Director – Rae Glaser
Rae Glaser has been with the Kinship Navigator program since its inception in 2006, where she started as the first kinship specialist. Since then, she has worked with thousands of caregivers over the phone and via email. In 2020, she became the director of the program, and oversees daily operation of the project. She manages the budget, database, website, and liaisons with local kinship program providers across the state. She also acts as the regional navigator for western NY. Ms. Glaser has a dual degree in Psychology and Sociology, and is in the process of completing her Masters Degree in Business Administration. She has been working in non-profit since 2004, and has experience working with domestic violence victims, Child Protective Services, and people with developmental disabilities.
Intake Coordinator – Anthony Williams
Anthony joined the Navigator in December 2018. He brings energy, enthusiasm, and extensive administrative experience to the program. Anthony is currently seeking his Bachelor’s degree at SUNY Brockport. He is KN’s full time Kinship Navigator on the helpline, online chat, and email, and is the first voice our caregivers hear as he extends a warm hand to help families navigate their sometimes complicated legal, financial, and other caregiving circumstances. His other duties include updating the Kinship Navigator statewide calendar, social media, and assistance with website updates.
Outreach Coordinator – John Klimek
John joined the Navigator in 2022. John has a Master of Arts Psychology degree from SUNY Brockport. John brings a diversity of experience working with individuals with needs including mental health, developmental disabilities, and chemical dependency. John is eager to bring a trauma-informed focus to the Navigator and utilize his skills to best assist our changing world.
Regional Coordinator – Cheryl Abbott
Cheryl joined the Navigator in July of 2024. She has a Master of Science Marriage and Family Therapy degree from the University of Rochester. Her background is in mental health treatment with a variety of different populations, especially those with severe and persistent mental illness. She has experience with integrated care and believes in the treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.
