Our Management Team
Maryanne J. O’Donnell, PhD has proven success in start-ups. After success in the biotech industry, she shifted her focus to working with the neurodiverse community.
Dr. O’Donnell has a passion for recognizing each individual’s strengths and identifying opportunities where those strengths can shine in the forefront of a workplace.
Dr. O'Donnell has compiled a team of talented, energetic individuals as the foundation for the mission. Each BrightBridge team member recognizes the dignity of every individual and the importance of work in fulfilling that dignity.
Maria O’Donnell is passionate about fostering inclusive communities and empowering neurodiverse individuals.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Boston College and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Social Work at Simmons University.
During her time at Boston College, Maria worked as a job coach with the Supported Employment Program, where she developed strong working relationships with the individuals in her caseload, and saw firsthand the positive impact that employing workers with developmental disabilities has on working culture.
While at Simmons, her practicum at MassArt’s Aspire Program allowed her to support students with intellectual disabilities and/or autism. In this role, Maria helped students develop essential self-advocacy skills, navigate friendships, enhance communication, and manage academic responsibilities. She also collaborated closely with the Aspire coordinator to set and evaluate individualized goals, ensuring each student received the support they needed to thrive.
Maria N. O'Donnell
Director
Neurodiverse Workforce
Development
Amy DoVale
Outreach Director
and Malden Catholic
Team Manager
Amy DoVale is passionate about ensuring all individuals are treated inherent dignity and respect, and empowering them to take steps forward in ways that enhance and accentuate their strengths.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Management and Policy from The University of New Hampshire.
Upon graduating, Amy worked in the activities department at nursing homes, then moved on to Activities Director at an adult day facility for individuals suffering from conditions such as early-onset Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. She then segued into the health and fitness industry. For several years she was self employed as a personal trainer, working with a variety of individuals in the comfort of their own homes; and as an independent contractor teaching a wide range of fitness and lifestyle classes at many area fitness centers and yoga studios.
For the past several years, Amy has dedicated her time to raising her five children. Additionally, within that time span, she has served others within her region as a volunteer at local community dinners and visiting the sick and homebound. She is grateful to be part of the BrightBridge team, and for the opportunity to help those within the neurodiverse community.
Suzanne Sylvestre brings 15 years of experience as a Corporate Recruiter, paired with more than two decades of personal insight into the special needs community.
Through her son Paul, who has Down syndrome, Suzanne has gained a deep understanding of the unique strengths, perspectives, and talents individuals with special abilities bring to the workplace.
She is excited to be part of this team and is passionate about helping organizations recognize that inclusive hiring is not just the right thing to do—it’s a powerful asset.
Suzanne is pleased to lead the team of our employees at St. John's Prep, enhance the community with thier capable and joyful presence, and coach the employees for effective, successful placement.
Suzanne Sylvestre
Team Manager
St. John's
Preparatory School
Lea Carangelo
Marketing Coordinator
My name is Lea Carangelo and I am from Wakefield, Massachusetts.
I graduated from Wakefield Memorial High School in 2024. I am currently a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, and I am majoring in Business Administration: Marketing.
I love to play volleyball, hangout with my friends and family, and grow my passion for digital marketing!
I am very excited to work for BrightBridge and help to contribute to their success!
"We will never tire from upholding
the dignity of work"
- Pope Francis
BrightBridge: Your Partner in Neurodiverse Workforce Integration
BrightBridge fills a need that exists in the recruiting industry. To date, recruiting companies have focused primarily on neurotypical individuals, while placements of neurodiverse individuals have taken place through government agencies.
BrightBridge fills that gap with a high-energy, targeted approach to build on existing relationships and build a value-added bridge between employers and neurodiverse employees.