Autism Speaks, and more. She is now authoring her memoir, The Naughty Autie,
Amy serves on the Board of Directors of Specialisterne USA , the Golden Door International Film Festival of Jersey City and co-facilitates the Morris County chapter support group meetings for ASPEN-NJ. Amy received the Advocates for Adults with Autism Award from Yes She Can in 2017.
Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from King’s College, and a Master’s of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis from Caldwell University
Debra Solomon
Director
Debra K. Solomon is a New York University-certified Life and Career Coach and founder of Spectrum Strategies, working with young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other learning differences.
As a parent of a young adult with Asperger’s Syndrome who is successful in his personal and professional life, Debra now shares what’s she learned on her journey with her son with others facing similar challenges.
Debra earned a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing from Syracuse University and has extensive experience in retail marketing, commercial real estate, and sales.
She was selected as one of the 2017 Long Island Business News Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business, which recognizes Long Island, NY, women for their business savvy, influential work, mentoring, and community involvement.
Sheri Gordon
Director
Sheri Gordon is an attorney, a community activist, and a mother to a teenage daughter with autism.
Sheri began her career as an attorney in New York City, working for a large, international law firm focusing on intellectual property. When her daughter was diagnosed on the spectrum, Sheri focused her time and energy on finding the right mix of therapists, schools and environments for her daughter. This focus took her family out of New York into Connecticut, where Sheri became involved with local government, serving on the Westport Zoning Board of Appeals and the Westport Board of Finance for over a decade.
In addition to her role on the Yes She Can Board, Sheri serves on other boards in Westport, CT and recently became a member of the Connecticut Bar.
Sheri holds a Juris Doctorate from the New York University School of Law and a Bachelors of Arts from Cornell University.