Michael S. Cognetti, Director of Case Management, Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC and Adirondack Case Management & Advocacy LLC (www.adkcma.com)

Mike Cognetti joined our Case Management and Advocacy team in 2017, bringing with him more than 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Mike attended the College of Saint Rose where he developed an interest in brain injury while working with leadership of the Communications Disorders and Sciences Program. After earning a Master of Science in Education, he worked as an Independent Living Skills Trainer for a nonprofit organization serving individuals in rural and underserved regions of New York State. Through his travels, Mike furthered developed his person-centered approach.

In 2004, with input from consumers and families, Mike developed an alternative model to traditional day programs for adults with traumatic brain injuries, creating opportunities for people to pursue cognitive, functional, and social goals, while limiting time spent in traditional day programs. Activities took place in both office and community settings and included author workshops, fine arts enrichment, cooking classes, Monday Night Football, concerts, and community advocacy. Prior to joining Wilcenski and Pleat, Mike worked as the Director of Brain Injury, Supported Employment, Veterans, and Deaf Services for a community service provider.  These programs supported more than 300 people in 7 counties and were recognized for their quality and innovation.   

“I am fortunate to have a career that allows me to support and interact with people so committed to personal growth. They are the true experts, and I am grateful for the opportunities to learn from them. They inspire me to pursue my own personal and professional goals with the same level of passion and determination.”

Mike is a recipient of the Marie Invancich Memorial Award, presented by the Brain Injury Association of New York State in recognition of outstanding personal and professional commitment to serving individuals living with brain injury. In 2016, he completed his Master of Business Administration in Healthcare at Northeastern University. He maintains membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, an academic honor society dedicated to the fostering of ethical business leadership. Mike is a founding member of the VETCON Alliance, a collaborative of business, government, and nonprofit professionals committed to improving economic outcomes for service men and women as they transition to civilian careers through employment, education, and entrepreneurship supports.

In his free time, Mike is actively involved in soccer, working as a referee for youth, high school, and collegiate games throughout the Northeast.   He was born in Utica, New York, and currently resides in Niskayuna, New York with his wife and two sons.