OCM BOCES partners with new Manlius salon to provide work-based learning for young adults

OCM BOCES partners with new Manlius salon to provide work-based learning for young adults

May 26, 2026

Fayetteville-Manlius senior Stella Barlow flashes a smile in the back room of “Rooted,” a new, luxury hair salon that opened this spring in downtown Manlius. Nearly 20 friendship bracelets circle her wrists, the beads strung in an artful array of colors, shapes and designs. They seem to reflect the warm, outgoing personality that makes Stella, who has Down syndrome, instantly approachable.

The salon owners, a mother-daughter team of Kristen Durkee and Tessa Reale, love Stella’s personality. It’s just one benefit of welcoming her into their modern-looking salon as part of the OCM BOCES Work-Based Learning Program. Stella is new to the shop and tasked with an assortment of support jobs, including sweeping, dusting, tidying the coffee bar, collecting towels, and even tying belts and snapping buttons on the salon’s soft black robes. She works with her one-on-one job coach from the Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District, Anielle Pistello, who guides her through the tasks. 

The Work-Based Learning Program at OCM BOCES is designed to help Stella and other students ages 18-22 learn authentic, work-based skills. Throughout the year, OCM BOCES partners with Rooted and about 30 other businesses, non-profit organizations and higher education institutions to make this program a success.

The benefits are numerous: Students learn practical skills, confidence, communication, teamwork, positive work habits, and contacts for future employment. Businesses, in turn, get extra help, a chance to develop skilled employees, and an opportunity to give back to their communities. OCM BOCES provides one-on-one job coaches, insurance and a variety of other support.

Reale said she was personally motivated to have Stella in the shop. Her brother, now 38 years old, also has special needs. His life was structured until he left high school, then he struggled to find work opportunities and consistent employment. Now he’s working at Syracuse University, which he loves. Reele wishes more commercial businesses would volunteer to help.

“We always want to help the community, be supportive, be involved, especially as a new business,” she said. “It’s something we take pride in.”

Rebecca Robertson, the Work-Based Learning Coordinator for OCM BOCES, said the businesses and organizations that get involved quickly see the benefits. One of her students, Seth Fitch, was recently recognized as an outstanding volunteer at the Rescue Mission’s Thrifty Shopper. His supervisor nominated him for this special recognition, describing Seth as not only an “outstanding volunteer,” but a strong communicator and “a pleasure” to have in the store.

In addition to her work at Rooted, Stella spends time at the Jewish Community Center, or JCC, which has a partnership with Fayetteville-Manlius schools. At the JCC, she helps with tasks such as setting tables, doing laundry, and delivering lunches and cupcakes for birthdays at the onsite daycare. This summer, after graduation, Stella plans to attend Onondaga Community College.

Asked how much Stella helps out at Rooted, Reale gave a quick reply: “A lot.”

“When she knows a routine, she can do it,” added Pistello, her job coach.

Anyone interested in the Work-Based Learning Program should contact Robertson at rrobertson@ocmboces.org.
 

In the photos: Top: Stella ties belts and snaps buttons on the plush black robes provided for patrons. Middle: Stella shows off her large assortment of friendship bracelets. Bottom: Stella poses in a shop chair with, from left to right, Rooted employee Erin Cortese, OCM BOCES Work-Based Learning Coordinator Rebecca Robertson, Fayetteville-Manlius Job Coach Anielle Pistello and Rooted Co-owner Tessa Reale.