About Claudia's Club
Claudia’s Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created by The Rosenecker Family and friends to support programs for individuals with disabilities who are 18 years of age or older.
Our Story
About Claudia
In March 2003, our youngest child, Claudia, was born. What began as a typical birth quickly turned into a journey filled with unexpected challenges. At just 9 months old, Claudia experienced her first seizure, leading to a series of health issues. After years searching for a diagnosis, numerous hospital stays, and almost losing her, our precious girl was just starting her lifelong battle.
We were informed that Claudia might never walk or talk, and developmental delays would be significant due to her brain development in utero. We faced years of therapies, doctor visits, and special schooling—none of which we had anticipated.
In 2007, Claudia began attending a wonderful local agency that offered a five-day school program. We enrolled her at age four, and within a year, she was walking. She began to thrive and, a few years later, started using a device to communicate her needs.
Despite numerous health challenges, Claudia has consistently demonstrated her resilience and strength. She has been supported by an amazing group of teachers and friends who encouraged her to stay active and engaged in school, just like any other child. We knew that school was a place where she would always flourish and find joy.
As graduation approached, we realized we needed to find a new program that mirrored the supportive environment she had known. Unfortunately, options were limited, and few could meet Claudia's needs.
As parents, our priority has always been Claudia's happiness and well-being, even if it meant navigating a new path as a family. We want her to be part of a community, surrounded by friends, engaged in daily routines, and most importantly, to feel active, accepted, and included.
With the support of our family, Claudia's siblings, and some exceptional friends knowledgeable about individuals with special needs, Claudia's Club was born.
~Mary and Tom~
Claudia's Parents
Our Mission
Our mission is to create and improve programs that support individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older, promoting acceptance, understanding, and community engagement in an inclusive environment.
Our Vision
Our vision is to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to support and programs that meet their unique needs and abilities across the WNY region.
Board of Directors
Thomas Rosenecker
President & Claudia's Father
Owner, American Eagle Fireplace & Playsets
Tom is a lifelong resident of WNY. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, BA from Canisius College, and MBA from UB School of Management, Tom has a diverse background in managing various business units, leading diverse teams, and running a small business.
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Tom has served on the Foundation Board for The Summit Center since 2012, serving several terms as President and Vice President. He has also been a member of the Make-A-Wish of WNY Advisory Board since 2023. Previously, Tom served as the Walk Chairperson for The Summit Center Autism Walk from 2009 to 2025.
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"My vision for Claudia’s Club is to foster a community that goes beyond awareness and acceptance to creating meaningful ENGAGEMENT opportunities for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to make a positive and lasting impact in our community."
Christine Mangio
Vice President & Claudia's Lifelong Friend
Retired, District Manager Food Service Management
For 35 years, Chris worked in a variety of food service management positions. The last 15 years of her career were as a District Manager responsible for securing, implementing and managing the organizations K-12 contracts in NYS.
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She holds a B.S. Degree in Education, a certificate as a Dietetic Assistant and has taken multiple graduate level business courses.
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Chris is also actively involved with the Arc of Erie County Corporate Guardianship Committee, ASPIRE of WNY Special Incident Review Committee, and Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels.
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"Claudia’s Club started as a 'what if.' Now, it is a reality providing meaningful and integrated opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities who have more complex needs. It is my hope and dream to continue to be able to provide more individuals like Claudia a similar opportunity and to support existing programs that do."
Joseph Mangio
Secretary & Claudia's Lifelong Friend
Retired, Special Education Teacher
For 31 years, Joe taught students with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities who were 16–21 years of age. His classroom goal was to prepare the students for and assist in linking them with the safest, most appropriate and engaging post-secondary opportunity to meet their intense needs.
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Joe also is a member of the Arc of Erie County Corporate Guardianship Committee, member of ASPIRE of WNY Incident Review Committee, provides New Employee Training to Employees at Beyond Support Network, member of WNY Refugees with Disabilities Task Group, coaches Central Amherst Challenger Baseball, coaches Tonawanda Boys & Girls Club Challenged Athletes Playing Sports (CAPS) Baseball, and delivers for Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels.
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"I hope that Claudia's Club provides professional and financial support to provide integrative and safe opportunities for any and all agencies and/or groups that are attempting to meet the post-secondary needs of people with varying degrees of intellectual and developmental disabilities."
Cameron Rosenecker
Treasurer & Claudia's Older Brother
Manager - Transaction Advisory and Valuation Services, Brisbane Consulting Group
Cameron has provided consulting and professional accounting services since graduating from Canisius University with degrees in Accounting, Finance, and Management in 2019 and an MBA in Accounting in 2020.
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Outside of Claudia's Club, Cameron is an adjunct professor of Finance at Canisius University, an adjunct professor of Accounting at Daemen University, and the Varsity Golf Coach at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute. Additionally, Cameron recently became a father (a/k/a "Girl Dad"), which is his most coveted title in life.
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"I hope that Claudia's Club will continue to bring awareness of and generate opportunities for individuals with disabilities for the many years in life that follow their formal education."
Connor Rosenecker
Claudia's Older Brother
Founder & Managing Director, Covenant Wealth
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Connor manages wealth and provides financial advice for high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. He holds degrees in Finance, Economics, Management, and Psychology from Canisius University.
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Connor is also a Trustee & Investment Committee Chairperson for St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, Trustee for The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, Vice President of the Canisius University Alumni Association Board of Directors, Board Member of the Brothers of Mercy Advisory Board, Campaign Vice Chair, for Catholic Charities of Buffalo, and a cantor at St. Mary’s of Swormville.
He specializes in comprehensive financial guidance for wealthy individuals and families, and for special needs families.
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"I hope that Claudia’s Club will increase awareness and acceptance for individuals different from me, and create opportunities for those individuals to live fulfilling and meaningful lives."
Mary Rosenecker
Claudia's Mother
Claudia's Full-Time Caregiver
"I truly hope that our mission at Claudia’s Club spreads kindness, compassion, happiness, and love to these uniquely wonderful individuals. That each and every day they feel sense of belonging and acceptance within our building and out in the community. I want Claudia’s Club to be exactly the place that Claudia and her peers will always continue to flourish."
Claire Rosenecker
Claudia's Older Sister
Communications & Brand Manager, Horizon Health Services​
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Claire has worked at Horizon Health Services since 2021 and is responsible for all external and internal marketing and communications to employees, patients, and various stakeholders throughout WNY. She graduated from Canisius University in 2021 with degrees in Economics, Finance, and Management.
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Outside of Claudia’s Club, Claire serves on the Junior Board for NativityMiguel Middle School of Buffalo, the Arc of Erie County Corporate Guardianship Committee, and the Gala Planning Committee for The Summit Center.
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"I hope that Claudia’s Club will be just the beginning of impactful work to ensure individuals of all abilities and ages have the opportunity to live full, meaningful lives—and to inspire greater awareness and support for this vital need in our community."
Brooke Rosenecker
Claudia's Sister-in-Law
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After becoming a mom to her daughter in September 2025, Brooke decided to transition away from her career toward being a full-time, stay-at-home mom. Brooke is embracing and enjoying this new chapter, finding happiness in the everyday moments, milestones, and adventures that come with raising her and Cam's little girl.
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"I hope this is just the beginning for Claudia’s Club, with the potential to grow and branch out to more locations helping others just like Claudia to thrive and exceed beyond expectations."
Katherine Rosenecker
Claudia's Sister-in-Law
Registered Nurse, Oishei Children’s Hospital
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Katherine holds degrees in Psychology and Business from St. Lawrence University, a BSN from Duquesne University, and an MBA from the University at Buffalo. She is currently a Registered Nurse at Oishei Children’s Hospital. Katherine began her career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and is now enjoying her dream role on the Mother-Baby Unit, where she supports families during some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.
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​"I hope to spread joy, positivity, and genuine connection through Claudia’s Club—creating a welcoming community where individuals with all disabilities feel celebrated, empowered, and truly seen."
Marygrace (“Mg.”) Rothfuss-Magnuson
Claudia’s “best friend” and honorary Rosenecker
Supervising Life Skills Trainer (SLST) for The Summit Center’s STEPS (Success Through Engagement and Positive Supports) Williamsville @ Claudia’s Club
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Mg. has been employed and has held many job titles since joining The Summit Center in November of 2000 including; Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) in the Early Autism Program (EAP), Classroom Special Education Teacher and most importantly Aide to THE Claudia Rosenecker. Her biggest challenge and accomplishment is her newly appointed role as Supervisor (SLST) at Summit’s newest STEPS program in Williamsville at Claudia’s Club. She graduated in 2000 from Niagara University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education/Special Education/Inclusion. Mg. obtained her Masters of Science (MSEd.) in Exceptional Education from Buffalo State in 2005.
Outside of Claudia’s Club, Mg. is a mom to Ike and is married to her high school sweetheart, Cory. Originally from Rochester area, Mg. now calls Buffalo home. When she isn’t in the garden, watching the Sabres, or driving her Jeep, you can find her at the bowling alley where she sits as Vice President in two local bowling leagues. Her love of caring for others with special needs began very early in her life as she admired her parents’ work in various capacities related to New York State’s Group Homes and Day Habilitation Centers. That love also includes adopting and caring for five crazy cats.
"I hope Claudia’s Club empowers individuals in post-graduate transitional life stages by providing meaningful experiences that enhance and educate the community, thereby helping individuals discover their potential for lifelong success and positive social impact."
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At Claudia’s Club, we believe in the potential of every individual to embrace who they are and make a positive impact in the world.