SPECIALIZED SERVICES
Kyra McFarland – LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
Kyra began her career at Eastern Community Development Corporation in October 2016 as a Direct Support Staff in the Prevocational Education Program while obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Kyra supported students through implementing their individual education plan goals and accomplishing their learning objectives in the classroom and in the community.
In 2018 Kyra was promoted to Program Manager for the Transition Academy at East Hampton High School, where she developed vocational training sites at local businesses in the East Hampton area and supported students through vocational training, life skills and socials skills development. Kyra was a pivotal piece to creating ECDC’s harmonious relationship with the East Hampton schools and community, her approach to community outreach and positive relationship building has been a warm welcome from everyone she interacts with.
In 2020, Kyra provided remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw Individualized Day Non-Vocational programs in the East Hampton area. In addition to her work with remote learning, she also went above and beyond by providing compassionate virtual support to individuals to ensure that no one felt alone during an unprecedented time of stress and uncertainty.
In 2023, Kyra started her clinical hours at East Hampton High School while she worked towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This was done under the supervision of a qualified social worker.
In 2024, Kyra assisted with the opening and designing of ECDC’s Day Program site in East Hampton and became certified through the Department of Developmental Services to provide Clinical Behavioral Support Services to the agency.
In 2025, Kyra was promoted to a Clinical Behavior Support Specialist (LMSW). This well-deserved promotion was based on her recent certification through the Department of Developmental Services as a Clinical Behavior Consultant. This certification has allowed Kyra to play a crucial part in individual assessments and evaluations, goal planning, positive behavior support plan development, and case coordination.
Kyra holds certifications as a Physical and Psychological Management Training Coach, Customized Employment Specialist, a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Albertus Magnus College (2016), a master’s degree in social work from the University of Saint Joseph (2019), and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Outside of work, Kyra enjoys spending time with her family, taking their two dogs for walks on the beach, traveling and exploring the local coffee scene, one latte at a time.
Emma Velez – SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL COORDINATOR
Emma Velez began her career at Eastern Community Development Corporation (ECDC) in May 2017 as a Direct Support Staff member while pursuing her degree in Education at Lasell University in Newton, Massachusetts. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Emma remained consistently connected to ECDC, continuing to work on a per-diem basis while advancing her education and career in the field of special education.
During her early years with ECDC, Emma regularly worked school breaks, holidays, and weekends, providing compassionate support across multiple residential homes and day program locations. This hands-on experience helped shape her person-centered approach and deepened her understanding of individualized supports.
In 2018, Emma participated in an international teaching experience in Antigua, where she spent four days co-teaching first-grade students across core subject areas including math, science, English, reading, writing, and social studies. This experience further solidified her passion for inclusive education, collaboration, and adapting instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
Emma earned her Bachelor’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lasell University in May 2019. In 2020, she served as an Inclusion Specialist at an elementary school as a long-term substitute, providing individualized lesson planning, accommodations, and modifications for students requiring additional support. She also facilitated annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, completed IEP documentation, and actively participated in student support team meetings to ensure coordinated, student-centered services.
In December 2020, Emma obtained her Master’s degree in Special Education, further strengthening her commitment to inclusive learning environments. From 2021 through 2024, she worked as a Special Education Teacher in a public school district, serving as the case manager for students in kindergarten through fourth grade with IEPs and continuing to refine her skills in curriculum development and individualized planning.
In June 2024, Emma transitioned into a full-time role at ECDC as Program Manager and Special Education Teacher at the Transition Academy in East Hampton, CT. In June 2025, she was promoted to Special Education Instructional Coordinator, where she now helps oversee all ECDC day service programming and ensures that Individual Plan (IP) goals are measurable, meaningful, and aligned with the needs of the individuals we support.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her dog, often curled up with a good book. She also enjoys working out, traveling, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Robert Kankel – BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT
Robert Kankel is a Behavioral Support Consultant for ECDC. He brings over 40 years experience working in not only private practice, but also as a qualified professional within the Department of Developmental Services.
While working within DDS, Bob provides individualized behavioral support to folks with developmental disabilities, mental health diagnosis’ and autism. Bob is a dedicated employee who has been working with ECDC for years as a consultant to our individuals, their families and our staff, providing comprehensive training as well as thoughtful behavioral support plan development and program documentation.
Bob has a Masters in Educational Psychology from Mississippi State University. His wealth of experiences, knowledge and compassion makes him a critical resource to all within the ECDC community. He has made it his life’s mission to better understand and positively impact the behavior of individuals with all abilities.
Karen Kessler – NURSING SERVICES
ECDC is able to provide individualized health care coordination for RN supervised case management, medical appointment scheduling, and medical appointment attendance. We strive to take the stress out of every day life by offering nursing services that are comprehensive and all encompassing for each individual with needs.
Karen Kessler is a Registered Nurse and has been our Agency Nurse for ECDC since 1997. Karen began her career by obtaining numerous degrees in the health care profession. Karen used those degrees to develop her exceptional career in the heath care profession and more specifically has directed that knowledge towards working with individuals. Karen’s love for working with special needs patients blossomed during her time as a Quality Assurance Analyst for the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). She had numerous positions working with individuals with developmental disabilities in both New York and Connecticut before joining us in 1997. She has also worked for the Visiting Nurses Association as a Registered Nurse for children with special needs. In addition to working with the VNA she also worked as a community care coordinator for the Yale Center for children with special needs.
Karen Kessler is dedicated to the Eastern Community Development Corporation mission statement and philosophy and assists individuals within our programs, families being served, and employees looking for assistance.
