About
Opportunities Collaborative for Students with Special Needs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2019.
The focus of our work is to enhance the capacity of charter schools, non-public schools, communities, parents and students across Western New York to assure that high quality support and services are being provided to those in need. We believe working together can achieve greater results.
Our Mission
Opportunities Collaborative provides high quality professional development to empower Western New York charter, private and parochial schools and to ensure that children access all the special educational resources they need.
Our Vision
Opportunities Collaborative seeks a just, equitable, and inclusive educational environment where all schools have the knowledge, skills, and resources they need for all children to succeed.
​I have completed the IMSE training that was offered to me through the Opportunities Collaborative and all I have to say is WOW! It was an amazing two weeks! I have learned so much and I am so excited to use this method of teaching with my kids this year. I think the multi-sensory way of learning is a wonderful way to engage my students while setting them up for success. The materials I was sent are all wonderful, very comprehensive, and ready to use! We are off to do great things this Fall!"
L. DuFour, Special Education Teacher, Niagara Charter School
Executive Director
Dr. Molly J. Oliverio is the Executive Director.
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Dr. Molly Oliverio is a former special education teacher and university professor with over a decade of experience working with students with disabilities and their special education teams. Dr. Oliverio, a Buffalo native, earned her Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy from Niagara University, and her research largely focuses on equitable access to special education by means of parent advocacy. Dr. Oliverio is committed to improving the success of students with disabilities through the equal partnership and participation of all members of a student's special education team. As Executive Director of Opportunities Collaborative, Dr. Oliverio will fulfill the organization's mission with a focus on increasing the reach, impact, and success of students with disabilities in WNY.
Board of Directors
Robert M. Bennett, President
Chancellor Emeritus, NYS Board of Regents
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Michael C. LaFever, Vice President
Superintendent of Catholic Schools of WNY (Retired)
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Jeffrey T. Blair, Esq., Secretary
Attorney, The Blair Law Group, LLP
Heidi A. Wieczorek, Treasuer
Kathy Ralabate Doody, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Exceptional Education, SUNY, Buffalo State
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Pastor James Giles
President/CEO of Back to Basics Outreach Ministries, Inc.
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James C. Muffoletto, CPA
Niagara Charter School, President
Sheila Q. Weimer, Esq.
Attorney at Law
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Bridget O’Brien Wood
President-FICE
Foundation for Inclusive Catholic Education
Elizabeth R. Wright, J.D. M.S.W.
Dean and Associate Professor
Division of Health and Human Services, Daemen University
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