Pathfinder Village (Community for Down syndrome)

08/03/2026

VILLAGE NEWS: Pathfinder Village celebrates staff milestones

Edmeston, New York, August 3, 2026 ... Pathfinder Village marked its 46th birthday last Wednesday while recognizing 20 staff at its annual Employee Recognition Luncheon. Collectively, this year’s honorees have provided 220 years of service to the internationally respected community and services provider for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Every person in this room contributes to our mission in a unique way. Whether you work directly with the people we support or behind the scenes keeping operations running smoothly, your work matters,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Karen Knavel.

“Service is measured by more than years. It is measured by relationships built, lives touched, problems solved, opportunities created, and moments of kindness that often go unseen. Thank you for your dedication to Pathfinder Village and for making this community a place where everyone belongs.”

This year’s honorees include Pathfinder School Licensed Teaching Assistant Patricia Slosek, recognized for 45 years of service, and Maintenance Supervisor Kristopher Tilbe, honored for 40 years of service. Ms. Slosek was recognized with this year’s presentation of the Marian Mullet Memorial Award, named after the Village’s Founding Chief Executive Officer who began her career at Pathfinder Village as a part-time nurse in the early 1960s for the Village’s predecessor, The Otsego School.

Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management Kelly Meyers is celebrating 15 years of service. Those celebrating 10-year anniversaries by department include: Residential – Direct Support Professional Kelly Benjamin, DSP Paul Penner; Ancillary – Food Service Worker Brady Plows; Nursing – Clinical Coordinator Jennifer Truax.

Employees honored for five years of service by department are: Administration – Chief Program Officer Sarah Puskarenko; Adult Day Services – Employment & Vocational Specialist Trittany Hoagland, Day Habilitation Program Coordinator Hanna Mumbulo; Ancillary – Food Service Worker Ross Bromley; Finance – Finance Assistant Karen Elliott; Residential – DSP Heather Bevilacqua, DSP Alexis Buchanan, DSP Sara Hickling, DSP Jessica Jester, House Manager Ally Myers, DSP Jenessa Place, Residential Team Leader Teresa Welsh and DSP Kaitlyn Wust.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York. It was founded in 1980 to provide people living with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, vocational/pre-vocational, and outreach programs. To learn more, visit http://pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

08/03/2026

🔌 Let’s Fill the Directive E-Waste Trailer! ♻️ Tomorrow, bring your unwanted electronics to Pathfinder Village’s Big Rig Cruise-In and help us tackle the Fill the Trailer Challenge! Round up those old computers, keyboards, cords, phones and other unused tech, then drop them off while you enjoy an evening of big rigs, classic cars, free ice cream and family fun. Let’s clear out the clutter, keep e-waste out of landfills and see if our community can fill the trailer! 🚛💻📱

📅 Tuesday, Aug. 4
⏰ 5–8 p.m.
📍 Pathfinder Village

08/02/2026

Another taste tempting week is in store for everyone at the Bakery & Cafe! Thank you to all our loyal customers and friends!

It looks like a great week ahead. Make sure to pick up the phone and call your friend to schedule your lunch plans for this week!

We are serving some new, fresh recipes, including fresh produce, and wholesome ingredients. Stop in and let us know what you think!

While you’re here, don’t forget to grab a homemade chocolate chip cookie or lemon bar from the case! 🍋 🍪

07/30/2026

Recently, our friends from Welcome Change Productions toured our beautiful outdoor space, Holly's Path, with the Village's Kelly Meyers. We're pleased to share their video, which highlights some of the integrative features of this space -- natural sounds, level walking paths, and gardening boxes -- which may benefit older individuals with Down syndrome/IDD and dementia.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbEO0wVIqfl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

07/30/2026

SHARING IN SUPPORT OF OUR COMMUNITY: The American Red Cross has declared the second national blood crisis in its history. Blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand, and blood supplies are critically low.

If you missed Pathfinder Village's annual blood drive earlier this month, please consider scheduling an appointment at one of the area's upcoming drives. Your donation can help ensure patients have access to lifesaving blood products when they need them most. If you are eligible, consider a Power Red donation to double your impact.

📅 Schedule Your Appointment Here: https://www.redcrossblood.org

07/29/2026

🎉 HAPPY 46TH BIRTHDAY, PATHFINDER VILLAGE! 🎉
Celebrating 46 years of community, personal growth, inclusion, and opportunity 🌟
On July 29, 1980, students from The Otsego School in Edmeston packed their rooms and moved into Pathfinder Village. What began with seven buildings and a school grew from a vision: to create a welcoming community where people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities could learn, build friendships, make choices, and grow in independence. That journey continues today.
Pathfinder’s 20th anniversary book recalls that staff planned moving day carefully and introduced the residents to the Village while it was under construction. The new Villagers adjusted well, enjoying their larger homes and open spaces. Even as the first phase was completed, the next chapter was already beginning: On Oct. 4, 1980, Pathfinder held a ribbon-cutting for Phase One and broke ground for Phase Two, the Meeting House.
Forty-six years later, that same spirit is visible in the many ways people participate, self-advocate, contribute, and discover new possibilities at Pathfinder. This summer, Camp Pathfinder, school programs, outdoor recreation, and enrichment activities have offered pathways to try new things, grow confidence, practice teamwork, and form lasting connections.
As part of today’s anniversary celebration, Pathfinder staff will gather for the annual Employee Anniversary Luncheon at Dan’s Depot, honoring the people whose service has helped the Village and those it supports grow through the years. The celebration continues this evening with a free community movie night at Pathfinder Gym.
🌱 This remarkable journey continues with the new Farmstead Market & Community Center, now nearing completion, which will expand opportunities for vocational training, meaningful employment, local food access and shopping, and community gatherings. Stay tuned for news of our Grand Opening in October, which will mark another transformational phase in the Village’s ongoing story of growth and inclusion.
Happy birthday, Pathfinder Village—and thank you to all who have helped create a community where people can belong, contribute, and grow.

07/28/2026