Meet Our Staff

Savita Sharma, Director of Family Support Services

Savita holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy, and has been working with children and adults with special needs for more than 20 years. She has held a variety of leadership and supervisory roles for programs serving individuals with special needs, with a focus on management of programs, facilities, administration, staff, and finances. From 1999 to 2008, she served as director of AHRC New York City’s Camp Anne. In her role at Camp Anne, Savita oversaw all aspects of camp management and organization for the residential camp serving children and adults with special needs. Under her leadership the camp increased its capacity for the children’s sessions by 50 percent over a five-year period, implemented adaptive riding, swimming and boating programs, and embarked on a $1.2 million strategic plan to build new cabins.

A former resident of England, Savita gained much of her experience through her involvement with Camp America, an organization which helps U.S.-based camps find international staffers to work as counselors. In addition, while working as a podiatrist in England, she assisted the American Institute of Foreign Studies by serving as a representative for camps for individuals serving special needs.

Please contact Savita if you have questions regarding the overall operations of camp or if you feel you need to escalate any matter.  She can be reached at ssharma@citizens-inc.org or 516-293-2026 ext 1450.

Tevin Gilfillian, Assistant Director

Tevin Gilfillian isn’t new to Camp Loyaltown; he’s been a participant of the Exchange Visitor J1 Summer Camp Counselor Program from 2017 through 2019. Tevin has since joined Citizens Options Unlimited as the Assistant Director of Camp Loyaltown.

His passion for camp comes from his belief that camp it is a place where people mature into better versions of themselves; creating quality respite for families as well as quality friendships and a bond that lasts a lifetime.

“Summer camp teaches people important life lessons like persistence and integrity. I believe that camp provides a place for people to try something new, and whether they succeed or need to try again, they’ll be encouraged and supported by everyone in our loving, accepting, and safe community. I just love seeing the look on campers’ faces when they can achieve something new, exclaiming “I did it!” while surrounded by their cabin cheering them on.”

For any questions regarding respite or summer camp enrollment Tevin can be reached tgilfillian@citizens-inc.org or 516-293-2016 ext 5165.

Suzanne Gabler, RN – Nurse Manager

While she is new to Camp, Suzanne brings very strong clinical, assessment, administrative, and leadership skills to our Team.  Her diversity in several different fields of nursing including Medical/Surgical, ID/DD Residential Nursing, Behavioral Health, Corrections & Community Supervision & Utilization Review make her a well-rounded and excellent fit as our Camp Nurse Manager.

Suzanne has been working with children and adults with special needs for more than 10 years and volunteered in her younger years at Camp Anchor and for the Special Olympics.  Her and her sister, who is disabled, were very passionate from a young age about working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental challenges and giving back to the Community.

Suzanne received her Bachelor’s in Nursing from East Carolina University and is a member of Sigma Tau International Nursing Society and Phi Beta Kappa.  She received many awards and scholarships based on her exemplary performance and leadership, which continues to this day.

In her free time, Suzanne enjoys spending time with family and friends, nature hikes, skiing and snowboarding, and her lovable Golden Retriever, Buddy.

For any medical questions or concerns, she can be reached at sgabler@citizens-inc.org or 518-263-4242 ext 125

Maria Quezada, Behavior Intervention Specialist

María Quezada is a graduate from the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (INTEC), Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where she received a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has experience working in classrooms as a preschool teacher and running her own tutoring and homeschooling program back home for children with autism and learning disabilities. After moving to the United States, she began working as a behavior technician and has been passionate in helping others.

As a psychologist, Maria enjoys supporting all kinds of people achieve goals that improve their quality of life and makes them feel proud of their accomplishments. She’s positive and cheerful and on her spare time enjoys reading, watching movies with family and friends, going to the beach and traveling.

For any questions or concerns regarding behavior plans or mental health, she can be reached at mquezada@citizens-inc.org or 516-293-2016 ext 5460.

Darius Benjamin, Operations Manager

Darius is a new member to our team, joining Camp Loyaltown in 2023. He has previous experience working in Operations, and has a bachelor’s degree in business from Adelphi University, located in Garden City, NY. Darius is a caring and compassionate individual who wants to ensure a safe and happy experience for all people at camp!

Darius has received many honors and awards, some of which include completing 300+ Hours of Volunteer work for the Town of Babylon, being on the Dean’s List, a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and Interning for U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer.

Darius is talented at improving operational efficiency through researched strategies and processes. Currently he is enrolled in Hofstra University’s MBA Program, studying Business Operations & Healthcare Analytics. In his free time Darius enjoys spending time with friends & family, listening to music, fishing, and reading.

For any questions or concerns regarding CampDoc, life plans or overall camp operations, Darius can be reached at dbenjamin@citizens-inc.org or 516-293-2016 ext. 5463.

Deidre Dorsey, Senior Program Coordinator of Quality Assurance and Compliance

Deidre J. Dorsey received her BA in Anthropology from CUNY-York College, located in Jamaica, NY. Deidre has had the privilege to work with the undeserved and marginalized individuals in our communities for over two decades. She has been a director, case manager and shift supervisor in nonprofit organizations in all of the Boroughs of NYC except Staten Island.

Deidre shares a deep respect for people who are working to reach their personal goals and is willing to go above and beyond to make sure those under her guidance are seen and heard. She takes pride in being able to teach, advocate and inform people of their rights as human beings and is most dedicated to for those who face obstacles due to physical/mental health, domestic violence and homelessness. Deidre is parent to her fur baby, Wah2C, a Blue Merle French Bulldog.

For any questions regarding regulations, policies and procedures, or incident management, she can be reached at ddorsey@citizens-inc.org or 516-293-2016 ext 5461.

Yesika Richards, Program Coordinator of Training and Development

Yesika is a graduate of St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, located in Kingston, Jamaica where she received a Bachelor’s in Primary Education to become a certified teacher.  After graduation, Yesika continued to embark on a more challenging platform, one that would further lend itself to hone and develop additional skills, and knowledge about individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.  She has been a participant of the Exchange Visitor J1 Summer Camp Counselor Program since 2016 in which she served in the capacity of a Cabin Counselor, then 2017 to 2019 as a Unit Administrator. In 2022, Yesika joined Citizens Options Unlimited as a full-time member which she serves in the role of a Program Coordinator of Staffing and Training.

Yesika is passionate about the needs and well-being of others, and has the willingness to go above and beyond for serving individuals with special needs.  In addition, she’s positive and acts on what is best for the camp program.  In her spare time, she enjoys happy moments with friends and always seeking new ways of ensuring everyone she meets is left inspired and motivated.

For any questions regarding training and orientation processes, or specific insight related to your family member to ensure a better camp experience, she can be reached at yrichards@citizens-inc.org or 518-263-4242 ext 117.

Gary Truesdell, Maintenance Supervisor

Gary has been with Camp Loyaltown for 7 years as our Maintenance Supervisor and works hard to keep the grounds safe and in good repair.  At home, he is a hard working farmer and the proud father of three amazing boys who are very important to him.

Please contact Savita or Tevin if you have concerns regarding the grounds or facilities.