National Board Members
Ray Sorrentini
National Board Chair (Boston)
Ray joined DREAM’s board in 2020, drawn to its mission and having personally experienced the importance of relationship building in bridging the opportunity gap. He is an Executive Director at the J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Boston, responsible for coordinating the Firm’s investment, lending and banking business with families and select non-profit institutions throughout New England. Ray received a bachelor's degree from the University of Connecticut, an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and currently lives outside of Boston with his incredible wife Jen and their wonderfully energetic boys, Tyler and Cameron. As of 2021, he serves as the Board Chair.
Sandy Mervak
National Board Vice-Chair (CA), Policy Committee Chair
Sandy became a DREAMer in 2006, while he was a student at the University of Vermont. He stayed involved with DREAM for several years after college, reluctantly leaving his role as Development Director in 2014 to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan. He earned an MBA and a Master of Public Policy degree, and now works for Adobe in Washington, DC. He is interested in the ways in which technology can contribute to a fairer, more democratic and sustainable society--but is also really into tennis, books, and books on tennis.
Rosemary Courtney
National Board Secretary (NJ), DEI Committee
Rosemary Courtney is married to William Knowlton and they are the proud parents of 2 (almost) grown sons. Rosemary earned her B.A. from Rutgers and an M.B.A from New York University. She is a licensed CPA and has enjoyed a long career in finance. Rosemary is also an active member in her community. She volunteers at the Bridge of Books Foundation, held board positions with The Junior League of Monmouth County, the Education Foundation of Little Silver and the Parent Teachers’ Organization of Little Silver, NJ. Rosemary currently serves as Membership Chairperson for the Shrewsbury Sailing and Yacht Club's Board of Governors in Oceanport, NJ.
Eric Groberg
Board Member at Large (NYC) Finance Committee
Eric comes to DREAM with a long and extensive family history with the organization, his niece and nephew-in-law DREAM Alumni from Champlain College and his brother a former long-standing member of the Vermont Committee. Most importantly, Eric has been a willing and engaged member of the National Board as DREAM's Board transitioned to the national governance model. Eric is Director of Finance at Curiam Capital LLC, and Chief Operating Officer for Menaji Worldwide LLC with a career history in finance.
Andrew Lassiter
Board member at Large (NYC), Executive Committee
Andrew is a long time DREAMer. A veteran of the Vermont office with a number of years' service to Camp DREAM, Andrew joined the Board in March of 2014. He now serves as an at-large member of the Executive Committee. Andrew lives in New York City and is an Urban Planner at the New York City Council.
Tim Wright
Board Member at Large (NYC), DEI Committee
Tim was part of the founding group of DREAM mentors at Dartmouth College, from which he graduated in 2001. Before joining DREAM’s Board in 2019, he was an active contributor and advisor to DREAM’s strategic growth, including support for building Camp DREAM and engaging alumni in the greater New York area. Tim lives in New York City and the Berkshires and is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Corporate Strategy & Development for Guggenheim Investments, an asset management firm.
Vermont Region Board
Tom Wilson
Regional Chair, Policy Committee, Executive Committee
Tom works as Program Coordinator in the Office of Community-University Partnerships and Service-Learning (CUPS) at the University of Vermont, where he also earned his Master's in Education. A Seattle native and Colby College graduate, he has worked in and out of the classroom with students of all ages, including in Japan, Cambodia, Colombia and Costa Rica. Tom has worked with a number of local schools, farms, and non-profit organizations in the Burlington area, and in recent summers he has led academic programs to Central Appalachia, New England and the Desert Southwest with a traveling high school called the Field Academy.
When not seeking out new classrooms, Tom is most likely eating; hiking, biking, kayaking or otherwise playing outside; caring too much about distant sports outcomes; checking out live music; or eating. Tom had been a Board member for several years before he resigned to embark on a world tour. He rejoined the Board in the Spring of 2015.
Erika Baldasaro
Member, Finance Committee
Erika Baldasaro knew from her first contact with DREAM that she wanted to be part of such an amazing organization and is excited to bring her skills and enthusiasm as a board member.
Erika is a native of Brunswick, Maine and has over 20 years of experience in the banking industry. She currently works as a VP and New England region district manager for Community Bank N.A. and earned her B.S. in business administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Erika resides in Vermont with her husband and 3 children.
Connie Beal
Member, DEI Committee
Connie Beal (she/her) is thrilled to reconnect with DREAM since her early connection in 2004-2005 when she helped clear trails and lug water jugs. Connie works for United Way of Northwest Vermont as the Working Bridges Initiative Director. She leads training development, innovation work, and strategic partnerships. She convenes the Working Bridges employer network to identify and design ways to leverage resources and identify gaps in supporting the ever-changing needs of Vermont’s workforce. She supports a team of Resource Coordinators and helps individual employees at workplaces navigate various community resources related to housing, childcare, transportation, health care, and more. A key driver of her work is her commitment to helping individuals find stability, thrive, and reach their goals.
Prior to Working Bridges, Connie was the Senior Resource Coordinator at Vermont 2-1-1, a 24-7 health and human service helpline serving Vermonters. She has experience working for nonprofits in the anti-violence and substance use prevention fields; as well as public health experience in the public sector. Connie holds a BA in Psychology from Colby College and Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Vermont. She is a graduate of Leadership Champlain during which she completed an intensive earned income assessment for DREAM as part of a team-based service learning project.
Connie is excited to support DREAM's growth and development. Most importantly, she is eager to support the amazing staff so they can do their vital work to bust the opportunity gap for kids, especially during times of uncertainty related to COVID19. She maintains work-life balance by escaping to a Vermont mountain top, playing with her 2 young children, or eating LOTS of chocolate.
Catherine Welch
Member
Catherine joined DREAM’s board in 2021 as an educator and community member who believes in the important role DREAM plays in fostering and supporting the limitless potential of our youth. She serves as the Associate Dean of Student Success and Title IX Coordinator at Saint Michael’s College and holds a doctorate in higher education administration. Her undergraduate and Master’s-level background is in K-12 education, and her current research interests include educational equity and access, postsecondary enrollment and completion, as well as the intersection between K-12 and higher education.
Catherine is based in Vermont with her husband, and their dog, and they are excited to welcome their first child this Spring! Catherine loves to travel both nationally and internationally, and when not traveling, can often be found hiking, mountain biking, drinking tea and reading a book, or walking her pup.
Philadelphia Region Board
Sam Glickman
Regional Chair, Transparency & Learning Committee Chair, Executive Committee
Sam has been involved with DREAM since he served as a mentor at Dartmouth College. Having moved to Philadelphia after college, he was excited to be on the advance team to bring DREAM there as well. Sam works at Susquehanna International Group where he serves as an Associate Director. When not at work or DREAMing, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife and four children.
Deirdre Butler
Member, Executive Committee
Deirdre joined the Philly board in 2015, shortly after moving to the city of brotherly love from Nashville. She has a passion for youth mentoring, having worked for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Nashville and Boston for 7 years. She is excited to be part of a program like DREAM, as it wraps its arms around a community and takes responsibility for the youth in it. In addition to being a regional board member, she serves on the Executive Committee.
Deirdre holds a BS in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and a MS in Psychology from Walden University. She currently works as a Volunteer Engagement Rep, managing volunteers for the American Red Cross. Deirdre loves living in West Philly with her dog Charlotte.
Tariem Burroughs
Member, Policy Committee
Tariem became a DREAMer in 2019. He has a passion for working with communities, youth, education, and health which has lead him to DREAM. He's happy to be serving as a board member hopes to bring his knowledge and skills to aid all to reach their DREAMs. He is currently finishing is degree in Sociology focusing on medical education and community health.
Jon Potter
Member, Finance Committee
Jon was a DREAM mentor in college and then became DREAM Inc's founding Executive Director. He is now in Philadelphia working in economic development for an organization called University City District. In between, he helped build a couple of houses, got an MBA, and worked at The Boston Consulting Group. Depending on when you read this, he either has a daughter on the way or is the proud parent of a baby girl. He is soooo excited that DREAM has arrived in Philly and couldn't be prouder to be a part of the team here.
Francie Middleton
Member, DEI Committee
Francie has been involved with DREAM since she became a mentor at Dartmouth College in 2008. After stints in Boston and San Francisco, this Philadelphia-native is very excited to be part of growing DREAM in her hometown as a member of the Philadelphia regional board. Francie has a background in nonprofit fundraising having worked for KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools and several United Ways. She and her husband Michael live in Rittenhouse Square, are avid baseball fans, and always looking for new restaurant recommendations!
Jen Goodwin
Member, Transparency & Learning Committee
Jen became a DREAMer in 2018. As a Philadelphia native she is happy to be a part of an organization that enthusiastically works to support and build relationships with youth and families across the city. Outside of DREAM, Jen works at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia as a Data Analyst, using data to find address gaps in care. In her free time, she likes to enjoy all the time she can outside.
Gabriela Rodriquez
Member, DEI Committee
Gabbi has been involved with DREAM since her first semester of college in 2016 and it quickly became the best part of her college experience. Gabbi is now a science teacher at Dobbins high school in Philadelphia and is working on her masters in Urban Education and Policy. Ultimately she wants to work to bring more equity to the public school system!
Sean Matthews
Member
Sean Matthews is the Project Manager for the Support Services in the RWJ Barnabas Health-Rutgers Medical Group. Sean is responsible for leading and supporting the successful transition of an independent practice into the dynamic Medical Group. The goal is for practices to have an easy transition for acquisitions starting with RWJBH, practices opening new sites or closing old sites, and relocating practices into newly built sites. Additionally, he provides service excellence to the new providers, staff as well as our operational leaders through a purposeful and efficient process. He leads the scope of the project and aligns initiatives with corresponding timeframes via deliverables to make for a smooth Go Live outcome.
Sean received his Bachelors in Biology from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and his Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Health Administration from Ashford University. He recently received a certification in Leadership Development from Rutgers University. Sean is currently enrolled in Seton Hall University pursuing his PHD of Health Sciences with a concentration in Health Professions Leadership from Seton Hall University. Sean joined DREAM’s Board in 2021.
Jess Dow
Member
Jess has been passionate about mentoring and working with children since a young age, and was pleased to officially join the Board in 2021. She started the chapter of Best Buddies at her High School in Wisconsin, and continued volunteering through college at Lehigh University and when living and working in New York City. She volunteers with the nonprofit, Greensgrow, a Philadelphia urban garden, and serves as Treasurer of the Board and leads children's programming focusing on water conservation and healthy eating.
Jess works at PwC in their ESG Services practice, helping companies improve their Corporate Responsibility initiatives. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Joe, and young daughter, Eliza. She enjoys trying new restaurants in Philly and planning playdates for her daughter and herself.
Kyle Kowalski
Member
Kyle started as a mentor for DREAM at Saint Michael’s College in 2017 and continued on to become one of the Student Leaders for DREAM’s Franklin Square chapter. He has a passion for service work and creating new connections with people. Kyle will be attending Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine with a strong interest in Family Medicine. In his spare time, he is an avid skier and rock climber.
Julia Dignam
Member
Julia joined DREAM’s Philadelphia board in 2022, excited to make a meaningful impact on the lives of youth throughout Philadelphia. Julia is a nonprofit professional, providing fundraising counsel and philanthropic advice to the nonprofit sector and social impact space. Energized by community engagement, Julia served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps as a case manager for an emergency homeless shelter in Philadelphia. She graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Affairs with a concentration in Global Health. Julia grew up in Garden City, New York and now resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Boston Region Board
Neal Warren
Member , National Board Treasurer, Executive Committee
Neal Warren joined the DREAM board in October 2010 after many years of vicariously living within the DREAM community through friends and relatives. Neal currently serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee as well as a member of the Boston regional board. A career accountant, Neal lives and works in New Hampshire and enjoys hiking and cooking with his partner Jessica.
Bailey Ruhm
Member
Bailey found her way to the DREAM Board after her experience mentoring with DREAM during her undergraduate years at the University of Vermont. Bailey comes to DREAM with a passion for child advocacy. Since graduating UVM, she has pursued a career in the legal profession, with hopes of bringing her passion for child advocacy to this field as well. Outside of work and DREAM, Bailey enjoys anything active and/or outdoors!
The DREAM Program INC. is a 501(c)(3) service organization established in the winter of 1998 and developed as a nonprofit in 2001. Its goal is to bring high quality mentoring and activity programing to at-promise youth through summer enrichment, academic support, village mentoring, and unlimited adventures.
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