LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora upon the occa-
sion of her designation for special recognition by GRACE on April 24,
2009

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those individ-
uals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by GRACE at its annual Gala to be held on Friday,
April 24, 2009, at The Excelsior Grand, Staten Island, New York; and
WHEREAS, A woman of singular distinction, Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora has
continually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence
and diligent leadership in her unwavering service to her community and
GRACE and consequently has been designated for special commendation; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora is a founding member of GRACE, an
organization dedicated to serving children and families impacted by
Autism Spectrum Disorder; today, she is still actively involved with
this most illustrious organization and was recently elected as the
Secretary of the Grace Foundation Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, In addition, for the past nine years, Barbara
Pandolfi-D'Amora has chaired GRACE's Annual Picnic as well as the crea-
tive and unique scrap booking Crop for Autism event; in 2002, she
created Grace University, an educational program that enlightens parents
and educators regarding the challenges of raising and teaching children
with Autism Spectrum Disorder; and
WHEREAS, Realizing the need for more educational programs for autistic
children, Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora also developed a Special Education
Program called "The Children's Room" at the Staten Island Montessori
School on the South Shore in 2003; the program remains in place today
and serves as an inclusionary model for high functioning autistic chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, In 2003 and 2004, Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora, along with Board
member Diane Peruggia, co-chaired a National Conference on Autism, the
first of its kind on Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora graduated from St. John's University
with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master's
degree in Special Education; she has diligently served as a Special
Education teacher for 18 years; she is currently an independent consult-
ant for autistic preschoolers in both the home and the inclusion setting
for various agencies located throughout Staten Island; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of her efforts of in depth magnitude, Barbara
Pandolfi-D'Amora has received numerous awards and accolades; she was the
recipient of the 2004 Women of Distinction Award from World of Women
Staten Island; in 2005, she was presented the Outstanding Service Award
from Kappa Delta Pi, an educational fraternity at St. John's University;
she has also received the 2009 Soroptomist International of Staten
Island "Making a Difference for Women" award; and
WHEREAS, With her throughout have been her husband, Billy, and their
three children, Nicholas, Christian, and Natalie, all of whom feel priv-
ileged to be a part of her life and rejoice in her achievements; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora has
displayed throughout her life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition by GRACE; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Barbara Pandolfi-D'Amora.