More than 40 years ago, a group a local parents and families came together with a common vision to create better living opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Built on the foundation of compassionate and quality care, CDS Life Transitions was born.
Why Work With Us?

We’re Courageous
We’re not afraid to step outside our comfort zone, and we face challenges with confidence

We Inspire
We are motivated daily by the people we assist

We’re Compassionate
We work to understand the challenges faced by the people we assist and empower them to overcome these obstacles

We Embrace Innovation
We constantly seek out new and different approaches to meet our mission

We Build Community
We share common values, mutual respect, joint responsibility, and ownership of our mission with all stakeholders

We Exemplify Professionalism
We conduct ourselves with responsibility, integrity, and excellence while upholding the highest standard of professional behavior
Our Team
Meet Our Senior Leadership
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Sankar SewnauthSankar Sewnauth, MPAPresident & CEOSankar Sewnauth serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of CDS Life Transitions. He began his career working for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a direct support professional and has held a variety of leadership positions since joining the Agency in 1989. He is responsible for the overall strategic vision, growth, leadership and administration of more than 750 people employed across 22-counties in New York State. Under his leadership, CDS Life Transitions has grown into one of the largest, most diversified, high quality run not-for-profits in New York State.
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Andrew SewnauthAndrew Sewnauth, MBA, MDivChief Operating Officer, CDS Life Transitions, Executive Director, CDS MonarchAndrew Sewnauth joined CDS Monarch in 2005 when he began his career in direct care. He is responsible for oversight of day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the organization and has served in numerous capacities since his start.
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Mark CurlettaMark Curletta, CPA, MBAExecutive Vice President of FinanceMark Curletta is the Executive Vice President of Finance for CDS Life Transitions and provides oversight of company financial records and projects future financial investments and plans within the organization. Mark earned his Bachelor of Accounting degree from the University of Dayton and his Masters of Business Administration in 2007. Starting his career with CDSLT in finance in 2000, Mark has since been a major contributor to every major growth area of the company. Mark has extensive experience in finance and also oversees all of the CDS Housing developments.
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Sharon MarbleSharon Marble, MSMChief Operating Officer, iCircleSharon Marble has been with CDS since 1987. She has held a variety of roles in direct care and leadership of OPWDD services. Sharon was integral in forming and operationalizing iCircle. In 2014, she became the Chief Operating Officer of iCircle where she is responsible for oversight of all operational procedures, systems, and controls.
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Melissa BrownMelissa Brown, SPHR, MHSAExecutive Vice President of Human ResourcesMelissa Brown has been with CDS Life Transitions since 2008. She is responsible for oversight of human resources.
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Judy ConsadineJudy Consadine, CPA, MBAExecutive Vice President of FinanceJudy Consadine joined CDS Life Transitions in 2000. She has 25 years of experience in finance. Judy oversees all financial operations for CDS Life Transitions.
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Dr. Joel HaasJoel Haas, M.D.Chief Medical Officer, iCircle & Warrior Salute Veteran ServicesDr. Joel Haas joined iCircle and Warrior Salute Veteran Services in 2018 with more than 30 years of experience as a practicing physician and retired Medical Director from the Rochester V.A. Dr. Haas is responsible for oversight of medical and clinical review, he chairs numerous committees, and he monitors quality improvement activities.
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Kate WagnerKate WagnerExecutive Director, Prime Care CoordinationKate Wagner started with CDS Monarch in 2012 as a registered nurse and worked her way up to Vice President of Operations for CDS Monarch and Warrior Salute Veteran Services. Ms. Wagner has overseen the care and support of more than 1500 people with IDD, gaining expertise in administration and leadership, nursing and clinical services, facilities, quality management and driving systemic improvements. She has a keen focus on the delivery of services to the individuals and families Prime Care Coordination serves and appreciates the role of PCC in their lives.
Meet Our Board of Directors
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Richard FerrariRichard FerrariChairMr. Ferarri is the Vice President and Commercial Lender at Community Bank N.A. He has been a board member at CDS for 20 years.
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Greg GribbenGreg GribbenFirst Vice ChairMr. Gribben is a Partner at Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
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Jennifer CarlsonJennifer CarlsonSecond Vice ChairMrs. Carlson is CEO at FLACRA
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William WoodardWilliam WoodardTreasurerMr. Woodard is a family member whose daughter lives at the CDS Monarch Turk Hill Apartments and is a retired financial executive.
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Richard YarmelRichard YarmelSecretaryMr. Yarmel is a Partner at
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP. -
Jean LoweJean LoweMs. Lowe is the retired President of the Greater Rochester Housing Partnership. Her son works for Unistel Industries.
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Jerry McCulloughJerry McCulloughCDS Wolf Foundation Board ChairMr. McCullough is the Vice President at Ryan Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning and Fire Protection. He feels connected to the mission because he has an uncle with a developmental disability.
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Glenn PezzuloGlenn PezzuloMr. Pezzulo is a partner at Barclay Damon, LLP.
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Robert RelphRobert RelphMr. Relph is the CEO of Relph Benefit Advisors
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Tim ThaneyTim ThaneyMr. Thaney is a Partner at
DeJoy Knauf & Blood LLP. -
Dr. James EvansDr. James Evans
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Mark PetersonMark Peterson
Our Impact
“When my parents envisioned a better life for my younger brother, Carl, CDS Monarch was there. And more than 20 years later, CDS is still here! The whole spectrum of his care is managed by CDS-not just the care that he receives now, but in the future as well.”