Staff Highlights: The Faces Behind Our Mission

Staci Silverstein

Staci’s daily work blends professionalism and warmth. Known for her ability to make others laugh, she brings lightness and joy to often challenging situations. This ability to connect personally helps alleviate clients’ anxieties and enhances their overall engagement with the intake process.

“I constantly meet people from all walks of life, and each person has a unique story,” says Staci. “Many of the people we assist have faced significant adversity and trauma,which continually reminds me of the resilience of the human spirit.”

During intakes, Staci focuses on being a supportive and empathetic listener. “My goal is to make clients comfortable. To be that listening ear, show empathy, be kind. If I can help them relax, smile, and provide them with a sense of hope, then I know I’m making a positive impact.” When reflecting on the impact of her work at SAIL, Staci emphasizes the human aspect over quantifiable data. “For me, success isn’t about numbers; it’s about the human moments – providing hope, seeing someone secure a roof over their head, meeting fundamental needs that allow them to achieve their goals. It’s in those heartfelt moments when someone tells me how their life has changed.”

Staci embodies how empathy, dedication, and a nurturing spirit can dramatically transform lives. Her story underscores the transformative power of finding one’s calling within a supportive environment, where her impact continues to resonate deeply across lives. Together with staff and the people she serves, she fosters growth, resilience, and a better life ahead for her clients each and every day.

Starting as a case coordinator in Supported Housing, Staci engaged deeply with field visits and personalized service plans, learning the ropes under a supervisor who encouraged her to grasp the broader organizational operations. This initial exposure sparked Staci’s interest in a more influential role – illuminating the path she was destined to follow.

Along this journey, Staci’s career at SAIL has been characterized by continuous growth and a relentless pursuit of new challenges. After advancing to senior case coordinator, she briefly transitioned to quality management, a role that sharpened her organizational skills but ultimately reinforced her desire to work directly with people. This realization steered her to her current position as service coordinator – a role in which she truly feels she has found her calling.

Staci often serves as the first point of contact for new clients, guiding them from initial referral through the comprehensive intake process to housing placement.Her approach is deeply humanistic, focusing on individual stories and strengths, not just administrative details. Sheexcels in matching clients with the appropriate level ofcare, ensuring their needs are met with available resources for the best possible outcomes.

“Each position I’ve held at SAIL has given me opportunitiesto learn and connect with people in new ways,” says Staci. “Staff here want to see us grow and shine, and theyhave supported me to do this time and again. The great supervision we receive builds camaraderie and strong morale, encouraging us to continue our journey in one workplace. I am grateful for that.”

Renowned for her empathy, dedication, and infectious humor, has devoted over a decade to empowering SAIL clients on their journey toward greater health and independence.

Service Coordinator

Clients and staff describe her as someone who “never says quit” – compassionate, resourceful, and always ready to stand in their corner. Her knack for seeing and cultivating potential in others has made a significant impact, inspiring her team members to emerge as leaders in their own right.

Emalee finds immense joy and fulfillment in witnessing her clients achieve milestones they never thought possible. “With patience and dedication, there is reward at the end of the tunnel,” she says. “It’s the long game – the reward is seeing clients do something they’ve never done before.”

This, coupled with camaraderie and support from her colleagues, makes Emalee excited to come to work every day. “The people here are just wonderful. Besides the good work we do for others, the guidance and encouragement we get from leadership and peers is just unparalleled,” she says. “It’s a wonderful place to work.”

Emalee is a true example of SAIL’s commitment to helping clients move forward, together.

During her five years at SAIL, Emalee has profoundly impacted her clients’ lives by forming unique relationships with each person, meeting them where they are on their journey to greater independence and well-being. She views each client as a whole person – looking beyond just their mental health diagnoses. This empathetic approach and her commitment to helping clients thrive have facilitated Emalee’s rapid progression to program supervisor in the ATP, a role in which she has flourished.

Emalee notes that getting to see her clients in their day-to-day environments gives her meaningful insights that “change how I work with them.” This perspective helps her address their needs proactively and creatively, a skill she attributes to the dynamic nature of her job that keeps her “on her toes.” SAIL senior staff describe her as passionate, dedicated, and resourceful.

Senior staff share countless examples of how Emalee helped to change clients’ lives this past year. One client achieved sobriety and prepared for independent living – a goal once thought unattainable for him. Another client, plagued by severe anxiety, was supported by Emalee to safely travel internationally with his family, marking a huge milestone in his recovery. She was also instrumental in protecting one client from financial exploitation, demonstrating her strong advocacy skills and a commitment to justice.

She exemplifies the organization’s commitment to building the strength and independence of our clients through the lens of collaboration and community.

Emalee Ciampo

"I’ve been lucky enough to have so many wonderful co-workers who are in that same headspace – anticipating client needs, rather than waiting for them to happen."

ATP Program Director