After more than four years as our first Director of Training Programs, Lesli Cattan, will be retiring from Yes She Can at the end of the Summer session.
Lesli has had a career spanning more than 30 years devoted to helping people with autism and other developmental disabilities achieve their potential. Lesli retired from the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health in 2017. Then, after receiving the Advocates for Adults with Autism Award in April, 2017, Lesli accepted the new role of Director of Training Programs at Yes She Can, and became our second employee.
Lesli coaching trainee during an informational interview workshop with employees at MasterCard
Lesli has made numerous contributions to our program including recruiting new participants and coaches, adding components to our curriculum, and creating and implementing trainee assessments. Her greatest challenge was to convert our program to a remote setting in March of 2020. While other programs closed in the face of the pandemic, Yes She Can stayed open and provided our essential program and social engagement, virtually.
Due to ongoing family health issues, Lesli has decided to retire so that she can spend more time with her husband, traveling, and visiting with friends and family across the country.
It’s a great loss to all of us who have been working with Lesli for the past four years. Over the next eight weeks, Lesli will help with the transition of her departure and the recruitment of the next director. Fortunately, Lesli will then remain involved with Yes She Can as a consultant.
Lesli leading core skills session with trainees at Girl AGain boutique.
I am very grateful for all of the contributions Lesli Cattan has made to Yes She Can, and will miss our daily emails, texts, phone calls, Zoom meetings, and collaborations around the work table at Girl AGain.
The trainees and staff will be planning a party for Lesli in August.
As we have all been discussing in our core skills sessions with trainees, the best way to find a great employee is through networking! So, if you know of anyone in your network that might be interested in this position, would you please share the job announcement for the Director of Training Programs.
Please reach out to me if you would like to discuss this: Marjorie@yesshecaninc.org or 914-428-1258
Lesli,
We wish you joy in your retirement! You will be sorely missed by everyone at Yes She Can and by all those who know the great contributions you have made, over the years, to enrich the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Happy Travels & don’t be a stranger!
Most sincerely,
Bonnie & Andy Kaplan
Wishing you all good things and impressed by what you’ve done for the organization. You will be missed, very big shoes to fill. Enjoy this time in your life!