About us
History
Our story from the beginning.
Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County was born of a need for a parent voice in local political and educational advocacy. Three Rochester area moms decided it was time to band together and help unify the voices across Monroe County. PHP works closely with local and State wide advocacy groups to share knowledge and raise awareness of what it's like to have children with developmental delays and disabilities. Early on, we focused our efforts on advocating for Early Intervention and Preshool Special Education funding increases and that will always continue. However, over time, our greatest rewards have been found in creating a compassionate village to build connections, share knowledge, empower each other and provide the support we all need. We can do this!
Who we are
Our executive board is listed below. No special qualifications needed to join our group just click here to join us on Facebook!
Brittany Jencik
President
Kimberly Dooher
Vice President
Danielle Salamone
Secretary
Brittany Jencik
Brittany is a mother to 21 children and the president of Parent Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County. She and her husband live in Penfield and have 14 children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She thrives off the organized chaos that her life brings her each day. Brittany is passionate about her family, adoption, and child advocacy and she strongly believes in empowering families through the resources available in this community. Brittany was a proud recipient of the 2022 Woman of Distinction award from the NYS Assembly. She says it's an honor for her to listen to families' stories, provide support and reassure them that no one needs to walk this journey alone.
Kimberly Dooher
Kimberly Dooher is a mother to four children, one of whom has medical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. She is the vice president of Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County and is the co-chair of the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council for Monroe County. She lives in Webster with her family. She has a background in Occupational Therapy and nursing, but most recently is a preschool teacher where she feels she is able to utilize her skill set as a special needs mom and advocate. Kim is passionate about advocating for the children of Monroe County to receive the same services her daughter was gifted through Early Intervention. Every child deserves to reach their maximum potential.
Danielle Salamone
Danielle Salamone is a mother in Fairport to 3 children, two of which have developmental disabilities. She is the secretary of Parents Helping Parents Coalition of Monroe County and the secretary of the Local Early Intervention Coordinating Council for Monroe County. Danielle has been a registered nurse at a local hospital for over 15 years and enjoys caring and advocating for her patients. Recently, she started working as a nurse AND parent advocate at a local pediatrician's office, where she assists parents in navigating the complicated systems related to having children with special needs. She is a current student of the LEND program at U of R, concentrating on the development of leadership and advocacy skills. She clearly thrives on chaos, coffee, and chocolate, and her passion is helping parents form connections with each other and their community.