For more information on our nonprofit, clothing help or the food insecurity blog please call or text: (315) 399-6602
For more information on our nonprofit, clothing help or the food insecurity blog please call or text: (315) 399-6602
Founder & Director
Sheila Dion is the founder and director of Erin’s Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding children. She started the organization in 2017 with the goal of turning the tragic death of Erin Maxwell into a powerful way to create lasting change. Under Sheila's leadership, Erin’s Angels has grown into a well-respected and effective food insecurity organization, with a team of dedicated volunteers.
In addition to her work with Erin’s Angels, Sheila is also the owner of Small Town Girl Marketing. She started the business in 2022 with the goal of having a remote consulting service that she could run while travelling. She specializes in helping grass roots organizations with marketing and fundraising to help them increase their visibility and impact. With her experience in the nonprofit sector, she understands the unique challenges faced by small organizations with limited resources.
In addition to her work with Erin’s Angels and Small Town Girl Marketing, Sheila is also a passionate advocate for food insecurity, and regularly speaks at events to raise awareness and inspire action. She holds an Associate Degree from Holyoke Community College in Massachusetts and has completed additional training and certifications from Leadership Oswego County and Dale Carnegie. Throughout her career, Sheila has been recognized for her leadership and contributions to the community. She has received numerous awards and honors, including The Central New York Business Journal’s Non-Profit Award for Board Leadership, the Phoenix Central School District “Making a Difference Award” and she was recently recognized by Channel 9 as one of Central New York’s “Most Remarkable Women”.
She believes that when people come together to share their talent and resources they can build stronger communities, so she started a networking for good event that meets twice a year. Oswego Women Lead’s mission is to give back to the community with in kind donations at each event. The idea is that networking is not just about what we can do for ourselves, but about how we are able to better the lives of the people around us.
She has three sons. Thomas is a crew chief in the U.S. Air National Guard, Michael graduated from Alfred State College for Electrical Technology, and Johnathan attends Daemen University and is studying for his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. In her free time, Sheila enjoys traveling with her significant other Dean, and resides in Baldwinsville with her pocket beagle Zuzu.
Board President
Candy Herbert
Candy earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Atlantic Union College, a master’s degree in Human Services from Capella University, and a master’s degree in Social Work from Syracuse University. She is a Licensed Master Social Worker, a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Master Counselor, and a Certified Prevention Professional. Candy has served in multiple leadership roles at Farnham Family Services since Dec. 2018. She has over 30 years’ experience working in the mental health and addiction field, 14 of those years as an administrator and director. She worked with youth and their families in the Home and Community Based Services Waiver program, children, and youth community residence, as well as with adults with co-occurring mental health and substance use diagnosis. Candy serves on multiple committees in Oswego County including, substance use disorder and Recovery workforce, Pulaski Community Taskforce, Oswego County Runaway and Homeless Advisory Committee, Alcohol and Other Drug Committee at SUNY Oswego, Safe Harbor, and OCO SCORE Workforce.
Executive Board
Jackie Flint- Vice President
Jackie Flint- Vice President
Jackie Flint- Vice President
Jackie Flint has been on the Board of Directors for Erin's Angel's since inception and is currently Chair Person for Erin’s Angels fundraising committee. She was recently promoted to Assistant Director of Product Management at The Hartford Insurance Group where she has worked full time for 34 years.
Jackie grew up in San Francisco, California before planting roots in Central New York in 1986. Jackie lived in Phoenix, NY for more than 20 years before moving to Hannibal, NY after marrying her husband Jamie in 2014. They have raised their 4 children and are recent empty nesters!
Jackie was actively involved in her children’s activities growing up including The Boy Scouts of America, where her son Luke earned the rank of Eagle Scout, as well as coaching for the Phoenix Pop Warner Cheerleading program for several years. She also took great pride in sharing her passion for Erin’s Angels with her children and looks forward to continuing this tradition with her granddaughter Aurora.
Erin’s Angels means a lot to Jackie personally. Food insecurity has touched her life both as a child who experienced lean times growing up as well as the precious time she spent with Erin. While there is nothing we can do to change the past, we can do something to help today and in the future. Breaking the cycle of poverty and food insecurity for the little people in our community. For these reasons, she continues to work in this role with an organization committed to filling this much needed gap in our community.
Erica Ward- Secretary
Jackie Flint- Vice President
Jackie Flint- Vice President
Erica joins our board as a graduate of Phoenix Central Schools Class of 2003. She then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Buffalo State College as well as her Family Development Credentials from the University of Connecticut. Upon returning to Oswego County Erica has dedicated over 10 years to serving members of Oswego County through non-profit work and has provided traditional and non-traditional outreach services to youth in the county for 9 of those years. Erica is currently working for the Research Foundation at SUNY ESF where initiation, funding and management of all SUNY ESF research activity begins. Erica, with her Husband Dan and 3 children reside in the Phoenix community. Erica has served in the role of Secretary for the board since 2020 and has been working within the board to utilize her strengths, best practices, and enthusiasm towards fighting food insecurity in this community.
Barb Stone- Treasurer
Jackie Flint- Vice President
Barb Stone- Treasurer
For more than 25 years, Barb has worked in senior leadership positions in various types of manufacturing in Central New York after receiving her MBA in Operations and Finance from Syracuse University. During this time, she has always been actively involved in the community sitting on various boards and working hands on with many not-for-profit organizations.
Although she achieved her career initiatives, there was always something tugging at her heart to be able to help individuals reach their potential. Being a life-long learner, Barb continued her personal growth in resilience, positive psychology and furthered her coach training. This led Barb to becoming a certified Leadership Development Coach to help individuals in their personal and professional lives gain clarity and life tools to fully live to their potential.. Thus, in 2018 Build Your Path LLC was born…
In addition to coaching, Barb does speaking and training engagements on leadership and positivity for organizations.
Our Team
Robin Hillpot- Summer Meals Coordinator
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
Robin was born and raised in Syracuse, and graduated from OCC with a degree in Criminal Justice. She is married and has 2 adult sons that graduated from Phoenix Schools. She worked for the Phoenix Central School District for 13 years, and still subs occasionally. Robin supports all things Phoenix, and this includes coming on board with Er
Robin was born and raised in Syracuse, and graduated from OCC with a degree in Criminal Justice. She is married and has 2 adult sons that graduated from Phoenix Schools. She worked for the Phoenix Central School District for 13 years, and still subs occasionally. Robin supports all things Phoenix, and this includes coming on board with Erin's Angels from its inception. She is passionate about the mission and is honored to help in any way she can.
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
Lisa is a native of Phoenix and graduated from JCB in 1987 and Bryant & Stratton College in 1989 with an Associate Degree.
She is a Certified Special Education Teaching Assist for OCM BOCES and is certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. She has two children Michaela and Noah and three granddaughters Nevaeh, Camila & Isabella.
In her
Lisa is a native of Phoenix and graduated from JCB in 1987 and Bryant & Stratton College in 1989 with an Associate Degree.
She is a Certified Special Education Teaching Assist for OCM BOCES and is certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. She has two children Michaela and Noah and three granddaughters Nevaeh, Camila & Isabella.
In her free time, she loves to create beautiful, one of a kind crafts and spend time with her granddaughters.
Connie DeShaies- Founding Board Member
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
Connie DeShaies- Founding Board Member
Connie has been involved with Erin's Angels since it's conception in May of 2017. She is a teacher's aide at Maroun Elementary and has seen first hand the need for our organization and the impact in makes. Connie schedules the volunteers who pack the bags every week and helps Linda Bulgrien with meal planning.. Connie has a dual major in
Connie has been involved with Erin's Angels since it's conception in May of 2017. She is a teacher's aide at Maroun Elementary and has seen first hand the need for our organization and the impact in makes. Connie schedules the volunteers who pack the bags every week and helps Linda Bulgrien with meal planning.. Connie has a dual major in Management and Computer Science from Hiram College, Hiram, Ohio, and an MBA from Oswego State. She worked as a Software Test Engineer for Martin Marietta and then General Electric before staying home to raise her sons. She has been the President and/or Treasurer for local organizations including the Phoenix Community Nursery School, the Elm Street (MAM) PFO (PTA), the EJD PTO, and the Phoenix Band and Colorguard Boosters. She has also been active with the Phoenix Chorus and Drama Boosters and the Sports Boosters, and is currently the Librarian for the Phoenix Community Band. Connie is originally from St. Mary’s PA. She and her husband Tim have two grown sons and have lived in Phoenix for over 30 years.
Jennifer Dubovik- Founding Board Member
Jennifer Dubovik- Founding Board Member
Jennifer Dubovik- Founding Board Member
Jen has been on the Board of Directors for Erin's Angels since its inception and serves on the fundraising, strategic planning, and scholarships committees. Jen grew up in Marathon, NY, and went to college in Binghamton for Radiologic Technology. She then went on to SUNY Upstate in Syracuse for Nuclear Medicine Technology. She is employed
Jen has been on the Board of Directors for Erin's Angels since its inception and serves on the fundraising, strategic planning, and scholarships committees. Jen grew up in Marathon, NY, and went to college in Binghamton for Radiologic Technology. She then went on to SUNY Upstate in Syracuse for Nuclear Medicine Technology. She is employed as a PET/CT technologist for Crouse Radiology Associates at HOACNY. Her husband Dan has played a vital role in supporting Erin's Angels and shares in her commitment to the program. Their 4 children and 2 grandchildren live in Denver, Schenectady, Camillus and Boston. They are all Phoenix School alumni. In her free time, she enjoys visiting family, traveling and landscaping.
Jim Graham- Founding Board Member
Jennifer Dubovik- Founding Board Member
Jennifer Dubovik- Founding Board Member
Jim is a lifelong resident of Phoenix with two children in the district. He is a graduate of SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor of Science and attained his Masters of Special Education from Lemoyne. He works as a Special Education Teacher and coach at Hannibal High School. Jim is also a member of the PCSD School board. In his spare time he
Jim is a lifelong resident of Phoenix with two children in the district. He is a graduate of SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor of Science and attained his Masters of Special Education from Lemoyne. He works as a Special Education Teacher and coach at Hannibal High School. Jim is also a member of the PCSD School board. In his spare time he loves to be active with his family and has traveled to almost 30 countries!
Lu Hart- Merchandise Coordinator
Jennifer Dubovik- Founding Board Member
Lu Hart- Merchandise Coordinator
Lu is also a native of the Phoenix area. She has a background in human development and graduated from Binghamton University. She works with child protective services for Oswego County. She has been with DSS for 12 years and enjoys helping families. She hopes to be able to help provide resources to families in need and get the word out
Lu is also a native of the Phoenix area. She has a background in human development and graduated from Binghamton University. She works with child protective services for Oswego County. She has been with DSS for 12 years and enjoys helping families. She hopes to be able to help provide resources to families in need and get the word out about feeding people in the community she grew up in and loves!
Emily Russo
Maryann D'Addio- Fundraising Committee Chair
Jamie Currier Dix
My name is Emily Russo and I am a new board member for Erin's Angels. I reside locally with my significant other, Chris, and our two dogs, Kingdom and Scout. All my life I have loved volunteering my time whether it be working with children at the Syracuse Salvation Army, growing up spending many hours feeding others at the Syracuse Sama
My name is Emily Russo and I am a new board member for Erin's Angels. I reside locally with my significant other, Chris, and our two dogs, Kingdom and Scout. All my life I have loved volunteering my time whether it be working with children at the Syracuse Salvation Army, growing up spending many hours feeding others at the Syracuse Samaritan Center, or being active in church through helping with the service or coffee hour after service. I love spending time with my family and friends enjoying the outdoors both out on the water and in the woods, baking, gardening, running, reading and working in the community. I am very excited to begin working with Erin's Angels and all there is to come.
Jamie Currier Dix
Maryann D'Addio- Fundraising Committee Chair
Jamie Currier Dix
I was born in Western Pennsylvania and raised in Western New York. My father worked for a natural gas pumping company, with each promotion we moved and the last move for me was to Central New York. I went to college at SUNY Albany and landed a job teaching Business at Hannibal Central Schools. I taught for 32 years then upon retirement, I
I was born in Western Pennsylvania and raised in Western New York. My father worked for a natural gas pumping company, with each promotion we moved and the last move for me was to Central New York. I went to college at SUNY Albany and landed a job teaching Business at Hannibal Central Schools. I taught for 32 years then upon retirement, I worked as a paralegal. I have been fully retired since February of 2016.
I raised two daughters; and between my husband and I, we have five children and four grandchildren.
Just for fun: I own a 1995 Mustang Cobra, I ride our motorcycle with my husband, I sew items for my daughter’s embroidery business, I travel between PA, NC, and GA to visit relatives.
Maryann D'Addio- Fundraising Committee Chair
Maryann D'Addio- Fundraising Committee Chair
Maryann D'Addio- Fundraising Committee Chair
Maryann joined the board in 2023 and is on the fundraising committee. She has been a nurse for 16 years and has worked in a variety healthcare settings including family practice, emergency medicine, and orthopedics. She has a passion for providing compassionate and quality care. As a nurse she is able to combine this passion with her desi
Maryann joined the board in 2023 and is on the fundraising committee. She has been a nurse for 16 years and has worked in a variety healthcare settings including family practice, emergency medicine, and orthopedics. She has a passion for providing compassionate and quality care. As a nurse she is able to combine this passion with her desire to make a difference with a lifelong passion for helping others.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, being outdoors, and volunteering for various nonprofits including Alzheimer’s Association and Erin’s Angels.
Lynett Bertollini-Greco
Lynett Bertollini-Greco
Maryann D'Addio- Fundraising Committee Chair
Lynett is a lifelong native of Phoenix and graduated from JCB in 1985. From graduation she had her blessed accomplishments which are her 3 children Jesse, Mitchell and Leah. Then came her precious grandchildren; Blake, Adriana, Bailey and Olivia.
Her career started in 1998 as a Real Estate Agent/ Office Manager then Dental Assistant & Offi
Lynett is a lifelong native of Phoenix and graduated from JCB in 1985. From graduation she had her blessed accomplishments which are her 3 children Jesse, Mitchell and Leah. Then came her precious grandchildren; Blake, Adriana, Bailey and Olivia.
Her career started in 1998 as a Real Estate Agent/ Office Manager then Dental Assistant & Office Billing. Lastly she is most proud of her accomplishment of the First Woman to fulfill the term limit as Town Supervisor for the Town Of Schroeppel.
She now gives her free time to treasurer for the Phoenix Alumni Association and Board Member for Brayhope Farm Inc. She is eager to work with the Board Members for Erin’s Angels.
Stephanie Pestillo
Lynett Bertollini-Greco
Stephanie Pestillo
Stephanie Pestillo of Fidelis Care has been a part of the Central New York healthcare community for over two decades. With a focus on culminating positive partnerships and relationships within the area, she is proud to be a part of such an integral community agency in the CNY area. Stephanie has affiliations with various Committees and o
Stephanie Pestillo of Fidelis Care has been a part of the Central New York healthcare community for over two decades. With a focus on culminating positive partnerships and relationships within the area, she is proud to be a part of such an integral community agency in the CNY area. Stephanie has affiliations with various Committees and organizations in the area, including: Interfaith Works- Senior Companion Committee, Onondaga County CASH Coalition-United Way, the Greater Syracuse Aging Services Coalition, Oswego County Drug/Alcohol Coalition, Caring Community Advocates of Oswego County, the NAACP Healthcare Committee, World Refugee Day Committee, and the International Taste Festival Committee.Her focus in the community is be an available resource, and to assist in the Social Determinants of Health that face so many currently in our communities.Mrs. Pestillo holds a Bachelor’s Degree from SUNY Oswego in Public Justice, and along with her full-time career, is a Mental Health Counselor in the area. Stephanie and her husband Nick are lifelong residents of the Syracuse area and enjoy travel, a great network of family & friends, and spending time at her favorite attraction in CNY – the NYS Fair.
Join Our Team
Lynett Bertollini-Greco
Stephanie Pestillo
Are you passionate about childhood hunger? Do you dream of shaping a better future in Central New York? If so, we invite you to embark on an exciting journey with us! 🚀
🤝 Why Join Our Board? 🤝
✅ Be Part of Something Bigger: Joining our board means becoming a vital part of a team that's committed to making a meaningful difference in the l
Are you passionate about childhood hunger? Do you dream of shaping a better future in Central New York? If so, we invite you to embark on an exciting journey with us! 🚀
🤝 Why Join Our Board? 🤝
✅ Be Part of Something Bigger: Joining our board means becoming a vital part of a team that's committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
✅ Shape Our Strategy: Your unique perspective, skills, and expertise can help us shape the future. Your voice matters, and we're excited to hear your ideas.
✅ Network and Collaboration: Joining our board opens doors to networking opportunities, collaboration with like-minded individuals, and a chance to connect with industry leaders.
✅ Personal Growth: Serving on our board is a chance for personal and professional growth. You'll learn, lead, and contribute to a cause you're passionate about.
🎯 Who Are We Looking For? 🎯
We're searching for individuals who:
🌟 Share our passion for food insecurity. 🧠 Bring diverse perspectives and expertise. 🤝 Are team players and value collaboration. 📚 Are willing to commit their time and energy to help us achieve our goals.
📌 How to Apply 📌
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and join our board of visionaries, please send your resume and a brief statement of interest to Sheila.
Join us in shaping a brighter future! Together, we can make a difference that lasts. 💫
Angel Ambassodors
Ashlee Thatcher- Community Advocate
Ashlee Thatcher- Community Advocate
Ashlee Thatcher- Community Advocate
Ashlee Thatcher lives in Phoenix and has her masters in social work from Ohio State University. She has held her social work license through Ohio for 12 years and currently works in the community social work field specializing in helping low income individuals access grants and benefits to assist them in maintaining/finding housing as wel
Ashlee Thatcher lives in Phoenix and has her masters in social work from Ohio State University. She has held her social work license through Ohio for 12 years and currently works in the community social work field specializing in helping low income individuals access grants and benefits to assist them in maintaining/finding housing as well as system navigation. Her hope with Erin’s Angels is to assist families in need with knowledge on how to find/apply for assistance and learn to navigate systems they may not be familiar with. If you need help with HEAP, SNAP, Housing or anything of that nature, please reach out to Ashlee for help!
Sandy McDermott- Grant Writer
Ashlee Thatcher- Community Advocate
Ashlee Thatcher- Community Advocate
Sandy grew up in the Albany, New York area and graduated from the State University of New York at Albany and Albany Law School of Union University. Sandy is a Partner at Hinman Straub, P.C., and specializes in representing insurance companies in insurance regulatory and compliance matters. Earlier in her legal career, Sandy was Chief Coun
Sandy grew up in the Albany, New York area and graduated from the State University of New York at Albany and Albany Law School of Union University. Sandy is a Partner at Hinman Straub, P.C., and specializes in representing insurance companies in insurance regulatory and compliance matters. Earlier in her legal career, Sandy was Chief Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Directors of American General Life Insurance Company of New York.
Sandy is 30-year resident of Baldwinsville and is the mother of three adult daughters who all attended Baldwinsville public schools. She is a communicant of St Elizabeth Ann Seton Roman Catholic Church and sings in the Church choir. Sandy recently joined the Baldwinsville Rotary Club and is involved in many Rotary activities, including the Baldwinsville Backpack Program. Sandy’s interest in the Baldwinsville Backpack Program led her to investigate other programs that are designed to provide food to children in need, and she quickly learned about the significant contributions that Erin’s Angels is making in this regard. Sandy is thrilled to join the Board of Directors of Erin’s Angels and hopes to use some of her writing and analytical skills to assist the organization in any way that she can.
Wendi Starusnak- Blog Writer
Ashlee Thatcher- Community Advocate
Wendi Starusnak- Blog Writer
