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Sep 11, 2009
Mary Walsh Boatfield, Happiness House CEO Wins Athena Geneva Award 2009
Congratulations to Mary Walsh Boatfield, CEO of Happiness House/Finger Lakes Cerebral Palsy Association, chosen as this year's recipient of the Athena Geneva Award hosted by the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce. This award is given annually to women in communities around the world to recognize leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their profession.
Mary has been in the field of developmental disabilities for over 30 years. Ms. Boatfield initiated the implementation of the Athena Geneva Award in 2005. Mary has an unrelenting passion for the work that she does. Ms. Boatfield empowers and motivates her staff, listens to and advocates on behalf of children and families with disabilities, and her "open door" policy allows for two way communication with staff, families, preschoolers and adults with traumatic brain injuries. Her strong belief in the principles of equal opportunity, independence, and realization of individual potential defines her, and is what makes her such a successful leader in this community.
Ms. Boatfield's advice for young women is to "measure and take pride in your achievement through community service, civic participation, and by mentoring others." Congratulations Mary!
Happiness House- Finger Lakes Cerebral Palsy Association is an educational, private nonprofit health and human service agency that has been serving communities in the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York since 1969. Today with sites in Canandaigua, Geneva, Gorham, and Waterloo, Happiness House offers an array of educational, recreational and family support services for children and adults with and without disabilities who reside in Ontario, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates counties.
CONTACT:
Cheryl L. Coppola
Development Director
(585) 394-9510
ccoppola@happinesshouse.org