RCIL PROFILE: Mary Brognano

Many Hearts Director Mary Brognano grew up in Rome, NY, where she currently resides with her family. After attending college in Rochester, she spent some time living in Dallas, Texas, before returning to her hometown. Mary is married with three wonderful children, an amazing daughter-in-law and one adorable grandson. She also has two older brothers and a younger sister, who are all an important part of her close-knit family.

Mary oversees several programs, including the Many Hearts Social Day program, Community Habilitation program, and Companion Care program. In her role, she is committed to ensuring that RCIL’s services continue to meet the needs of the individuals they serve.
Having been with RCIL for nearly 14 years, she has played a pivotal role in the development and success of several programs.
Mary was drawn to working at RCIL due to a desire for change. RCIL’s mission and philosophy resonated with her deeply, and after a former supervisor and friend encouraged her to consider joining RCIL, Mary made the decision to become part of the team.
Mary loves that “no two days at RCIL are ever the same. Each day brings new challenges, opportunities, and, most importantly, moments of joy and laughter.” 

She values getting to know people on a deeper level, beyond surface-level conversations. Building solid, successful relationships by taking the time to truly understand what matters to individuals is a core part of what she finds most fulfilling about her job.

Mary is particularly proud of the opportunity she has had to be involved in a wide range of programs, services and grants offered by RCIL. This extensive experience has allowed her to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organization and its services, which has been invaluable when discussing options with individuals.
The mission of RCIL holds significant meaning for Mary. She is deeply committed to the principles of equality and access for all, which includes providing opportunities, fostering responsibility, and encouraging ownership for everyone.

Mary describes the work environment at RCIL as dynamic, constantly evolving with new opportunities and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The organization is never static, always looking for ways to innovate and enhance the services provided to the community.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, which also includes her two chocolate labs. She loves camping, hiking, and gardening, finding balance and relaxation through these outdoor activities. She ensures that her personal and professional lives are balanced by prioritizing time for her loved ones and hobbies, allowing her to recharge and stay energized in both her personal and professional life.

Mary Brognano’s dedication to her work at RCIL, her love for her family, and her passion for making a difference in the lives of others make her an integral part of the team. With nearly 14 years of experience, her role as Director allows her to contribute to the meaningful work RCIL does every day.