Our Team

Patrick Bardsley, Co-Founder & CEO

As Spectrum Designs Foundation's CEO and Co-Founder, Patrick oversees the day-to-day running of Spectrum Designs and Spectrum Suds. He holds a master's in special education, with a concentration in Behavior Analysis through Long Island University. A natural leader and born innovator, he spends most of his time securing future growth and relationships for the betterment and expansion of Spectrum's social enterprises. Under Patrick’s leadership Spectrum’s businesses have generated annual revenues of over $6m and created more than 50 jobs for those on the spectrum in a team of 70+ employees. Patrick brings an enormous skill set that spans many disciplines, as well as almost 20 years of experience working with people with developmental disabilities.

Since co-founding Spectrum Designs Foundation and The Nicholas Center in 2011, Patrick has received various awards including Top 40 under 40 Rising Stars by New York Non-Profits, the "Wunderkind" award by 914 Magazine, Business Council for Westchester's "Top 40 Under 40" and Spectrum Designs was named Non-Profit of the Year by Long Island Business news under his leadership. Patrick is a graduate from the Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business program and a member of the Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable- an international collection of cross industry employers and innovative leaders who run autism-focused hiring initiatives. He is also a member of the invite-only Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC).

Patrick is chairman of the board at NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled) which is responsible for more than 4,700 jobs for New Yorkers with disabilities who earned $79.8 million in wages in 2023 . He is also a proud Ambassador for Delivering Jobs, an inclusion campaign dedicated to creating pathways to 1,000,000 employment and leadership opportunities for those on the Autism Spectrum, intellectual and/or developmental differences by 2025.

Kelli Fisher, Enterprise Assistant

A graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Kelli received an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and Food Service Entrepreneurship. She has experience in both food service and retail operations. She is an advocate for those on the Autism Spectrum.

Kelli leads Spectrum Designs' social media efforts, where she finds empowerment in being the voice of the company as an autistic individual. Her role allows her to authentically represent the organization's mission and connect with its community in a meaningful way.

When not at Spectrum, she enjoys vegan cooking, working out, and going to concerts.

Tim Howe, Chief Operating Officer

Tim is the Chief Operating Officer at Spectrum Designs, and has known Patrick since they attended Llanfyllin High School together in Mid Wales.

Tim graduated from King’s College London Law School before studying a Master’s in Public Administration, with a focus in Non-Profit Management through LIU Post. Bringing experience from working all over Europe in many different sectors, Tim’s role is to oversee and advise the Managers and Heads of Department, increase operational efficiency and execute on sales and business growth targets. Outside of his work at Spectrum, Tim sits on the Board of ‘HII Tech’ an applied Research and Development Incubator that creates practical tools and products that provide comfort and enable individuals with disabilities and the aging to experience and achieve more in life. Tim is also a member of the International Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration.

Tim is a Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) and won SAAGNY’s Rising Star Award for the Greater New York Region in 2017 then PPAI’s National Rising Star Award for the North America Region in 2018. He was awarded a 40 under 40 by SAAGNY in 2021 for helping expand Spectrum Designs into Westchester county, where he was recognized as a 40 under 40 by the Business Council of Westchester in 2022.

Deana Nissen, Enterprise Director

Deana's focus in on Business Development & Marketing for both Spectrum Designs enterprises. She decided to move on from Corporate America after 15 years of Human Resource experience at Pfizer, Instinet and MMC to raise her daughter and start a successful Baking business. She volunteered in all aspects of the PTA including President. Deana was drawn to Spectrum's mission and has been a dedicated employee since 2017 all while she raises a very busy High Schooler.