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.

Laura Markowski, Associate Director/Peer Counselor

laura.markowski@supportconnection.org

Laura joined the Peer Counseling team at Support Connection in 2025. After turning to Support Connection’s services during her own cancer journey, she is honored to now support others as they navigate their path. As a Peer Counselor, Laura offers understanding, encouragement, and guidance to women affected by breast, ovarian, and other gynecological cancers, and works closely with fellow Peer Counselors in developing programs that support clients’ mind, body, and spirit.

While continuing her role as a Peer Counselor, Laura also serves as Associate Director, working closely with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors in the areas of planning and development. Her combined experience as both a client and Peer Counselor brings a meaningful perspective to her leadership and continued fulfillment of the organization’s mission.

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.

Lauri Gruen, Peer Counselor

lauri.gruen@supportconnection.org

Lauri joined the Peer Counseling 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.

Tricia Phelan, MS, SDA, Peer Counselor

tricia.phelan@supportconnection.org

Tricia joined the Peer Counseling Team at Support Connection at the end of 2024. As a retired educator, she is excited to take on this new role in her life to help other women navigate their cancer journeys. Tricia’s involvement in Support Connection’s programs and support groups was instrumental in her navigating her own journey which began in 2016.

Katherine Foley, MBA, Director of Finance and Business Operations

Support Staff

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.

Amanda Margiotta, MA, Communications & Development Manager

coordinator@supportconnection.org

Amanda joined our staff in 2023. She is responsible for the planning and execution of Support Connection’s major fundraising events 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. Amanda is the primary driver behind all Support Connection communications, and she manages all of our social media platforms, including the pages for our upscale resale shop Fantastic Finds.

She proudly holds a MA in Corporate Communications and a BA in Digital Media & Culture with a minor in English Literature from Baruch College.

Jody Mastro, CRM Manager

jody.mastro@supportconnection.org

Jody joined our staff in 2022 after volunteering for a summer at Fantastic Finds. Support Connection has been part of her life since 1997, and our mission is deeply personal to her—her grandmother, her aunt, and Jody herself have all faced breast cancer and benefited from the wide range of services and support our organization provides. In her current role, she supports fundraising and event initiatives through management of our CRM database and performs ongoing database maintenance.

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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