When Amanda took over the special needs department at the JCC, she made significant changes. It became apparent immediately that she has a community perspective: Amanda redesigned the department by enhancing and creating new programs based on community needs. Amanda also works collaboratively with families and meets clients where they are. She is unique in her hands-on approach: she works directly with participants and also ensures that her staff is well trained and supervised. Amanda really cares about each participant and goes above and beyond to help each person meet with success.

Personally speaking, my son sometimes struggled with following program rules. Rather than punish or dismiss him, Amanda used her amazing skills to assess the situation, meet with us, and create a behavior plan that supported my son and allowed him to be successful. If it had not been for Amanda’s creative problem solving approach, and willingness to see the potential in my son, he would not have been able to participate in the wonderful summer internship programs that she created. These programs have supported my son in developing work skills, compassion for others, social skills and becoming a better human being!

As an educator myself for over 32 years, I wholeheartedly recommend Amanda as an amazing special needs consultant who I know will continue, as she works with special needs clients and families, to make a huge difference in this field and in individual lives.”

-Eileen Prizeman, Community Member, Harold & Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson

I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Amanda Gabel and my first experience with her came soon after I was hired as Director of Human Resources at the Jewish Community Center.

One of the programs Amanda developed was located directly across from my office. Daily, I witnessed her impart important life skills and coaching to young Interns in the Special Needs program. Her ability to address and diffuse emotions, resolve difficult challenges and restore calm were impressive.

Amanda’s first hand understanding of the needs of the individuals she serves is evident in the work she develops and the successful outcomes that result. Resourceful, highly competent and collaborative, Amanda quickly earns the trust and respect of her peers. Her expertise, influence and work are valued at every level of our organization. She is an asset to us all.”

-Nadine Sbezzi, Director of Human Resources, Harold & Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson

Amanda served as field instructor for several Iona College BSW students during our working relationship. In one instance the student was certain she was not suited for this placement and that the learning would not meet her expectations. Three months of field instruction with Amanda and she is now articulate about working with children with autism and embracing this area of practice as a possible career choice!”

- Melba Butler, PhD, LCSW

It is my pleasure to write this testimonial. I met Amanda Gabel soon after she took charge of the Tarrytown JCC’s Special Needs Department. She swiftly formed an advisory committee and conducted a needs assessment in order to provide the highest quality of services to the specific needs community. I was impressed with Amanda’s targeted and realistic goals for her programs. Both staff and program quality were most assuredly of utmost priority. Throughout the pandemic, Amanda continued to provide creative programming for families.

During the past six months, Amanda has helped me to strategically develop a reading program for the Peekskill School District. Her skills in communication and program development are key in my progress. I rely on her skills to help me bring this project to “the radar” of key personnel and community members.

I recommend Amanda Gabel wholeheartedly. She excels and is most energized by initiating/creating programs; she provides the necessary consulting skills to ensure ongoing management and success. She is a sincere and dedicated professional with extraordinary interpersonal skills.”

-Diane Slonim, Speech Language Pathologist, Ph.D.

She advocated for the participants, both within the agency as well as throughout the community . Many times she convinced me to have my son (and me!) go out of his comfort zone and that resulted in him learning , growing, and succeeding in tasks that I didn’t imagine he could complete. Not only did this result in his increase in skills, but also a boost in confidence! Amanda was able to form relationships with outside sources for grants and programs which resulted in many participants having internship experiences which led to jobs. She was there for advice and was great at working out conflicts amongst participants when they arose. She would be an asset to any family, school, or organization that is looking to expand or improve their relationship with the differently abled community!”

-Lisa Cohen, Community Member, Harold & Elaine Shames JCC on the Hudson

As a Director of Social Work Field Education, I depend on meaningful partnerships with field agencies and instructors throughout the greater New York area. I was lucky to inherit many strong, established partners from my predecessor, Amanda being one of the most prominent. She has been an invaluable asset to our school's social work program, providing excellent and insightful field instruction to many of our students. In addition to the detailed attention and care she has shown our students, she has also always been a reliable partner in terms of submitting field evaluations in a timely fashion, providing thorough feedback, and even making room in her program for last minute student interns, when I've found myself in a crunch. Engaging in a working relationship with Amanda is not only smart because of the experience and skill she brings to the table but is also a genuine pleasure.”

- Brittany Lynch, LCSW, MSSW, Iona College