OUR TEAM

Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder & CEO

As Spectrum Designs Foundation's CEO and Co-Founder, Patrick oversees the day-to-day running of Spectrum Designs and Spectrum Suds. He holds a master's in special education, with a concentration in Behavior Analysis through Long Island University. A natural leader and born innovator, he spends most of his time securing future growth and relationships for the betterment and expansion of Spectrum's social enterprises. Under Patrick’s leadership Spectrum’s businesses have generated annual revenues of over $6m and created more than 50 jobs for those on the spectrum in a team of 70+ employees. Patrick brings an enormous skill set that spans many disciplines, as well as almost 20 years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.

Since co-founding Spectrum Designs Foundation and The Nicholas Center in 2011, Patrick has received various awards including Top 40 under 40 Rising Stars by New York Non-Profits, the "Wunderkind" award by 914 Magazine, Business Council for Westchester's "Top 40 Under 40" and Spectrum Designs was named Non-Profit of the Year by Long Island Business news under his leadership. Patrick is a graduate from the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business program and a member of the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable- an international collection of cross industry employers and innovative leaders who run autism-focused hiring initiatives. He is also a member of the invite-only Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC).

Patrick is chairman of the board at NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled) which is responsible for more than 4,700 jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities who earned $79.8 million in wages in 2023 . He is also a proud Ambassador for Delivering Jobs, an inclusion campaign dedicated to creating pathways to 1,000,000 employment and leadership opportunities for those on the Autism Spectrum, intellectual and/or developmental differences by 2025.

Marissa Borzykowski, Chief of Staff

Marissa Borzykowski is a dynamic Nonprofit Manager with 10+ years overseeing and leading person-centered programming, operations, administration and social services. Marissa has a BA in psychology from Clark University and a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University. She began her career as a Mental Health Clinician at the Institute for Family's Health East Harlem site, where she obtained her SIFI (Seminar in Field Instruction) from Columbia University and was promoted to Associate Regional Director of Psychosocial Services. Marissa joined Lenox Hill Neighborhood House in 2013, serving as Assistant Director of Social Services, Director of Geriatric Care Management, and eventually Deputy Chief Program Officer. Marissa was trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy at the Beck Institute in and is certified in Problem Solving Treatment, Motivational Interviewing and as a Suicide Prevention Trainer through LivingWorks. Marissa also completed Columbia Business School's Executive Education program, Developing Leaders Program for Nonprofit Professionals.

Luis Diaz, Art Specialist

Luis is from Bay Shore, NY he joined the team in April 2021. He graduated from SUNY College at Old Westbury with a BA in Electronic Media in 2020. Besides being a talented graphic designer, Luis has a passion for illustration specifically making comics! He is incredibly friendly and loves to meet new people.

Kelli Fisher, Enterprise Assistant

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Kelli received an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Entrepreneurship. She has experience in both food service and retail operations. She is an advocate for those on the Autism Spectrum.

Kelli leads Spectrum Designs' social media efforts, where she finds empowerment in being the voice of the company as an autistic individual. Her role allows her to authentically represent the organization's mission and connect with its community in a meaningful way.

When not at Spectrum, she enjoys vegan cooking, working out, and going to concerts.

Nick Groepler, Head of Screen Printing, Port Washington

Nick has been screen printing since trying it in college. He got his BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and then worked at Print Labs in both the SVA and Bushwick. Describing himself as a ‘dork of all trades’, Nick is an up-beat and hugely positive person who provides a calming influence on everyone even when we are incredibly busy!

Tim Howe, Chief Operating Officer

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum Designs, and has known Patrick since they attended Llanfyllin High School together in Mid Wales.

Tim graduated from King’s College London Law School before studying a Master’s in Public Administration, with a focus in Non-Profit Management through LIU Post. Bringing experience from working all over Europe in many different sectors, Tim’s role is to oversee and advise the Managers and Heads of Department, increase operational efficiency and execute on sales and business growth targets. Outside of his work at Spectrum, Tim sits on the Board of ‘HII Tech’ an applied Research and Development Incubator that creates practical tools and products that provide comfort and enable individuals with disabilities and the aging to experience and achieve more in life. Tim is also a member of the International Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.

Tim is a Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) and won SAAGNY’s Rising Star Award for the Greater New York Region in 2017 then PPAI’s National Rising Star Award for the North America Region in 2018. He was awarded a 40 under 40 by SAAGNY in 2021 for helping expand Spectrum Designs into Westchester county, where he was recognized as a 40 under 40 by the Business Council of Westchester in 2022.

Evan Kuhlmey, Screen Print Specialist, Port Washington

When visitors come and tour the shop, Evan is normally the first person they see, always running our biggest machines at full capacity. Evan can run an automatic machine at 700 prints per hour without breaking a sweat. He is the ultimate professional – highly skilled, precise and totally tireless. Known for his incredibly detailed drawings of processes around the shop, (Evan studied Fine Art at LIU Post), in his spare time he focuses his talent creating original art pieces on photoshop, ink on canvas or even simply sketching.

Lucy Lacoma

Lucy has been at Spectrum since 2016, and has quickly become an integral part of the team. Specializing in screen maintenance, embroidery, and cleaning/maintaining our facility, Lucy brings a “quiet cool” demeanor and spirit of self-determination that makes her an extremely effective and essential member of our organization. Lucy is a video game expert, and loves to share tricks and tips with her coworkers.

Jay Marquez, Head of Customer Service & People

Jay joined the Spectrum Designs team in Fall 2019 as a Graphic Designer / Customer Service Specialist and immediately fit in with a high level of charisma and talent. As a native from The Bronx with an Illustration / Graphic Design education from Parsons: The New School for Design. Jay is equipped to handle all sorts of inquiries and artwork creations!

Brian Morrison, Embroidery Specialist

Brian has a wealth of experience in all of the departments at Spectrum, although he prefers working with Alex in Embroidery he can run either of our Automatic machines in the Screen Printing Department without a problem. Brian is a movie lover, and works evenings and weekends at the local movie theater so is always up-to-date with the latest films. Brian has his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts, and outside of work is an avid gamer and loves spending time with his dogs or at the movies.

Deana Nissen, Enterprise Director

Deana's focus in on Business Development & Marketing for both Spectrum Designs enterprises. She decided to move on from Corporate America after 15 years of Human Resource experience at Pfizer, Instinet and MMC to raise her daughter and start a successful Baking business. She volunteered in all aspects of the PTA including President. Deana was drawn to Spectrum's mission and has been a dedicated employee since 2017 all while she raises a very busy High Schooler.

Spencer Pusey, Decoration Specialist, Port Washington

Spencer has been involved with Spectrum Designs since almost the very beginning. He started a regular schedule in 2017 and has become indispensable ever since. Spencer’s proudest moment was being featured in Spectrum Designs’ feature length documentary, This Business of Autism. Outside of work Spencer likes to play video games and create incredible artwork out of foil – some examples of this can be found on display at Spectrum!

Nicole Sugrue, Co-Founder & Grant Writer

Nicole Sugrue has 16 years of experience in the formation and development of autism-related programs. She obtained her coursework and Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis with a Concentration on Autism in Special Education through Penn State University. She has organized and hosted conferences and presented hundreds of hours of evidence-based teaching strategies to raise awareness of science based interventions geared toward improving the outcomes of individuals with Autism Spectrum disorders. In 2010 she decided to assist Stella in building another entity to support the growing needs of the aging autism community; particularly young adults. Nicole is an advisor to Nassau County’s Office of Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Developmental Disabilities Services. Today she serves as the Executive Director of the Nicholas Center and as the Grant Writer and Grants Administrator for both Nicholas center and Spectrum Designs she has secured over a million dollars in state and local grant and contract funding for the benefit of both organizations. Her presumption is that all individuals on Autism Spectrum can benefit from being active and participating members of society and should have opportunities to work and gain skills while being integrated within their communities.

Lindsay Waxman, Administrative Assistant

A local to the Westchester area, Lindsay worked with children with varying disabilities before joining Spectrum Designs in 2020. Her previous administrative experience with Adco also lead to her career change as the Administrative/Production Assistant in Pleasantville. Growing up with disabilities herself, Lindsay loves working amongst a group of peers where she is understood and understands others.

Jill Feuer Wisner, Sales Development Specialist

Jill has had a long and varied career in the promotional products industry. Her vast experience on both the supplier and distributor side of the business gives her a unique insight of the joys and the challenges of the promo business. She has been a Volunteer at the Commonpoint Queens food pantry and has completed 14 Avon Walks for Breast Cancer walking 553 miles and raising over $100,000. She is so excited combining her love of promo with Spectrum’s mission.