Promoting Relationships Involving Deaf Employees—PRIDE

PRIDE is a supported-employment program that builds connections between area businesses and members of the local workforce in Rochester, NY, who are deaf and hard of hearing. We support individuals who are ready to strive for independent, productive participation in full-time, competitive employment.

Mission:
PRIDE is committed to the highest quality of work-place support for both the individual and the employer through direct relationships, individual development and education aimed at independent and productive employment.

Contact PRIDE at 585-336-5831 (voice or TTY) or via e-mail at PRIDE@rsdeaf.org

Click here to enter the PRIDE Program Web site & Blog

PRIDE Staff

Matthew Kelly, Coordinator

PRIDE Coordinator Matthew Kelly earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Syracuse University, and his Master’s degree in Deaf and Secondary Education from Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT/NTID). He worked for seven years as a teacher at the inclusive Jowonio School in Syracuse, NY, and the New Mexico School for the Deaf. Matt is a past employee of Recreational Equipment Inc. - REI - a national retail co-op selling camping and outdoor equipment. While at REI he held progressively higher management positions over a four year period, overseeing the daily customer service, business and human resource needs of different stores.
 

Stephanie Siro Totin

Stephanie Siro Totin holds a Bachelor’s in English with a Dual Certification in Elementary and Special Education. While working toward this degree at Mt. St. Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y., Steph studied American Sign Language which prompted a move Rochester to attend Rochester Institute of Technology and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf to earn her Master of Science in Secondary Education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students. Steph has held professional positions as a pre-Kindergarten teacher and an Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf in New Jersey and New York State. The births of Steph’s two sons prompted her to leave teaching and continue with Job Coaching part-time for the PRIDE program at RSD since 2001. In 2009, Steph was thrilled to join PRIDE’s full time staff as an Employment Specialist and equally proud to connect PRIDE clients with local employers so that all involved may benefit from each other’s assets.

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Kelly Matthews

Kelly Matthews is PRIDE’s Case Manager/Job Coach. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Kelly has worked as a Case Manager and Health Specialist at DEAF Inc., in Allston, Mass, and as a Clinical Case Manager at the Community Counseling Center in Bangor, Maine. Kelly has returned to Rochester to reconnect with the Deaf community. She is thrilled to be joining the staff at PRIDE, to connect Deaf individuals and the Rochester workforce, and empower clients for success.