Parent to Parent of New York State, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting and connecting families of individuals with special needs, is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Emory as its new Executive Director.
Ms. Emory brings more than 20 years of experience in program development, project management, and quality improvement within the disability and health services sectors. Most recently, she served as Senior Quality Analyst with Partnership Solutions in Albany, where she evaluated life planning services, developed quality initiatives, and worked with leadership teams to improve outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Previously, Ms. Emory spent over a decade at the Center for Disability Services, where she served in various human resources capacities, led organizational culture change initiatives and managed quality improvement projects across multiple programs. Her career has been marked by a strong focus on data-driven decision-making, organizational accountability, and family-centered support.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Emory has a deep personal connection to the mission of Parent to Parent of NYS. She has served as a Support Parent volunteer since 2018, offering guidance and encouragement to families navigating similar healthcare needs. She has also been active in several nonprofit organizations, including serving as Secretary of the Board for the Polymicrogyria Awareness Organization, volunteering with STRIDE Adaptive Sports, and holding leadership roles in her local Parent Teacher Organization.
“I’m honored to step into the role of Executive Director at Parent to Parent of NYS; a place where families find connection, courage, and community. As a parent of a child with a rare disability, I appreciate the essential support that Parent to Parent offers and have personally benefited from this support.
“This work has never been about one voice; it’s about all of us. Together, we uplift each other, share hard-won wisdom, and build spaces where every family feels they belong.
“Our momentum today is rooted in Michele Juda’s legacy; a legacy built on empathy, leadership, and commitment to family voices. I’m dedicated to continuing the impactful work she began, not alone, but alongside a team that knows the power of peer support and the strength of collective hope. Additionally, I look forward to working together with our Board of Directors and stakeholders to expand what is possible.” —Heather Emory, Executive Director, Parent to Parent of NYS
“Parent to Parent of NYS Board of Directors is excited to welcome Heather as the new Executive Director. She truly understands our journeys as parents of children with disabilities and/or extra ordinary health care needs. Her background in program development and quality improvement, combined with her passion for the vision and mission of Parent to Parent, make her the right person to guide our organization into the future.
“Building on Michele Juda’s foundation, we are confident that Heather will both strengthen our work and broaden our impact.” —Ann Scherff, Board President, Parent to Parent of NYS