Tamar
Morziev-Fuzailov
is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and advocate whose work has transformed
the lives of individuals with disabilities, mainstream children and their
families. She is the founder of Strive Chai and Bright
Plan’et, two mission-driven organizations that provide holistic,
person-centered support to hundreds of individuals across New York and beyond.
Born
and raised in Jerusalem and now based in New York, Tamar brings a unique blend
of cultural insight, professional expertise, and deep compassion to everything
she does. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to dignity, empowerment,
and long-term impact. Through her work, she creates opportunities for growth,
independence, and inclusion for those who are often underserved.
With
values grounded in faith, resilience, and service, Tamar is more than a
business leader and she is a force for change. Her journey reflects the power
of bold action and the belief that every individual deserves the chance to
thrive.
– What
was it like growing up in Israel, especially in Jerusalem?
– I was
born and raised in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel a city rich in spirituality,
culture, and Jewish heritage. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings in a
warm and joyful home shaped by my parents, Yosef and Esther Morziev, I was
surrounded by love, faith, and tradition. Our home was rooted in religious
Zionism, where values like tzedakah (charity), kindness, and honoring every
individual were not only taught but deeply lived. These foundational lessons
have stayed with me throughout my life and continue to influence everything I
do. The roots planted in us as children become the foundation we stand on as
adults.
– How
did your experience serving in the IDF shape you?
– When
it was my turn to serve, I chose to enlist, even though I was eligible for
exemption due to religious status. Army service taught me a great deal about
responsibility, teamwork, and compassion. I took on a leadership role
supporting officers and managing logistics on base a position that demanded
clarity under pressure and empathy. This experience solidified my identity as
both a religious woman and a proud Israeli. Jerusalem taught me faith, and
service taught me strength both helped shape the leader I am today.
– Tell
us about your move to America and how your journey continued.
– At
22, after marrying my husband Emanuel Fuzailov, we moved from Israel to New
York to build our life together. Manny was born in Uzbekistan, and, in 1989, he
immigrated to New York with his extended family, where they were warmly
welcomed by his uncle, David Nisanov (z”l) and aunt Zoya Fuzailova-Nisanov, who
had laid the foundation for his family’s new beginning. Manny is a
respected community figure with a successful jewelry and watch business.
Education
has always been a priority for me. I began my studies at Queens College and
completed my degree at Touro College in less than three years. I also pursued
advanced coursework toward a master’s degree in special education, gaining
valuable knowledge that shaped my understanding of supporting children with
unique needs. I was honored with a Dean’s Acknowledgment from Touro College,
which recognized my dedication and achievement.
Together,
Manny and I are blessed with two wonderful sons, David and Joseph, who bring
immense joy and purpose to our lives. No matter where life places you your
calling will always find you if you listen closely enough.
– Can
you tell us about your journey as a founder and the mission behind your
companies?
– I’ve
always believed that our work is not about helping people survive it’s about
helping them thrive. That mindset drives the mission behind both organizations
I founded: Strive Chai and Bright Plan’et.
At
Strive Chai, we support children and adults facing social, emotional,
behavioral, and developmental challenges through after-school programs,
therapeutic services, and direct care. Each family receives personalized
services based on a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring we meet their unique
goals with sensitivity and expertise.
Bright
Plan’et is a licensed self-direction brokerage that helps individuals manage
budgets of up to $150,000 a year. We guide families through approvals and
create personalized plans for caregivers, classes, camps, memberships,
transportation, and more. Our multilingual team—speaking English, Russian,
Persian, Spanish, and Hebrew—makes services accessible to diverse communities.
With a welcoming Queens office and private consultations, we ensure every
family feels supported. At our core, we believe empowerment begins where
limitations end, helping people break barriers and live with purpose and
possibility.
– Who
Is Eligible to Receive Self-Direction Services?
– Self-direction
is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities who want greater
control over their care and lifestyle choices. To be eligible, a person must:
- Have
a documented developmental disability such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral
palsy, or an intellectual disability.
- Be
approved for services through the OPWDD.
– Can
you give an example of how an adult might use a $150,000 self-direction budget?
– A
self-direction budget gives people the freedom to build a life that truly fits
their needs and passions. An adult might use it to hire personal staff, cover
transportation, or take classes in art, yoga, music, or computer skills. It can
also go toward memberships for gyms, swimming, or community programs that bring
joy and connection. We guide each family step by step, making sure every choice
is empowering and meaningful.
– What
Types of Support Does Strive Chai Offer to Individuals and Families?
– At
Strive Chai, support is more than just a service it’s a true connection.
Through programs like Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), Community and
Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS), and Peer Support, we meet people
wherever they are at home, in school, or out in the community. Our support is broad
and tailored. Every care plan is thoughtfully designed around an individual’s
unique strengths and needs. For example, a child with anxiety or behavioral
challenges may be supported by a care manager, peer mentor, therapists, and
school staff working together. Together, this team ensures that help feels
personal, consistent, and meaningful. Families are included in every step of
the way. Parents and caregivers receive guidance, resources, and tools to
strengthen the household, while peer mentors who have lived with similar
experiences inspire with understanding and compassion. With empathy, teamwork,
and dedication, Strive Chai transforms challenges into opportunities,
empowering individuals and families to grow, heal, and thrive.
– What
are some of the challenges families in the community might experience when
seeking support?
– Many families struggle to navigate resources, funding options, and the
emotional weight of uncertainty or stigma. That’s why building trust is
essential—we remind families to move forward with love, not fear.
– What keeps you motivated in your work?
– Seeing the potential in each child and adult we serve keeps me motivated.
Watching their growth, and their families’ pride, is the most rewarding part.
I’m also inspired knowing my companies create jobs that help families thrive.
– What
inspires your dedication to community projects?
– Community work is at the heart of who I am. I find joy in uniting people, whether through matchmaking events,
toy drives, support programs, school projects or initiatives like Hachnasat
Kallah. Most recently, we had the privilege of bringing to life an
unforgettable Tu B’Av celebration for singles in our community, graciously hosted
by Chagit Leviev-Sofiev,
President of the Bukharian community. Another meaningful project I was part of this year was placing a monument in my
parents’ hometown to honor the Jewish soldiers who fell in World War II,
including my great-grandfather, Ari Nisanov (z”l). For me, these
efforts weave joy, hope, and unity across generations.
– As
the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, approaches, what message or blessing would
you like to share with our readers?
– As we
enter the New Year, my deepest wish is for health and strength for ourselves,
our families, and all our loved ones. May we be blessed to see goodness and joy
in our own lives and in the lives of our children, creating a year filled with
sweetness, growth, and cherished memories. Gmar Chatima Tova may we all be
inscribed in the Book of Life for peace, harmony, and light.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to stand with you,
guide you, and help you rise above every challenge.
72-73
Main Street Flushing NY 11367
929-360-2424,
516-425-8877
Eleonora
Nektalova
