Zach's passion for serving others began at the Pennsylvania State University, where he volunteered as a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor. Professionally, he has held various roles with nonprofit organizations, spanning direct client service, fundraising, management, and more. With experience at organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey, Centre County Youth Service Bureau (PA), and Leadership Centre County (PA), Zach's dedication to making a positive impact is evident.
He resides in Pennsylvania with his wife, Maria, and their two dogs, Sammi and Ziggy. Hobbies include running, biking, reading, and sports. He serves as a Board Member with Volunteer Centre County (PA) and holds the position of President of the Rotary Club of Downtown State College. Zach is also a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach.
Maggie joined the Lori’s Hands team as the organization’s first staff person in April, 2017. Maggie has a Master’s Degree in Art Therapy from Eastern Virginia Medical School and is a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health in Delaware. She has spent her career working in social services, both as a mental health counselor and in aging adult services. Prior to her role with Lori’s Hands, she was the Director of Older Adult services at a community nonprofit, overseeing an aging-in-place initiative. Maggie enjoys hiking, cooking, traveling, and all things artichoke.
A two-time University of Delaware Blue Hen, Sachi comes to Lori's Hands with a Master's in Health Promotion and a Bachelor's in Dietetics. Since her time at UD, she's had various work experiences in Care Coordination and Program Management. Sachi enjoys building relationships and serving others to improve their health status. Outside of work, Sachi loves to read, spend time with loved ones, get some sun, and try new restaurants.
Maddie Hagerty joins Lori’s Hands after working at a D.C.-based non-profit for several years, providing medically-tailored meals and nutrition therapy to community members living with different chronic health conditions. Originally from Rhode Island, Maddie is a graduate of the University of Maryland where she received her undergraduate degree in public health sciences. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health. Maddie was drawn to the work of Lori’s Hands because she felt that it mirrored her own volunteer experience as a college student and is excited to provide other students with a similar opportunity. In her free time, Maddie enjoys spending time outside, reading, and exploring the city.
Maddi graduated with their Bachelor’s in Psychology from Curry College in Massachusetts, and then went on to get their Master’s in Social Work at the University of Michigan. During their Master’s program, Maddi studied the connection between interpersonal practice and health. Since graduating from U of M, Maddi worked as a medical social worker at a community hospital in Washtenaw County that specializes in geriatric care. Maddi is passionate about their Metro Detroit community and health equity. When Maddi isn’t working, they enjoy snowboarding, traveling, and discovering local restaurants.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Board president & co-founder, Sarah LaFave, PhD, MPH, RN, is a graduate of the University of Delaware School of Nursing and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has her PhD in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Sarah has worked as an older adult care manager at a nonprofit, as well as at the University of Delaware College of Health Sciences as Director of Community Health Initiatives. Lori's Hands is named in memory of Sarah's mom, Lori. Sarah is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Board Treasurer & co-founder, Liz Bonomo, MS, is a JD candidate at the University of Maryland Carey School of Law. Liz was part of the founding LH volunteer cohort at the University of Delaware, where she was a French major. Volunteering with Lori’s Hands inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in the public health field and, after working in infectious disease research for several years, to go back to school and study health law.
Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Richard 'Rick' Hynes comes from a lower-middle-class family with a stay-at-home mother and a union worker father. Supporting himself through university, he graduated with a degree in Chemistry. Rick began his career at PPG Industries as a research chemist before joining Hercules Canada Ltd. as a Sales Representative dealing with the Pulp & Paper Industry of Canada. In 1986, he relocated to Wilmington, Delaware with his family to work for Hercules Inc. His roles included Business Director, Regional Sales Manager in Atlanta, North American Sales Manager, European Business Director in Brussels, and finally Global Marketing Director in Wilmington. Over 12 years, he focused on strategy development, business acquisitions, and alliances. Rick has actively participated in various volunteer activities, including Junior Achievement of Delaware, the Delaware Symphony Board, and the University of Maine-Pulp & Paper Foundation. After retiring from Hercules, he opened SarahCare of Great Valley, an adult daycare franchise. He also served as Chair of the Chester County Department of Aging Advisory Council and was involved with the United Way of Chester County, Chester County Financial Stability Partnership, Open Door, and SCORE Delaware. He continues to volunteer with Medicare Counseling programs in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In all his work and volunteer roles, Rick has focused on delivering positive financial outcomes to sustain the mission at hand.
Christine Gilmore began her career as a middle school math teacher and diversity and equity coordinator in Baltimore County Public Schools and later served as a math teacher, dorm parent and advisor for Oldfields School in Sparks Glencoe, Maryland. Christine’s outstanding teaching was recognized with multiple awards including the Nancy O’Connor Teaching Award, McColl Teaching Award and the McColl grant for new curriculum development.
After being promoted to a senior administrator role at Oldfields School, Christine established the office of DEI, and worked to embed DEI practices in all aspects of the school. After four years of laying a strong DEI foundation in the school community, Christine served as the Academic Dean and oversaw the academic program and faculty. She also served in the external role as Director of Alumnae and Parent Relations in Advancement at Chatham Hall.
Christine currently serves as the inaugural Head of Institutional Equity and Inclusion at Emma Willard School in Troy, NY, where she spearheads support for students through dialogue and community as well as guides faculty professional and program development.
Ms. Gilmore received her bachelor’s of business administration degree in accounting from Oglethorpe University and has completed coursework toward a master’s in teaching at Notre Dame of Maryland University. She has been trained at the Leadership Institute for Educators of Color at Kingswood Oxford School and is a certified diversity trainer from the National Coalition Building Institute.
Dr. Keith Chan is an Assistant Professor at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. Dr. Chan is a Health and Aging Policy Fellow, Asian RCMAR scientist, Hartford Doctoral Fellow and alumnus of the Minority Fellowship Program. He received his B.A. from Brown University and his MSW and Ph.D. from Boston College. He brings to the Lori's Hands Board of Directors a career focused on the social determinants of physical and mental health across the lifespan, in particular for Asian Americans, immigrants, and older adults.
Kim has her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Kim is a Licensed Social worker with Micro and Macro concentrations and is a Certified Case Manager. Kim has worked in the mental health field with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities as well as individuals with chronic mental health illnesses for over 20 years as a case manager, therapist and in management roles. Kim has been with Henry Ford Health System working with individuals with chronic illnesses since 2016. Kim joined Lori’s Hands as an Ambassador in 2023 and is excited to be part of the organization. Kim enjoys time with family, travel and being with her fur babies.
Michael Smith, MPA, is Delaware State Representative for District 22 and Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships for the UD College of Health Sciences. Previously, Michael was Executive Director of the Greater Newark Economic Development Partnership, and prior, Assistant Finance Director for Congressman Mike Castle. Michael has seen first-hand the impact of Lori’s Hands as his beloved grandmother was a long-time client.
Patrick has over 15 years of healthcare industry experience in Delaware, where he is the current owner/director for Griswold Home Care. He has been the owner since 2022. Prior to Griswold Home Care Patrick worked in various leadership roles in home health care and in assisted living communities.
In addition to his experience in the industry Patrick holds two dementia certifications-Certified Dementia. Practitioner and Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator.
Patrick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, WV. He lives in Wilmington with his wife and son. In his spare time, he enjoys travel and hopes to see all 50 states before he turns 50. Only four states to go and a few years to complete it. He has a passion for connecting with nature which could include a difficult hike or a day to relax on the beach.
Meet Our Lori’s Hands Scholars
Nia goes to Washtenaw Community College in Michigan and is thinking about pursuing a career in neuroscience or public health. She loves helping the Metro Detroit community and has done many community projects and past research on Detroit. Nia is motivated and passionate about finding solutions to healthcare disparities and is excited to contribute to Lori’s Hands’ cause.
My name is Tam Truong and I am a junior at Notre Dame of Maryland University majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. I’m excited to be a part of Lori’s Hands and to contribute to such a meaningful cause. Being able to serve the community, provide companionship, and build meaningful relationships is truly an honor.
Meet Our Delaware Student Leaders
Zoe Lehtonen, Co-President, is a medical diagnostics major with a public health minor. Zoe says, "Engaging in volunteer work through Lori's Hands has proven to be incredibly enriching. I have the privilege of making a positive impact on the community while honing valuable skills that will undoubtedly benefit my future undertakings. The connections I've established with clients hold special significance that grows over time, and the memories made during this experience are truly enduring."
Taylor Gascoine, Communications Chair, is a biological sciences major. Taylor says, "I love the many ways Lori’s Hands reaches out to its community to give people the help and companionship that they deserve. I am excited to continue working with Lori’s Hands to learn from others and build meaningful relationships with wonderful people."
Marissa Ristano, Vice President, is a biological sciences major and liberal studies major with a concentration in the Medical Scholar Program. Marissa says, “Lori’s Hands has been an amazing opportunity for students at the University of Delaware to make a lasting impact on the people in their community. I am looking forward to being able to do more for this organization and our community members!”
Lina Sora is our Treasurer for Lori's Hands in Newark. She is currently a Medical Diagnostics major on the pre-med track. Lina joined Lori's Hands as a way to get involved as a transfer student. She shared that "I felt so welcomed and more integrated into the University of Delaware as a whole. Lori's Hands allowed me to learn so much, form unique connections, and do my best to give back to an amazing community."
Kirti Daga, Co-Recruitment Chair, is a Biological Sciences major and Liberal Studies major with a concentration in the Medical Scholars Program. She says, "Lori's Hands creates a network of care and assistance that extends beyond medical treatment to address the holistic needs of individuals affected by chronic illness and I'm excited to continue working with Lori’s Hands to be able to do more for this organization and the members of our community!"
Sarah Buckingham, one of the recruitment chairs, is a medical diagnostics major with minors in biology and neuroscience. Sarah says, “Lori’s Hands has given me one of the most unique opportunities to form meaningful relationships in my community and earn a special perspective. I can’t wait to help more volunteers connect and serve our community of amazing clients!”
Mahogony Collins, Co-Recruitment Chair, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology major. Being with Lori’s Hands has opened up my eyes to the world outside of my everyday life. I aspire to help clients, hear their life stories and brighten their day just as much as they do to mine! I’m excited to keep working and learn from the program.
Ella Sutliff, one of the Co-Presidents in the Newark chapter, is a Pre-Dental student with a Nutrition and Medical Sciences major and a minor in Biological Sciences. She is thankful for the meaningful relationships that she has made with her clients and is excited to continue working with Lori’s Hands!
Meet Our Michigan Student Leaders
I am Lonna Brown, the Vice President of the student organization at Eastern Michigan university. I am studying social work. Loris Hands has taught me that being involved with the community is very important. Loris Hands has sparked my passion for working with older adults. I am forever thankful that I am a part of a wonderful community that values kindness and compassion for others.
Lore Oluwatominiyi, Treasurer, nursing major. I am excited at the prospect of joining Lori's hands. I love the positive impact Lori's hands has on the community and I am excited to create memorable experiences for both clients and students!I'm eager to bring my energy and enthusiasm to Lori's Hands and look forward to working with such a dedicated team.
Kristin is an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University, working towards a degree in occupational therapy. She currently works at Eastern as a supplemental instructor and has previous experience as an ABA technician. Her interest in Lori's Hands is closely associated with her dream career goal of becoming a geriatric occupational therapist. Outside of Lori's Hands, Kristin enjoys reading, knitting, biking, and trying new foods.
Grace Cote, a health administration intern, is majoring in health administration. Grace says, "I am incredibly excited to be involved with Lori's Hands as their mission greatly inspires me. I was a caregiver for my great-great aunt while in high school, and I am honored to be involved with a group that focuses on so many of the same ideals and goals that I resonate with. The opportunities and lessons offered to college students while providing care and hope to the community are something that we can all be inspired by. I am greatly looking forward to the next semester to come!"
Antonia Gitau is an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), majoring in Psychology and minoring in Human Biology. Her passion for attending medical school and hoping to pursue a career as a Neurosurgeon led her to become a student volunteer for Lori’s Hands as soon as the chapter first launched in Metro Detroit, Michigan in April 2022. Antonia has built strong relationships with her clients, gained more knowledge about chronic illnesses, and became involved in the organization to the point where she joined the Metro Detroit Michigan Ambassador Council. In acknowledgment of her obligation to Lori's Hands clients and support of her educational goals, Antonia was declared a victor of the 2023 Lori's Hands Edward Richards Memorial Essay Contest. In this scholarship essay, she expressed how much Lori's Hands has changed her life since she met one client specifically. One might ask, "Does it get better than this?" In August 2023, Antonia was granted the leadership role of becoming the President of the new Lori’s Hands Registered Student Organization (RSO) at Eastern Michigan University. With the assistance of Maddi Riemenschneider (Metro Detroit Chapter Manager), Antonia has effectively been managing the Lori’s Hands student organization and is eager to see it thrive.
Meet Our Baltimore Student Leaders
My name is Tam Truong and I am a junior at Notre Dame of Maryland University majoring in Health Sciences with a minor in Chemistry. I’m excited to be a part of Lori’s Hands and to contribute to such a meaningful cause. Being able to serve the community, provide companionship, and build meaningful relationships is truly an honor.
Hannah Santos, Vice-President, is a behavioral neuroscience major (pre-med). Hannah says, "Lori's Hands has been an amazing opportunity to help my Baltimore community and make meaningful connections. I love having the experience to meet new clients and learn more about them!"
Grace-Daril Ekalle is a Biology Major at Notre Dame of Maryland University. " When I first heard about Lori's Hands's work, I was very excited to be a part of it. Listening to the way others lead their life through sickness and being able to provide help and comfort is extremely enriching for both parties, which really helps to build relationships in the community. I am excited to continue being a part of this organization and cherish the valuable stories and life experiences shared with me by my community members.
Hello everyone, my name is Emma Mueller. I am studying nursing and health science and play volleyball at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Being part of Loris Hands has expanded my community and love for serving other. Being a nursing major, I have always had a drive to help and care for others. Lori’s Hands allows me to do that and build stronger relationships along the way.
Renee Rosales, Public Relations, is a sophomore at NDMU. She is majoring in Health Behavior Science and on the Tennis Team! She plans on heading towards a career in nursing and feels her experiences with Lori's Hand give her lots of insight and knowledge on how those with chronic illnesses live on a daily basis. She loves getting to know her clients and working with Lori's Hands gives her a stronger connection to her community!
Meet Our Baltimore Ambassador Council
Maya Johnson is an undergraduate majoring in Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins. She currently conducts research on glioblastoma therapuetics. She hopes to pursue cancer survivorship research next year in a graduate degree. Maya is from Robbinsville, NJ. She has been volunteering with Lori's Hand for a little over a year and has greatly enjoyed her time and the people she has met.
Chad Schrier MSN, RN, CEN, SCRN is a certified emergency nurse as well as a stroke certified nurse. Chad has over 18 years of nursing experience. He graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Towson University and his Masters of Science in Nursing Education from Walden University. Chad began his nursing career in the Adult Emergency Department in an inner city, comprehensive center in Baltimore and spent many years working on that unit. He then transitioned to become the stroke coordinator at the same institution in 2016.
Since becoming the stroke coordinator, Chad has been the chair and/or co- chair every year for the Maryland Comprehensive Stroke Conference from 2016 to present. Chad has been the Secretary of the Maryland Stroke Coordinators Consortium (MSCC) in 2019 as well as Chair of the MSCC 2020. Chad is currently on the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) Test Development Committee (TDC) whose goal is to review pre-exitsing exam questions and write new exam questions for the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Exam.
Since becoming the stroke coordinator, Chad has been the chair and/or co- chair every year for the Maryland Comprehensive Stroke Conference from 2016 to present. Chad has been the Secretary of the Maryland Stroke Coordinators Consortium (MSCC) in 2019 as well as Chair of the MSCC 2020. Chad is currently on the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) Test Development Committee (TDC) whose goal is to review pre-exitsing exam questions and write new exam questions for the Stroke Certified Registered Nurse Exam.
Meet Our Metro Detroit Ambassador Council
Brooklynn Wilton is a graduate student at the University of Michigan, School of Social Work. Brooklynn obtained her Bachelors in Social Work from Eastern Michigan University. While at Eastern Michigan University, Brooklynn was an intern for Lori’s Hands. She visited clients weekly where she learned about them, their chronic illnesses, and worked hard to support the clients where they needed it. Brooklynn hopes to become a medical social worker and therapist, where she will use the skills and knowledge she obtained interning with Lori’s Hands in her future practice. Brooklynn is currently an ambassador of Lori’s hands in their Metro Detroit, Michigan Branch. Brooklynn is excited to engage with more community members as Lori’s Hands expands. She looks forward to seeing how Lori’s Hands supports community members, and how those community members help aid in the education of students like Brooklynn.
Kim has her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Kim is a Licensed Social worker with Micro and Macro concentrations and is a Certified Case Manager. Kim has worked in the mental health field with individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities as well as individuals with chronic mental health illnesses for over 20 years as a case manager, therapist and in management roles. Kim has been with Henry Ford Health System working with individuals with chronic illnesses since 2016. Kim joined Lori’s Hands as an Ambassador in 2023 and is excited to be part of the organization. Kim enjoys time with family, travel and being with her fur babies.
Antonia Gitau is an undergraduate student at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Biology. Her passion for attending medical school and hoping to pursue a career as a Neurosurgeon led her to become a student volunteer for Lori’s Hands as soon as the chapter first launched in Metro Detroit, Michigan in April 2022. Antonia has built strong relationships with her clients, gained more knowledge about chronic illnesses, and became involved in the organization which led her to joining the Metro Detroit Michigan Ambassador Council. In acknowledgment of her obligation to Lori's Hands clients and support of her educational goals, Antonia was declared a victor of the 2023 Lori's Hands Edward Richards Memorial Essay Contest. In this scholarship essay, she expressed how much Lori's Hands has changed her life since she met one client specifically. As one would ask "Does it get better than this?" In August 2023, Antonia was granted the leadership role of becoming the President of the new Lori’s Hands Registered Student Organization (RSO) at Eastern Michigan University. With the assistance of Maddi Gale-Laman (Metro Detroit Chapter Manager), Antonia has effectively been leading the Lori's Hands RSO and is eager to be a part of its growth.
Dr. Robert Vaidya is the current Medical Director for Detroit's VA Medical Center Home-Based Primary Care program. He has previous experience as the Medical Director of PACE of Southeast Michigan (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) and Associate Medical Director of Comprehensive Care at Henry Ford Health System.
Anna Pekrul developed an interest in working with older adults while volunteering at a residential assisted living facility during her time at Eastern Michigan University, from which she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Motivated by this experience, she went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 2023, with a focus on older adults and families, alongside policy & political social work. Since 2022, Anna has worked as a nonprofit consultant, helping organizations with grant writing, strategic planning, and organizational development. She is very excited to help Lori's Hands expand their reach to support more chronically ill older adults in Southeast Michigan. In her free time, Anna likes to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the outdoors, especially playing disc golf.
Louis is a University of California, Berkeley graduate and a current health economics researcher at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His work combines clinical initiatives with economic research to promote equitable healthcare access. His recent projects center on advancing telehealth equity in Oakland, CA, and examining how internet access functions as a key social determinant of health. Outside of work, Louis enjoys running, reading, and playing soccer.
Heather Silander, Ed.D, CTRS, is a Recreational Therapist and an Associate Professor of Therapeutic Recreation at Eastern Michigan University. In addition to her 12 years of developing and implementing undergraduate courses, she has mentored hundreds of undergraduate students in Recreation, Sport Management, and Recreation Therapy. Additionally, Heather has 20 years of experience administering, developing, implementing, and evaluating community-based therapeutic recreation programs and community outreach.
Miriam Vincent is a senior care consultant who works with families and individuals when they want guidance in making decisions regarding caregiving. Her path which led her to this work was anything but linear – her undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University is in the sciences; she worked in a family business; she taught preschool and earned a Master’s degree in early childhood education at the University of Michigan; she worked in educational research; and then stayed home to raise her three children. When her father became ill and moved to a nursing care facility, she felt like her zig-zag path in life finally led her to the work that felt most meaningful to her. She spent the next ten years working as a private caregiver, specializing in dementia care, acquiring certifications along the way. In 2020, Miriam shifted her focus to consulting. She is excited to help people in the community learn about Lori’s Hands and to share information with staff about best practices for people with dementia. Miriam enjoys games of all sorts, from cards to ping pong.
