Laura joins us most recently after 18 years with Central Connecticut State University, where she served as the Director of Leadership Giving and was honored with the title of Emeritus upon her departure. She has also held roles as Development Director for Prudence Crandall and Executive Director for the Lupus Foundation of America, as well as various leadership, development, and administrative positions at community colleges across Connecticut and with the CAEYC and HAEYC early childhood education associations.
Laura holds a Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management and Philanthropy from Bay Path University and has a strong background in nonprofit and foundation management. She is eager to guide Gifts of Love into its next phase of growth, advancing our mission of neighbors helping neighbors.
She currently resides in Simsbury with her fiancé, Ronnie, and has two adult sons.
Nancy Carlson
Volunteer and Outreach Manager
Email Nancy
In addition to her Volunteer and Community Outreach responsibilities, Nancy facilitates all special events and manages the Weekend Backpack program. Nancy has been with Gifts of Love for over 13 years after a career in High-Risk Underwriting and as a Special Education teacher.
Ingrid Kania
Teen Volunteer Program Coordinator
Email Ingrid
Ingrid began as a volunteer for Gifts of Love in 2013 to give back to her local community. When offered the role of Teen Volunteer Program Coordinator, she eagerly accepted and has been guiding teen volunteers since 2017. She has a Master’s in Public Health and a Master’s in Teaching and is currently a teacher in a local school.
Michael Olivieri
Food Programs Manager
Email Michael
Michael manages Gifts of Love’s food pantries in Avon and Hartford. Additionally, he identifies and coordinates food distributions to other non-profit pantries across Greater Hartford. Michael has over 30 years of experience as an independent business owner.
Kiyana Riddick
Hartford Office Manager
Email Kiyana
Kiyana manages operations at our Hartford location. Prior to joining the team at Gifts of Love, Kiyana worked in customer service at both Allstate and The Hartford. During the summer of 2021, she interned at Gifts of Love while completing her bachelor’s degree in human services.
Biana Clark
Donor Administrator
Email Biana
Biana assists with fundraising activities, donor relations, and communications at Gifts of Love. She has over 20 years of experience in television production.
MEET THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Wong
President
Robert and his family have been active volunteers at Gifts of Love for the Weekend Backpack Program and at the main office in Avon. Robert is an executive at GE Capital.
Sean Riley
Treasurer
Sean has extensive business experience across corporate, consulting, and not-for-profit settings and is currently Vice President of Client Delivery & Practice Management for Kelley Management Consulting, Inc.
Lydia Tedone
Secretary
Lydia is a long-term Board member at Gifts of Love. She is the former Chair of the Simsbury Board of Education and Chair of the CREC Council.
Cheryl Chester
Cheryl has developed her more than 25-year career as a human resource professional, focused in the areas of leadership and organizational development. She is committed to supporting both profit and non-profit organizations in maximizing their potential by evaluating their climates and applying best practices to improve employee engagement and business success.
Jaime Hegarty
Jaime Hegarty has a background in the financial services and insurance industries with expertise in project management and building strategy to support change. After volunteering with Gifts of Love over the years, she has welcomed the transition to Board of Directors.
Joan Kemler
Joan became involved with Gifts of Love 20 years ago as a volunteer and board member. She especially enjoyed planning successful fundraising events for the organization. After her retirement as a nurse practitioner in Geriatric Psychiatry, she returned to Gifts of Love as a volunteer and board member.
Nestor Leon
Nestor has extensive experience as a leader in Project Management and Operations in the non-profit and public education sectors. He is currently a Project Director for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.
Vaughn Robbins
Vaughn has a strong background in leading the development of new products and marketing strategies in both US and International markets. He is excited by the opportunity to bring his experience to Gifts of Love and to help impact the community at large.
Portraits courtesy of Connecticut Headshots – Contact
