Who We Are...
Our Board of Directors and Governance Committee is comprised of volunteer members who are dedicated to the Mission & Vision of Wellness G.I.F.T.S.. The Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of the Executive Director and, overall, the Retreat Weekends.
If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors or becoming a Committee Member, please send a letter of interest and your resume to Nicole Blough.
If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors or becoming a Committee Member, please send a letter of interest and your resume to Nicole Blough.
Janet Opila-Lehman
Founder
Janet's passion for children with special needs began over 35 years ago when she was working as an Occupational Therapist. She especially enjoyed hands-on work with the children and adults and added on training in Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release Work, Craniosacral Therapy, etc. Her work in this area led her to teaching Occupational Therapy at Keuka College and then on to starting the Finger Lakes Wellness Center and Health Spa and the Wellness G.I.F.T.S. program. She served as Director of the Wellness G.I.F.T.S. program for 10 years before moving on to become a Doctor in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Janet now lives in Asheville, NC where she works with individuals on the autism spectrum;
providing naturopathic medicine and occupational therapy.
Founder
Janet's passion for children with special needs began over 35 years ago when she was working as an Occupational Therapist. She especially enjoyed hands-on work with the children and adults and added on training in Massage Therapy, Myofascial Release Work, Craniosacral Therapy, etc. Her work in this area led her to teaching Occupational Therapy at Keuka College and then on to starting the Finger Lakes Wellness Center and Health Spa and the Wellness G.I.F.T.S. program. She served as Director of the Wellness G.I.F.T.S. program for 10 years before moving on to become a Doctor in Naturopathic Medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Janet now lives in Asheville, NC where she works with individuals on the autism spectrum;
providing naturopathic medicine and occupational therapy.
Terri Bommarito
President
Terri has been involved with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. as a Panel member since 2000. She joined the Governance Board in 2013. Terri brings to G.I.F.T.S. a wealth of knowledge from her many years as a Special Educator. She received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from The College of St. Rose in Albany, New York. She has a great love for special needs children and has enjoyed watching her students grow both academically and socially during her years of teaching.
President
Terri has been involved with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. as a Panel member since 2000. She joined the Governance Board in 2013. Terri brings to G.I.F.T.S. a wealth of knowledge from her many years as a Special Educator. She received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from The College of St. Rose in Albany, New York. She has a great love for special needs children and has enjoyed watching her students grow both academically and socially during her years of teaching.
Robert Fogle
Vice President
Robert Fogle is a Unified Childhood Education major at Keuka College who is originally from Lockport, New York. He volunteered as an Assistant with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. for six retreats before deciding to join the Board of Directors. This is his second year on the Board and he looks forward to continuing as a positive addition to the Wellness G.I.F.T.S. team. Robert hopes that his experience as a volunteer and knowledge in education will help to bring a different perspective to the Board.
Vice President
Robert Fogle is a Unified Childhood Education major at Keuka College who is originally from Lockport, New York. He volunteered as an Assistant with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. for six retreats before deciding to join the Board of Directors. This is his second year on the Board and he looks forward to continuing as a positive addition to the Wellness G.I.F.T.S. team. Robert hopes that his experience as a volunteer and knowledge in education will help to bring a different perspective to the Board.
Hollie Lyon
Treasurer
Quote- "I have been volunteering for the past 3 years and on the board for one. My daughter and I love volunteering for this and we look forward to the call every year. It's not about us but it does give us a great feeling at the end of the day to make people smile. I have worked in the financial industry for 18 years and have an associate's degree in business. We all have had things in our lives that have made us who we are today. I know this camp makes me a better person every year."
Treasurer
Quote- "I have been volunteering for the past 3 years and on the board for one. My daughter and I love volunteering for this and we look forward to the call every year. It's not about us but it does give us a great feeling at the end of the day to make people smile. I have worked in the financial industry for 18 years and have an associate's degree in business. We all have had things in our lives that have made us who we are today. I know this camp makes me a better person every year."
Raymond Matuszak Jr
Secretary
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Raymond was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of 16. Since being diagnosis and receiving exceptional care during treatment, Raymond has been filled with the desire to give back to the medical community. Raymond studied Management and Entrepreneurship at Canisius College, and aspires to open his own bakery and cake decorating business.
In 2015, Raymond became involved with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. as an assistant and shortly after joined the board of directors in hopes of bringing new ideas and a different perspective.
Secretary
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Raymond was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at the age of 16. Since being diagnosis and receiving exceptional care during treatment, Raymond has been filled with the desire to give back to the medical community. Raymond studied Management and Entrepreneurship at Canisius College, and aspires to open his own bakery and cake decorating business.
In 2015, Raymond became involved with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. as an assistant and shortly after joined the board of directors in hopes of bringing new ideas and a different perspective.
Ashley Rocker
Board Member
A dual major in Sociology and Child and Family studies, she is in her second year at Keuka College. She loves kids and her goal after college is to work with at-risk children and families. She has been working with kids since age 15. Beginning as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor, she then became a camp counselor and soon after, a one-to-one aide to children/adults with disabilities. She assisted them in recreational activities at the YMCA. She has volunteered with G.I.F.T.S. for 3 years, and was a peer mentor at Keuka College for students with disabilities.
Ashley completed two internships since beginning at Keuka. First was at a Head Start program in Syracuse working in a classroom for low income, underprivileged, at-risk children. She also assisted the on-site social worker reading case files, attended family conferences, and went on home visits. Her second internship at the Learning Disabilities Association of CNY she organized multiple fundraisers, solicited donations and worked on several other marketing projects. She also assisted in a social awareness classroom for students with learning disabilities. All of her previous work and volunteering experiences have been based around children, it is one of her passions.
Board Member
A dual major in Sociology and Child and Family studies, she is in her second year at Keuka College. She loves kids and her goal after college is to work with at-risk children and families. She has been working with kids since age 15. Beginning as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor, she then became a camp counselor and soon after, a one-to-one aide to children/adults with disabilities. She assisted them in recreational activities at the YMCA. She has volunteered with G.I.F.T.S. for 3 years, and was a peer mentor at Keuka College for students with disabilities.
Ashley completed two internships since beginning at Keuka. First was at a Head Start program in Syracuse working in a classroom for low income, underprivileged, at-risk children. She also assisted the on-site social worker reading case files, attended family conferences, and went on home visits. Her second internship at the Learning Disabilities Association of CNY she organized multiple fundraisers, solicited donations and worked on several other marketing projects. She also assisted in a social awareness classroom for students with learning disabilities. All of her previous work and volunteering experiences have been based around children, it is one of her passions.
Charlene Fairman
Board Member
Charlene grew up with a sister with special needs and three children of her own, two of whom have special needs. Charlene has an AAS in Applied Science with a medical background from Community College of the Finger Lakes and currently works through Ontario County as an administrative assistant to several directors in the Community Affairs and Professional Development Department for the same college. Charlene works part time for CMAC and Walmart. Charlene enjoys working and feels her work keeps her engaged with the community as does her volunteer work with Wellness G.I.F.T.S., OPWDD, cheer-leading, and many events over the last 15 years.
Board Member
Charlene grew up with a sister with special needs and three children of her own, two of whom have special needs. Charlene has an AAS in Applied Science with a medical background from Community College of the Finger Lakes and currently works through Ontario County as an administrative assistant to several directors in the Community Affairs and Professional Development Department for the same college. Charlene works part time for CMAC and Walmart. Charlene enjoys working and feels her work keeps her engaged with the community as does her volunteer work with Wellness G.I.F.T.S., OPWDD, cheer-leading, and many events over the last 15 years.
Kevin Powers
Board Member
Kevin grew up in the near by town Campbell New York & received a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Oswego in Political Science with a concentration in public administration. He started with Wellness GIFTS as a volunteer assistant during the summer of 2011 & became the Executive Director in 2012. He has sence joined the Board of Directors in April 2015. His favorite part of each retreat is the talent show where he lends his talents as our master of ceremonies.
Board Member
Kevin grew up in the near by town Campbell New York & received a Bachelor of Arts degree from SUNY Oswego in Political Science with a concentration in public administration. He started with Wellness GIFTS as a volunteer assistant during the summer of 2011 & became the Executive Director in 2012. He has sence joined the Board of Directors in April 2015. His favorite part of each retreat is the talent show where he lends his talents as our master of ceremonies.
Matthew Schlink (aka Mascot)
Board Member
Matthew Schlink became involved with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. during 2012 retreats as a volunteer. He attended Alfred University for a degree in materials science and engineering but is currently in the process of changing his field of study. Matt spent most of his childhood as a foster brother and always tried to be involved with his siblings and their activities. Matt enjoys working with children with special needs and is always looking for more ways in which he can give back to the community.
Board Member
Matthew Schlink became involved with Wellness G.I.F.T.S. during 2012 retreats as a volunteer. He attended Alfred University for a degree in materials science and engineering but is currently in the process of changing his field of study. Matt spent most of his childhood as a foster brother and always tried to be involved with his siblings and their activities. Matt enjoys working with children with special needs and is always looking for more ways in which he can give back to the community.
Tammy Scott
Board Member
Tammy lives in the same small town she grew up in, Campbell NY. She became a board member in July 2016. She has an A.A.S. in Human Services and has 28 years in the field. She’s worked with individuals who have had a variety of disabilities. Most of this experience has been in the supervisory role in Residential Community Residences. Although working with children that have special needs is newer to her, working with children in any capacity has always been her dream job.
Board Member
Tammy lives in the same small town she grew up in, Campbell NY. She became a board member in July 2016. She has an A.A.S. in Human Services and has 28 years in the field. She’s worked with individuals who have had a variety of disabilities. Most of this experience has been in the supervisory role in Residential Community Residences. Although working with children that have special needs is newer to her, working with children in any capacity has always been her dream job.
Amber Fairman
Board Member
Amber’s involvement within the community and her passion for children began at the age of 10 when her brother was diagnosed with autism. Amber always finds herself helping others. Amber attended many Wellness GIFTS retreats as a camper with her family before joining the governance committee in 2016. As a parent Amber knows how to advocate for her children, siblings, and others. Currently Amber also serves as an athletic coach for a special needs organization in Finger Lakes region, known as Finger Lakes Youth Sports.
Board Member
Amber’s involvement within the community and her passion for children began at the age of 10 when her brother was diagnosed with autism. Amber always finds herself helping others. Amber attended many Wellness GIFTS retreats as a camper with her family before joining the governance committee in 2016. As a parent Amber knows how to advocate for her children, siblings, and others. Currently Amber also serves as an athletic coach for a special needs organization in Finger Lakes region, known as Finger Lakes Youth Sports.
Shannon Carey
Committee Member
Shannon lives in Corning with her daughter and husband. She has been volunteering at wellness for four years with her daughter, Tiffany. Shannon has been working with children for 16 years with a focus with children and families with special needs.
Committee Member
Shannon lives in Corning with her daughter and husband. She has been volunteering at wellness for four years with her daughter, Tiffany. Shannon has been working with children for 16 years with a focus with children and families with special needs.
Michele Hall
Committee Member
Michele Hall lives in Bath, NY with her family. Her and her family have been volunteering for 6 years,. Michele is the HR Manager at a company that does family support services and helps families with special needs children receive respite and skill building services.
Committee Member
Michele Hall lives in Bath, NY with her family. Her and her family have been volunteering for 6 years,. Michele is the HR Manager at a company that does family support services and helps families with special needs children receive respite and skill building services.
Kenneth Quick
Committee Member
*NEW coming soon!
Committee Member
*NEW coming soon!
Beth Simpson
Consumer/ Consultant
Beth Simpson and her family have attended Wellness G.I.F.T.S. retreats since 2002. Wellness G.I.F.T.S. made such a positive impact on her family that Beth decided to join the Board of Directors in 2011. Beth brought to the Board of Directors with a wealth of knowledge of what is involved with raising a child who has special needs. She has stepped down from her position on the Board but is still an active participant. She is a wife and a mother of two children, one who has special needs. She founded and continues to run a support group for Wayne and Monroe counties, she is a parent advocate helping multiple families with their special needs, and supports a collaboration program at a local college bringing parents and potential special educators together while working in management at Xerox Corporation.
Consumer/ Consultant
Beth Simpson and her family have attended Wellness G.I.F.T.S. retreats since 2002. Wellness G.I.F.T.S. made such a positive impact on her family that Beth decided to join the Board of Directors in 2011. Beth brought to the Board of Directors with a wealth of knowledge of what is involved with raising a child who has special needs. She has stepped down from her position on the Board but is still an active participant. She is a wife and a mother of two children, one who has special needs. She founded and continues to run a support group for Wayne and Monroe counties, she is a parent advocate helping multiple families with their special needs, and supports a collaboration program at a local college bringing parents and potential special educators together while working in management at Xerox Corporation.
Nicole Blough (aka Ms. Nicky)
Executive Director
After over 18 years of experience in customer service, supervisory positions, and business ownership, Nicole Blough made a career change by returning to college to receive a BA in Sociology. Nicole has redirected her focus toward community outreach and service. The Wellness G.I.F.T.S. program has inspired Nicole, and she hopes that she can help to further its goals and continue to grow the organization. As a glass and jewelry artist, and former arts and crafts director, she is hoping that her creative and innovative thinking benefit the program.
Executive Director
After over 18 years of experience in customer service, supervisory positions, and business ownership, Nicole Blough made a career change by returning to college to receive a BA in Sociology. Nicole has redirected her focus toward community outreach and service. The Wellness G.I.F.T.S. program has inspired Nicole, and she hopes that she can help to further its goals and continue to grow the organization. As a glass and jewelry artist, and former arts and crafts director, she is hoping that her creative and innovative thinking benefit the program.
Daniel C Quick II
Volunteer Coordinator
Dan grew up in the town of Canisteo with close friends of the family who had a special needs daughter and granddaughter. In 2000 he was involved in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. He graduated from Alfred State University with an A.A.S. in human services in 2006. He is very passionate about advocating for people with disabilities. Becoming an employee of the 'Gifted' family allows him to follow his passion.
Volunteer Coordinator
Dan grew up in the town of Canisteo with close friends of the family who had a special needs daughter and granddaughter. In 2000 he was involved in an automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. He graduated from Alfred State University with an A.A.S. in human services in 2006. He is very passionate about advocating for people with disabilities. Becoming an employee of the 'Gifted' family allows him to follow his passion.