Margaret Flannery
By Brandon Bless, Communications Intern
Margaret D. Flannery, clinical director for the Wraparound program, did a lot of searching to find her true calling. She has been a nanny and a kindergarten teacher, worked in a wedding photography studio and even worked as a chef at Disney World. She started working at New Directions nine years ago because her brother, William, who was an employee at Dittmer Cottage at the time, thought it would be something Margaret would enjoy. His assumptions were correct.
"At the end of the day I know that I was of value in the world, and I don’t think everyone can say that," Flannery said.
As clinical director for the Wraparound program, Flannery provides the support necessary for all the other care coordinators of the Wraparound program to be efficient and effective. The Wraparound program aims to avoid out-of-home placements of at-risk youth by promoting the family’s stability, competence and self-sufficiency. After graduating from Mount Mercy Academy, Flannery started her undergraduate studies at John Carroll University, but soon left school to return home to participate more in her new baby sister’s life.
"Family is and always was a major priority of mine," she said. "I am one of five kids, so I think that family focus just comes naturally to me."
Flannery completed her undergraduate studies at the University at Buffalo, receiving a degree in history. After graduation, Flannery worked as a chef locally and then decided to apply for an internship as a chef for Walt Disney.
"It took me two years to go through the interview process," she said. "Even then I thought I wanted to work with youth in some way, but I decided that it was too good of an opportunity to pass up, so I moved to Florida."
Although she enjoyed herself, Flannery turned down an offer as a permanent chef for Disney World upon completion of the internship program.
"I finally decided that I truly wanted to work with youth and so I made choices that would lead me in that direction," she said. "The general idea at that point was to obtain my master’s in education."
Flannery worked in the Orlando area as both a kindergarten teacher and a nanny. She moved back to Buffalo seeking to continue her career choices in working with youth, so Flannery took the suggestion of her brother to work for New Directions. She started as a youth counselor in Mecorney Cottage and Gatehouse. While working in Mecorney Cottage, Flannery met Edward Gargala, now residential director, who was the Mecorney social worker at that time.
"I was terribly lucky, as Gargala fostered my professional abilities and repeatedly inspired me to do this difficult work with our youth and families." said Flannery.
Due to the persistence of Gargala, she went back to UB to get her master’s degree in social work at the age of 36.
"She is an intelligent, hardworking individual, who is dedicated to her work," said Gargala.
While obtaining her MSW, she became a social worker in Grigg Cottage at Wyndham Lawn, counting it as "one of the best jobs I have ever had." Flannery resides in Williamsville. She is the proud foster parent of her son, Brian, a United States Marine.
"I would really like to stress the importance of being willing to try different things," she said. "It took me a long time and some trial and error to realize that social work is my true passion. I really love what I do and the people I work with."
Margaret’s Favorite Things
Color: Black
Hobbies: Cooking, Reading, Traveling, Volleyball, Sign Language
Movie: American President, Fools Rush In
Inspiration: Parents, Brothers and Sisters – each of them inspire me so differently!
Fictional Character: Harry Potter, Stephanie Plum
August 2007
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