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. Prior to joining Lori's Hands in 2022, Maddi worked as a medical social worker at a community hospital in Washtenaw County, Michigan 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.
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.
James is completing his degree in Health Administration at Eastern Michigan University. He began his journey with Lori’s Hands in Fall 2025 as a Health Administration Intern, where he gained experience supporting the organization’s mission and serving the local Metro Detroit community. Outside of Lori’s Hands and his academic studies, James enjoys spending time with friends and family, relaxing with his two dogs, and working in the golf industry. An avid golfer, he loves being out on the course whenever he gets the chance.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Board Co-Vice Chair & 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.
Beth Rycke, CPA, is a Senior Fund Accountant at VIRIDIS Fund Solutions. She was introduced to Lori's Hands through the Business Volunteers Maryland GIVE Fellowship in summer 2024. As part of the program, Beth engaged monthly with our team, including a “Day in Community” visit with a client, student, and Ambassador Council member. Her team completed multiple projects for Lori’s Hands and helped secure funding through a final presentation to the BVM class and local supporters. Beth joined the Finance Committee before completing the fellowship and has been an active contributor since. Beth lives in the Baltimore area with her husband and near her extended family.
Kylie Grinwald is a Management Consultant at Accenture based in the Metro Detroit area. She has professional experience in software implementation, business process design, and human resources, which she uses to help organizations streamline workflows, improve internal systems, and build stronger teams.
Kylie has also led early-stage technology start-ups as COO, operated small businesses, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. She combines academic training, corporate experience, and on-the-ground work in start-ups and small businesses to provide practical, timely guidance at the right level.
After learning about Lori's Hands in 2024 through connecting with Michigan chapter leadership, Kylie is excited to serve and support the organization in scaling internal operating systems and exploring sustainable funding strategies.
Elle Van Dahlgren, Esq. is an attorney who advises clients on matters relating to estate planning, including powers of attorney, advance health care directives, wills, revocable trusts, supplemental needs trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and asset protection. Her work encompasses all aspects of wills and trusts in Delaware and Pennsylvania, including probate of wills, the marshaling and inventory of assets, and the administration of living and testamentary trusts. In addition, Elle provides counsel on planning for long term care needs and Medicaid qualification for residents of Delaware.
Dr. Minal Patel brings a combination of research expertise, institutional relationships, and genuine personal investment in this work. As a Professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, Dr. Patel has established herself as a national leader in research on financial burden, healthcare affordability, and non-medical drivers of health. Her research examines how the cost of care—and the lack of essentials like transportation, housing, and food—undermine people's ability to manage chronic illnesses. She identifies systemic barriers within healthcare and social services, and evaluates policies and interventions that better support people's financial and physical well-being. The goal of her work is to ensure that no one has to choose between getting medical care and meeting basic needs.
Meet Our Baltimore Student Leaders
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.
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!"
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.
More to come!
Meet Our Metro Detroit Student Leaders
Michal Kama is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan studying Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology on a pre-med track. She is the UofM RSO’s president and has found her time with Lori’s Hands so impactful! She is excited to collaborate with her peers who share her passion for Lori’s Hands and for making a meaningful difference in the community.
Om Khuperkar is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan studying Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience on a pre-med track with a Business Minor. He is the RSO’s Vice President and has a passion for making a difference in the community and the mission behind Lori’s Hands. He is excited to expand the scope of this organization on campus and looks forward to spreading the impact of student volunteers throughout the community!
My name is Yu Hsuan Chen, a student majoring in the biological sciences on the pre-dental track. I’m part of the Metro Detroit chapter in Michigan and extremely fortunate to have been given the chance to be involved with Lori’s Hands mission. As an out of state student, I’m very happy to be able to provide care for those in my new community while developing interpersonal skills and gaining insights into my future career. I hope to continue contributing to this organization and encounter more marvelous experiences in the future!
I'm Maddie Minerick, one of the Recruitment Chairs for the University of Michigan RSO. I'm a pre-medical student majoring in Neuroscience with a focus on women's health. Lori's Hands has allowed me to learn more about chronic illnesses and how they affect the day-to-day lives of those afflicted, all while benefiting those in my community. In the next semester, I'm excited to connect more students at the University of Michigan with clients living with chronic illnesses in the Metro Detroit area!
Andrew Spilotro, Co-Recruitment Chair, is a Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience major at the University of Michigan. He shares, “Lori’s Hands has been a wonderful opportunity to give back to the Ann Arbor community and to grow through valuable life lessons along the way. I’m excited to help welcome new members into the organization, and I’m confident that Lori’s Hands will continue expanding its reach and impact.”
Lily Weinstock is an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan (c/o 2028) majoring in Neuroscience. She is one of the UofM RSO’s recruitment chairs, and she loves Lori’s Hands because she loves making connections with clients through music, and hearing their impactful stories.
Meet Our Newark Student Leaders
Kirti Daga, President, is a Biology and Liberal Medical Studies Major at the University of Delaware. Kirti values Lori's Hands because it fosters authentic, reciprocal relationships between students and community members living with chronic illness, transforming service into a powerful exchange of compassion and understanding. It reinforces her belief that meaningful healthcare begins with empathy and human connection.
Sarah Buckingham, Vice President, is a Medical Diagnostics major with a Biology minor at the University of Delaware. Sarah loves Lori's Hands because it helps those who need a helping hand or friend to talk to. Without it, she never would have met her client, Alma, and learned such valuable lessons about the healthcare system, humility, and empathy that she will hold on to for the rest of her life.
Giuliana Costello, Treasurer, is a Nutrition & Medical Sciences Major at the University of Delaware. Giuliana loves Lori's Hands because it exemplifies the power of community and mutual support. By spending time with clients, she has not only been able to contribute care and companionship, but she has also gained invaluable insights from their stories and strength, shaping the way she views service and connection.
Kylie Studzinski, Communications Chair, is a Medical Diagnostics Pre-Physician Assistant Major at the University of Delaware. Kylie loves Lori's Hands because it gives her valuable patient interaction outside of a clinical setting. Kylie's able to support people in their daily lives while also gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges patients face, which helps her grow in both compassion and empathy—qualities she shares will be essential in her career.
Olivia Lewin, Co-Recruitment Chair, is a Medical Diagnostics (Pre-PA) Major with a Spanish for Healthcare & Nutrition Minor at the University of Delaware. Olivia loves Lori's Hands because it has given her the opportunity to connect with the community around her in fun and fulfilling ways. As a volunteer, she has come to understand some of the challenges individuals living with chronic illness face and how much having someone supporting and helping them, like Lori's Hands volunteers, can impact their day-to-day lives.
Kaitlyn Gutkovich, Co-Recruitment Chair, is a Medical Diagnostics Major with a Professional Selling & Sales Management Minor at the University of Delaware. Kaitlyn loves Lori's Hands because it makes her feel like she's making a difference in people's lives. She shares that it is amazing to see the impact Lori's Hands has had on both her clients and herself.
Roxanne Troutman, Co-Recruitment Chair, is a Health Behavior Science Major at the University of Delaware. Roxanne loves Lori's Hands because it creates meaningful opportunities for genuine connection. Her time with her client is filled with laughter, learning, and memorable moments that truly stay with her.
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
Amber Fatima is a Lori's Hands student volunteer alumnus who graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2024. Amber will attend the University of Michigan as a medical student starting in the Summer of 2025. Amber shared, "Lori's Hands has been an experience that has profoundly shaped my aspirations and played an important part in paving my path to medical school. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with clients living with chronic illnesses and learning from their resilience and life stories. I believe that my time with Lori's Hands will continue to influence my approach to medicine and remind me of the impact of empathy and community in the healing process."
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.
