SPIN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1970 to provide the highest quality services to people of all ages with autism and intellectual/developmental disability. SPIN is also a leading provider of inclusive, early childhood education. We believe that everyone deserves to achieve to their fullest potential and to live a life of possibilities. We develop each person’s strengths, integrate them into the community, and create a culture of inclusion and hope. We serve over 3500 people every year in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley.
A Life of Possibilities
The SPIN Tradition

A Loving Legacy
Community and the can-do spirit are in our DNA. In 1971, there were no summer programs serving children with developmental disabilities in Philadelphia. A group of parents in the city’s northeast neighborhoods demanded more for their children, so they organized to create it themselves. They joined forces with two special education teachers at their local public school, David and Trina Losinno. Together, they created Camp SPIN. David, Trina, and several of the camp’s early counselors became the organizations first leaders, growing SPIN over its first 40 years from a summer camp into a multi-faceted organization. Today, with new leaders who have been with SPIN since the early 80’s, SPIN serves over 3500 children and adults every year.

Living Our Values
When you receive our services, work on our team, or support our mission, your experience with us is shaped by our core values.
These four pillars guide everything we do:
We put people first.
We develop people, nurture relationships, and celebrate differences.
We serve with professionalism.
We are competent, dependable, and trustworthy.
We focus on solutions.
We are productive, innovative, and resourceful.
We lead with excellence.
We position ourselves to deliver the highest quality services.
Our Community

The People We Serve
SPIN’s services support people throughout their lifespan based on their needs and choices. Children with and without developmental delays including autism from birth through age six are served in early intervention, Head Start, Pre-K and childcare programs. Children 2-21 years with Autism are also supported to achieve positive behavioral and emotional outcomes. Adults are supported through various services including residential, community employment, and day supports. SPIN’s Norcom Community Center serves the community as a fitness and recreation center and a gathering place for the entire community.

Families
Families come to SPIN and trust us with the most important people in their lives: their loved ones. Whether they bring their children to one of our preschool programs or their adult family member is receiving services, SPIN recognizes and understands the tremendous trust families have in us to provide the highest quality service to their family member. As a family organization, SPIN values and seeks to support the families who put their trust in us. We commit to open, professional communication and involvement of family in everything we do.

Employees
SPIN employees are and have always been the key ingredient to the success of SPIN services and supports. Our employees are hard working, dedicated, loyal, talented people of all ages and backgrounds who embody the mission, culture and pillars of SPIN in their life’s work. SPIN employees are highly qualified and provide best practice, quality supports while growing their knowledge, skills and competencies. We are proud and inspired by our employees who give so much of themselves to support the needs of children and adults to live a life of possibility.

Members
SPIN membership is a forty-five year old tradition, dating back to the founders of SPIN. At that time parents, receiving no funding for services for their children, decided that they needed to do it themselves. Today families, staff and community participants make up our membership and help us to remain a strong organization.
SPIN members are the stakeholders of the organization and demonstrate that they are committed to the individuals we support. Members meet yearly in October to hear about the accomplishments and goals of our organization. SPIN members provide the foundation of our organization showing, by their contributions, that they are vested in maintaining and assuring quality services and a life of possibilities for everyone.
Our Goals

Strategic Plan 2022-2023
SPIN’s Strategic Plan for 2023 focuses on creating a “People First Experience for all Stakeholders”.
Our Impact

A Year in Review
Get a yearly snapshot of our impact: the needs we address, the scope of our services, the resources we invest, and our partners in impact.
Our Leadership
Kathleen McHale – President and Chief Executive Officer
Kathy has an MBA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a BA in Psychology from Temple University. With over forty years of experience in the field of Intellectual, Developmental and Autism disabilities, Kathy began her career as a Direct Support Professional in 1972 while in college and has dedicated her career since 1978 to the management and leadership of community-based human service organizations.
Since 1983, Kathy has worked for SPIN a nonprofit organization that is nationally and regionally recognized as a premier provider of human services and a top workplace. Kathy served 17 years as the leader of Adult Services and from 2000 through 2010 as Corporate Officer for New Initiatives and then Chief Program Officer. In January 2011, Kathy was selected to succeed the founding CEO and promoted to CEO. In January of 2012, the Corporate Board voted Kathy to the position of President. Kathy developed the SPIN brand with the tagline of a life of possibilities through commitment to SPIN’s Pillars of People First, Professionalism, Performance Excellence and Productivity.
Kathy served as the Chair of The Philadelphia Alliance’s Intellectual Disabilities Domain for seven years and the Vice President of its Executive Board. In November 2010, Kathy was elected to the Board of PAR, the statewide association that represents 80% of Pennsylvania’s providers who serve people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. Kathy serves as PAR’s Vice-Chair since 2013. Kathy is also serves on the Board of William Penn Human Services whose mission is to transform the current service system by creating an innovative, person-centered human services system in Pennsylvania.
Committed to providing inclusive and high quality services for people with disabilities, Kathy has invested in the professional development of management and direct support professionals at SPIN, Inc. She has developed and taught coursework in leadership, management and professional practices and has presented on topics of leadership and workforce development at local, state and national conferences. Kathy’s dedication to her work underscores her deep belief that all people need to be connected to others and to live, work, socialize and grow as valued, relevant members of society.
Kathy is a married mother of three and grandmother of five. She is devoted to family and loves nurturing and supporting all of them to live their best life of possibilities.
Judith R. Dotzman – Executive Director
Judy holds a Master’s of Education in Recreation and Leisure Studies with an emphasis in Administration from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science from the Pennsylvania State University in Therapeutic Recreation. Judy has been supporting the growth and development of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for almost thirty years and has been employed at SPIN since 1986. Within her 25 years at SPIN, Judy has dedicated herself to a career providing and ensuring quality, best practice services and supports.
Judy began in the field in direct support as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Her commitment to innovative, inclusive community resource development and collaboration has been a hallmark. Judy served as the Corporate Officer of Professional Development at SPIN and has been dedicated to achieving nationally recognized success in the area of professional workforce development. In May, 2011, Judy was promoted to the Executive Director. Judy has served on ANCOR’s Foundation Board, Community College of Philadelphia, Arcadia University, Temple University and Holy Family University’s Advisory Councils. Currently, Judy serves as chair of the Philadelphia Alliance Intellectual Disabilities Domain.
Judy has been an adjunct instructor at Temple University and lectures in many college classrooms. In addition, Judy has presented on the topics of innovative program development, leadership and workforce development at local, state and national conferences. Judy believes in the power of possibility and that partnering and investing in people can provide unique opportunities for everyone to reach their fullest potential and share their strengths with others.
Frank M. Brown – Corporate Officer, SPIN Residential Services
Frank has his B.A. in Education from Lincoln University and a Masters in Education from Arcadia University.
He has over 26 years of experience in the field of Intellectual Disabilities and 20 of those years are with SPIN. Frank’s career started in 1986 as a Direct Support Professional during his summer break from teaching. This experience helped to mold his professional career in the field of Intellectual Disabilities.
Since 1991, Frank worked as a Residential Supervisor until 1996 when he became a Residential Manager. In 2002, Frank was given the opportunity as the Director of Residential Services and then as Regional Director for the transition of EMAN to SPIN in July, 2009. In September, 2010, Frank was promoted to the position of Corporate Officer at SPIN.
Dedicated to the mission of SPIN and to providing quality supports for all individuals receiving services from SPIN, Frank is also committed to the personal growth and professional development of staff and managers throughout the organization. Frank is also dedicated to ensuring that all people have the opportunity to enjoy, responsibly, the rights and privileges as members of their community.
Annemarie Clarke, Ph.D. – Corporate Officer, Behavioral & Developmental Services
Annemarie has a doctorate in School Psychology from Temple University with a sub-specialization in working with preschool children and their families. She obtained both a Masters’ in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from LaSalle University, and taught in their undergraduate and graduate Psychology programs for a decade, receiving the 1997 Erwin and Carolyn Rye Von Allman Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching. Annemarie has also been an adjunct faculty member in the graduate psychology program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2001 and has supported many intern and practicum students from that program at SPIN.
Annemarie came to SPIN in 2002 as the Corporate Officer for Children’s Services and oversaw significant expansion in that department within the subsequent years. In 2005 Annemarie was asked to develop a new service line within SPIN and from this effort the Behavioral & Developmental Services Department emerged. She now oversees a clinical team that includes psychologists, a psychiatrist, behavior specialists, a social worker, and front line clinical staff who provide services to adults with co-occurring intellectual disabilities and behavioral health disorders, as well as children with various behavioral health disorders including Autism.
Annemarie serves on the Mayor’s Early Learning Advisory Committee in Philadelphia and was a commission member on the 2007 Philadelphia Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Children’s Behavioral Health. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences on topics related to primary prevention and early intervention to promote healthy social emotional outcomes in preschool children and families,and also presents on effective diagnostic and intervention services for children with Autism. Annemarie is committed to developing and implementing leading edge services that improving the outcomes and success within the home, school, and community for children, adolescents, adults, and families, both with and without disabilities.
Frank Dellisanti – Corporate Officer of Human Resources & Program Operations
Frank has an MBA from Arcadia University with a concentration in Leadership and a Bachelor’s of Science from Peirce College in Business Administration. An employee of SPIN since 2001, Frank has focused on developing data-based, decision-making models to align with SPIN’s polices, systems, processes, and activities to achieve organizational outcomes. Frank’s collaboration between SPIN departments has helped to build protocols and efficiencies, as well as manage, troubleshoot and overcome unexpected hurdles.
Throughout his tenure, Frank has taken on many roles in SPIN’s service lines, including IT, Residential Services, Staff Deployment, Utilization Management, and Real Property. The experience that Frank has cultivated has broadened his skill set and allowed him to collaborate synergistically to create solutions for critical business issues, while also maximizing impact and enhancing services across the organization.
Frank was promoted to Corporate Officer of Human Resources & Program Operations and currently oversees all aspects of talent acquisition, development, and retention of “right-fit staff” who accomplish SPIN’s People first mission.
Jennifer Hughes, Corporate Officer, Public Relations and Communications
Jennifer’s relationship with SPIN began as a teenager working as a summer camp counselor where she made lifelong friends and felt the joy of assisting children and adults supported by SPIN. After achieving a B.A. in Public Administration from Saint Joseph’s University, Jennifer returned to SPIN in 1996, beginning her full-time career as Special Assistant to the Corporate Officer team. Later Jennifer took on the role of Chief of Staff supporting SPIN’s Executive Team by leading special projects and managing the corporate staff. Her leadership developed into becoming the liaison between SPIN’s Executive Team and departmental managers, facilitating the Corporate Officers to achieve the organization’s strategic goals. Through Jennifer’s project oversight, she has helped SPIN implement new program initiatives, develop new facilities, and grow SPIN’s fundraising and community relations efforts.
As Corporate Officer for PR and Communications, Jennifer is responsible for sharing SPIN’s mission and story to enhance SPIN’s brand, reputation and image. She leads SPIN’s external and internal communication strategies and plans that promote key initiatives and programs, while raising awareness for SPIN and its role in the community.
Jennifer is proud of the work she has done over her years at SPIN and is dedicated to ensuring that the legacy of a caring community is carried on. Jennifer is delighted that both her daughters have seen the value of her career choice and followed in her footsteps by being a part of the camp community through their high school and college years.
Michael E. Hughes, Esq. – Corporate Officer, Legal Affairs & Compliance
Michael has a Juris Doctorate Degree, Cum Laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing Michigan and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from St. Joseph’s University. Michael was admitted by The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1994.
Michael initially clerked for two judges in the Court of Common Pleas in Montgomery County and thereafter worked in private practice for approximately four years. In 1999, Michael came to SPIN as Director of Legal Affairs and was later promoted to Corporate Officer of Legal Affairs and Compliance. Michael and his team assure that the health, safety and welfare of the individuals that SPIN serves are continually protected. Michael and his team also assure that these same individuals have their rights protected and have a voice in making their own decisions.
Michael works with all departments of the agency to assure that there is compliance with the various governmental laws, rules and regulations. In doing so, Michael creates discussion within and between departments developing a collective understanding and answer within the agency to any question that may arise.
Michael sees that providing quality services to the individuals SPIN serves as paramount to our success and remains dedicated to the mission of the agency.
Mindy Lederhandler Lutts – Corporate Officer, Organizational Development
Mindy Lederhandler Lutts has a BA in Psychology from Holy Family University and an M. Ed. from Temple University. Mindy has worked at SPIN since 1972 and has experienced employment within the agency at every level, beginning as a volunteer camp counselor.
As a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Mindy was instrumental in the development of socialization, recreation and leisure programs at SPIN as well as day services in the early 80’s. Mindy has long lasting ties with the families who were instrumental to the founding of SPIN and maintains deep respect in the roots of the organizations focus on families, choice and life in the community.
In her role with Real Property and Transportation, Mindy has worked to assure that individuals live in safe and beautiful environments and mobilize in the community safely. Finally within Organization Development Mindy continues the SPIN tradition, being dedicated to the growth of membership and raising funds to assure that SPIN will always have the ability to maintain quality, which has become the agency’s trademark.
Patti Parisi – Chief Financial Officer
Patti earned an MBA/Accounting from DeSales University and a BS in Business Administration/Accounting from LaSalle University. Patti joined SPIN as an accountant in 1993 and over the span of 12 years progressed to the senior management role of Controller. In 2005, Patti was promoted to Chief Financial Officer.
Patti’s leadership has been instrumental in assuring the financial strength of SPIN in a challenging economic environment as the organization continues to expand services and grow operations. Revenues have increased from $31.5 million in 2005 to their current level of $61.6 million. Patti’s commitment to innovative practices and effective systems designs in financial operations has produced successful outcomes including the automation of the previously paper based payroll system and the conversion to a fee for service electronic billing system.
Patti currently holds the office of Treasurer on the Eagle Health Trust Board, a health insurance consortium of Human Service providers.
Our Board
SPIN Corporate Board
The SPIN Corporate Board is the governing body of the organization, responsible to govern in accord with established By-Laws and Board policies. The Board is elected from SPIN membership and as such each Board member has already demonstrated a commitment to SPIN and its mission. There is a rotation defined within the By-Laws for Board member tenure. Every year SPIN’s Corporate Board reviews and approves the Annual Plan and Budget, reviews the annual audit of the organizations finances and operations and the 990 and evaluates the CEO in accord with the success of the organization.
Officers
Kathleen Brown McHale
President
Andrea Temple
Board Chair
Sharon Koppelman
Immediate Past Chair
Kathy Neumeister
Secretary
Frank Breslin
Treasurer
Trustees
Phyllis Barbera
Joanne C. Leonard
Joseph T. Murphy
Directors
David Armbrister
Lamont Bates
Terri DelloBuono
Marie T. Leonard
Shuvankur Roy
Edward Russell
Megan Russell
Ronald Schwartz