Staff & Board

Support Connection Staff

Katherine Quinn, MBA, Executive Director

katherine.quinn@supportconnection.org

Katherine Quinn is the founding Executive Director of Support Connection. Katherine helped establish Support Connection in loving tribute to her friend, Isabel, who died of breast cancer shortly after the organization was founded. Responsible for the management of the organization, she leads the staff and works with the board, volunteers and donors in fulfilling Support Connection’s mission. Katherine is passionate about the work we do. “Support Connection is the human connection for a person dealing with a breast, ovarian, or gynecological cancer diagnosis. From the first day, we opened our doors, our top priority has been consistent – offering personalized counseling and support to every person who turns to us. Since the professional peer counselors on our staff have experienced cancer themselves, it makes all the difference in the world. Through the power of caring, we offer hope and help to the many people who rely on us. I am so blessed to be the leader of this organization.”

Katherine holds an MBA from the Hagan School of Business, Iona College, a BS degree in accounting, and professional certificates in Not for Profit Management, Grant Writing, Development and Fundraising. Prior to her career at Support Connection, she held positions in the not for profit sector as the Business Director at the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center and as a grant writer for CAREERS for People with Disabilities. Before working in the not for profit sector, Katherine enjoyed a career in International Banking. She has also been an active volunteer in her community and the schools and has been recognized for her contributions to the community.

Peer Counselors

We have three Peer Counselors on our staff. Our Peer Counselors are cancer survivors themselves, which is a requirement because of our commitment to the peer-to-peer service model. In addition to providing direct services, our Peer Counselors plan and implement all of the other programs and services we offer.

Robin Perlmutter, LMSW, Peer Counselor

robin.perlmutter@supportconnection.org

Robin has been a Peer Counselor on our staff since 2006. She is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 1999. Robin provides one-on-one counseling and support, and she facilitates support groups. She is also responsible for planning and managing our year-round calendar of educational and wellness programs, for collecting and compiling our service statistics, as well as special projects such as our Ovarian Cancer Nursing Outreach project.

Marlene Stager, MS, Peer Counselor

marlene.stager@supportconnection.org

Marlene has been a Peer Counselor on our staff since 2012. Prior to that, she was a volunteer support group facilitator for us for several years. Marlene is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 1998. Marlene provides one-on-one counseling and support, and facilitates support groups. She is also responsible for managing our Resource Directory (including research and review of all community resources), for helping to plan our annual Celebrate Life Day, as well as special projects such as our Annual Services Survey.

Lauri Gruen, Peer Counselor

lauri.gruen@supportconnection.org

Lauri joined the Support Connection team in 2023 in the role of Peer Counselor. As a breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 2015, she has received much support over the years from the organization. She now provides one-on-one counselling and support and is grateful for the opportunity to serve others as she has been served.

Support Staff

Katherine Foley, MBA, Director of Finance and Business Operations

manager@supportconnection.org

Katherine joined our staff in 2018. She is responsible for managing the daily business operations of Support Connection and our upscale resale shop, Fantastic Finds. This includes oversight of financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, human resources and technology. Katherine holds an MBA in Accounting and Finance from Loyola University and a BS in Business Administration from Trinity University.

Celeste Baccari, Communications and Special Projects Coordinator

celeste.baccari@supportconnection.org

Celeste joined our staff in 2014 after volunteering for us for more than 5 years. She assists with executing our Communications plans, and she works on special projects such as Celebrate Life Day and our Annual Benefit Journal. Celeste also serves as a resource to the volunteers at Fantastic Finds, our upscale resale shop that raises funds to help support our free programs and services. A breast cancer survivor who has used our services, Celeste knows first-hand the positive impact our organization can have on those who turn to us for help.

Arianna Goggin, Communications and Development Manager

info@supportconnection.org / communications@supportconnection.org

Arianna joined our staff in 2022 after a year long internship with Support Connection. As Communications & Development Manager, Arianna is responsible for planning and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to raise awareness of Support Connection’s programs and services, development initiatives, and fundraising activities.

Arianna is in charge of organizing Support Connection’s three major fundraising events, which include our Spirit Awards Brunch, Golf Outing, and Support-A-Walk. In addition, Arianna is responsible for answering the phones and connecting people seeking support with our counselors. She is also involved with the promotion of our upscale resale shop, Fantastic Finds. Arianna proudly holds a BA in English from SUNY Oneonta.

Amanda Margiotta, Development Coordinator

coordinator@supportconnection.org

Amanda joined our staff in 2023. She is responsible for helping coordinate events and activities such as our Spirit Awards Brunch, Golf Outing, and Support-A-Walk. She also assists with community outreach efforts to inform individuals, businesses, and organizations about Support Connection’s mission and support services.

In addition, Amanda manages social media for our upscale resale shop, Fantastic Finds.

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Support Connection Board of Directors

The Support Connection Board of Directors is a diverse group of dedicated volunteers who devote their time and talents to helping us fulfill our mission. The Board includes people whose lives have been impacted by cancer, business leaders, and members of the community. In addition to providing governance for the organization, the Board works to raise funds and pursue resources to enhance and sustain our programs and services.

Support Connection is looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to join the Board. Learn more here.

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Support Connection Co-Founders

Richard Adamski (1941-2017)
Co-Founder

Nancy Heller
Co-Founder, Board President Emeritus