Gabrielle “Gabby” Gass, MA, has dedicated more than two decades to helping improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities, specializing in assisting individuals and families to access essential services. Since 2018, she has been the senior care manager supervisor at Care Design New York, where she has worked extensively with the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities. During her tenure, she developed an online training program to enhance staff understanding and collaboration with these communities and partners with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. In her role, she manages her own caseload, working to secure services such as Medicaid, rehabilitation, and respite care, for people ages 3 and older.
In addition to her role at Care Design New York, Ms. Gass is a consultant for another agency, mentoring direct support professionals. Her career began at Yedei Chesed, where she held positions including Medicaid service coordinator, residence manager, and MSC supervisor. Her experience also includes teaching special needs students at Binoh-Norwood in 2012 and working as a service manager for adult day services at Kisharon School from 2010 to 2012. She held various roles at Kisharon School from 2005 to 2010, including service manager, tutor, trainee tutor, and administrator. Earlier in her career, she worked as secretary to the director and associate surveyor at Lee Baron from 2001 to 2004. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Gass dedicates time to MSCoop, membership support for the Community Development Group of United Synagogue, charity donations, and serving as a pen pal to a death row inmate for 18 years.
Ms. Gass laid a strong educational foundation, earning a national vocational qualification (NVQ) in office administration from Stanmore College in 2000 and a certificate in counseling skills from The Manor House Centre for Psychotherapy and Counselling in 2005. In 2007, she completed NVQ Level 4 in initial teacher training at Barnet College, followed by a postgraduate certificate in education from the Institute of Education, Faculty of Education and Society, University College London (UCL) in 2008. She further advanced her education by earning a foundation degree in professional practice in the lifelong learning sector from UCL in 2009 and a Bachelor of Education from UCL in 2011. Ms. Gass also holds an NVQ in management in health and social care from W&P Assessment & Training Centre, completed in 2012. She culminated her academic journey with a Master of Arts in developmental disabilities from Niagara University in 2016.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Gass began her career with a vocational qualification in office administration, working as a secretary for six years. A role at a college for adults with developmental disabilities led to her becoming a direct support professional, encouraged by her mother, who supported her pursuit of teaching credentials. Despite her mother’s passing during this time, she completed her studies, advanced into management, and earned a bachelor’s degree in education. She managed day centers in London, overseeing teams and implementing person-centered planning. After her father’s passing, she relocated to the U.S. in 2013, joining an Orthodox Jewish agency supporting individuals with developmental disabilities before becoming a Medicaid service coordinator.
Ms. Gass’ most notable achievement was working with people with severe behaviors, such as autism, especially those who are nonverbal and unable to communicate effectively. Her proudest accomplishment was during her time as a residence manager for a home with eight men who exhibited extremely challenging behaviors. Over time, she was able to successfully calm their harmful behaviors and even facilitate communication with some of the nonverbal individuals.
Ms. Gass attributes her success to her dedication to learning and her unwavering passion for her work. Throughout her career, she has excelled in various roles, readily taking on senior responsibilities, whether assisting with appointments or managing unexpected challenges. Looking to the future, Ms. Gass aspires to become a behavioral psychologist once her children are older. This career advancement would complement her current work, allowing her to provide greater support to the families who often seek her guidance.