30+ Years of Making an IMPACT: Mary Anne Coombe Celebrates Retirement!

After 30+ years of dedicated service, Mary Anne Coombe, Vice President of Day Habilitation Services at Aspire of WNY, has retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, compassion, and a strong belief in our agency’s mission.

Her career at the agency began in 1993 when she took a part-time position in the training department. Over the years, she advanced through various roles, including manager of training and Vice President of Medicaid Service Coordination, before eventually becoming Vice President of Day Habilitation. Her initial inspiration to work in this field came from her niece, who has a disability, fueling her desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Reflecting on her time at the agency, she shared that her most rewarding experiences stemmed from the incredible teamwork and the individuals supported by the agency. Among her proudest accomplishments was being part of the team that introduced the Self-Directed program at our agency, a program that has helped to achieve greater independence for individuals that we support.

“Each day has been special just by being here and staying true to the mission and vision of the agency,” she said. Her ability to navigate challenges—such as staffing shortages and budget constraints—with creativity and resilience has impacted the programs she led.

Known for her excellent leadership style, Mary Anne emphasizes the importance of being there for her team. “I always tried to empower my staff to do what they do best. I took responsibility when something wasn’t right, and I always tried to have their backs.”

As she steps into retirement, she hopes her legacy at the agency will inspire others to persevere. “I hope that people will never give up. I started as an aide and became a VP—that’s an accomplishment, in and of itself,” Mary Anne explains. “We are heading in a great direction. We need to live out our mission and be open to new ideas, and we will continue to provide life-changing services for the people we support.”

In retirement, she looks forward to spending time with her four-year-old grandson, Samson, in New Jersey, traveling, and rediscovering her love for reading. Though her time at the agency has ended, she plans to stay connected through social media, emails, going out to dinner with former colleagues, and attending agency events.

To honor Mary Anne’s incredible career with the agency, Aspire of WNY’s leadership team held a retirement party on her last day in the boardroom, complete with cake and refreshments. Later that evening, past and present colleagues gathered for a celebratory Happy Hour at Sideline’s Sports Bar & Grill.

As we bid farewell to our Vice President of Day Habilitation Services, we extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service and wish her all the best in this new chapter. Congratulations, Mary Anne! From all of us at Aspire of WNY, we are grateful for your leadership and dedication to supporting individuals with disabilities in living as independently as possible. You inspire us all!