Our Team
Lorianne Panzara Griswold
Executive Director/Owner
Lorianne Panzara Griswold is the proud Executive Director/Owner of Pathways for People, Inc. She came to NorthCarolina from Boston, Massachusetts where she lived for 10 years. During that time Lorianne attended Boston University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Language Pathology as well as a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling.
Before settling in North Carolina, Lorianne worked with a diverse group of individuals in a variety of settings. Her work experiences include counseling at an inner city woman's health facility; vocational rehabilitation counseling, case management, and job development/job training at Goodwill Industries; and court mandated family counseling at Child and Family Services where she conducted intensive counseling interventions with at risk youths and their families.
Once in North Carolina, Lorianne began the task of developing an agency model for what is now Pathways for People, Inc. During this time she spent many hours working 1:1 with individuals with Developmental Disabilities, being always mindful of the ways that their services may not be meeting all of their needs or the needs of their care giver.
Lorianne is very proud of what Pathways for People has become and all that it stands for. She is often heard referring to the agency as her "first baby" feeling affection for all of the unique individuals who have come and gone over the years. She is equally as proud of the dedicated office team, many of whom have been with her since the beginning of their careers. It is because of the complete trust and the faith in their abilities to represent the agency that she (with much sadness) left North Carolina to move with her "other family" to Essex, Connecticut where she currently resides with her husband, two children and dog Percy.
Gloria Álvarez-Rothrock
On-site Administrator
Gloria was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, moving to Rome, NY at the age of 9. She first became interested in working with children with disabilities in high school while being involved in a physical education mentoring program, where she was paired with peers with various special needs.
Gloria attended MVCC in Rome where she earned a degree in Human Services. During this time she gained valuable experience interning at a special needs day care.
Gloria came to NC for job opportunities (and warm weather!) and joined the PFP family in 2002 as a Habilitation Technician. Other interests attracted Gloria to the administrative side of the agency where she currently holds the position of On-site Administrator. Gloria feels grateful that circumstances led her to PFP, Inc., where she has found a satisfying career, lasting friendships, and even her future husband!! She resides in Cary with her two sons and husband.
Blake Watson-Garrison
Day Program Director
Blake was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has always loved children and at age 11, began tutoring her fellow students in middle school and continued through her high school career. She graduated from Bunn High School with honors and started college at NC state studying zoology. While attending NC State she discovered Pathways for People and became a care provider in 2003. Upon working with Pathways, she decided to further her education and completed her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Barton College. She realized that a career in psychological/behavioral health was where her passion lied, so she turned again to Pathways for People where she started working alongside individuals with autism. She enjoyed that so much, that when the opportunity arose, she accepted a position as an instructor. In May 2014, she transitioned to the role of Qualified Professional.
When not at work, Blake enjoys being active with sports, including her trained dance career of 18 years. She also is an avid North Carolina Tarheel fan and enjoys being outside whether she’s fishing at her family’s pond or spending time wither her horse, Trusty.