Meet the Development Team: S360’s Quietest Heroes

They may be seldom seen by Spectrum360 staff, but the results of their hard work can be seen everywhere on our campuses — from support services to staffing, office supplies to operating expenses and everything in between.

These quiet heroes are the Spectrum360 Development team, who are responsible for ensuring our programs have the funds they require to provide services today and in the future, and that no child or adult is left behind due to a lack of that funding. Led by Director Kerry Guzman, the department’s responsibilities include cultivating relationships with donors, writing grant applications and fundraising proposals, organizing our fundraising events and introducing our mission to community partners

Donors are the lifeblood of non-profit organizations such as Spectrum360. Every contribution makes an immediate impact on the lives of those we serve, and every dollar given is put where it belongs — helping our students and adults succeed and thrive.

To keep up with S360’s growth, the development team has expanded over the past year-and-a-half, bringing on three Development Coordinators to assist with department operations and organizing our annual major fundraising endeavors — the Walk for a Lifetime, Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, the Hall of Fame Dinner and an upcoming Capital Campaign for the Lower School.

In addition to these much-loved events, Kerry has been adding new ones to the calendar, including Bingo nights and Brewery evenings and has more ideas in the pipeline for the future. With these extra events, and our increased needs, the new team members are warmly welcomed!

Meet the new faces in the Development office and be sure to say “hi” at our next event!

Erin Mortara

Erin brought her grant writing experience to Spectrum360 last year and fills a key role on the Development team. A desire to be involved in fundraising on a local level spurred her to join us, wanting to make an immediate difference and to have an emotional connection with the work to do.

“At Spectrum360 everyone here is so supportive and dedicated to the mission,” Erin says. “What drew me in is how localized the work is. Events are held nearby, community outings take place at local businesses, adults secure jobs with NJ corporations, etc. Every participant is a resident of New Jersey and I’m interested in working to make where you live a better place for everyone.”

Erin helps plan and manage fundraising events throughout the year, is the lead grant writer for the team and also is responsible for interesting local community members to donate to Spectrum360’s organization and mission.

Jaime Conroy

Jaime brings a welcome perspective to the Development team. As the mother of a child on the spectrum, her valuable insight into the needs of individuals with autism and related challenges, and their families is an asset to the department’s goals. Her son Jackson is a past participant in the FilmAcademy360 program, and that first-hand knowledge of the organization fuels her interest in helping Spectrum360 in its mission of making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

“I am so happy to be a part of the Development team, focusing on the Walk for a Lifetime and the Hall of Fame events,” Jaime shares. “Finding fruitful connections within our communities to support our programs is paramount for me. Whether it be finding volunteers, or sponsors or helping a family register for the walk, it is all important work.”

Jaime comes to Spectrum360 with over two decades of experience as an advocate for her son and a career that spans the business world and artistic endeavors as a Lighting Designer and Stage Manager in the theater world.

Conner De Leon

Conner is excited to assist Spectrum360 in making a difference in the lives of all those we serve. He joins the team with a wealth of experience and a heart for service. From leading as a District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America in Northern New Jersey to managing his own property business for eight years, Conner’s journey is filled with varied experiences and achievements. Before his current role, Conner explored diverse fields including IT and postal services, and was a college football player at The College of New Jersey.

Conner also has personal insight into serving the autism community. “My wife’s background as an ABA therapist opened my eyes to Spectrum360’s incredible mission. I’ll be helping with all things fundraising, particularly the “Fore The Kids” golf outing, the “Spectrum360 On Tap” brewery event and the capital campaign.”

He is most looking forward to making an impact and connecting with our community. He continues, “Fundraising is essential because it empowers Spectrum360 to provide those extra resources that make a real difference.”

Interested in helping Spectrum360 meet the needs of its community and build for the future? Visit our Support page to learn more about all the ways you can help make a difference.