YAI is pleased to announce that Kristi Hickey-Vigilante has been promoted to Regional Director of YAI’s Center for Specialty Therapy, effective immediately. Kristi will be responsible for enhancing and expanding both YAI’s and Premier’s Article 16 clinics, which are OPWDD-certified treatment facilities that provide clinical services to individuals with developmental disabilities. As part of her new role, Kristi will also help lead YAI’s push toward developing new autism related initiatives and programs.

Kristi began her career at YAI in 1990 as the Supervisor of the Queens Crisis Intervention program. Over time, her role expanded to include oversight of nine Family Support programs, during which she was credited with developing and implementing a training model for parents diagnosed with I/DD for the New York City Administration of Children Services. From 1997 to 2007, she co-chaired the Family Support Committee of the Queens Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Kristi started at YAI’s Center for Specialty Therapy in 2008, which led to successive promotions including Senior Coordinator, Assistant Director, and was named a Director in 2015.

She earned a masters degree in social work from Adelphi University and was recognized by the school as Field Educator of the Year.

“Kristi is a consummate professional who is passionate about the people we support,” said Ravi Dahiya, YAI Chief Program Officer. “The way she advocates, interacts, and supports people with disabilities is inspiring. I’m very excited to work with her, and the YAI organization is fortunate to have someone like Kristi around to help us accomplish our mission.”