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
Jackie Flint
Jackie Flint has been on the Board of Directors for Erin's Angel's since inception and is currently Chairperson for the advocacy committee. She is the 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.
Executive Board
Lu Hart- Vice President
Lu Hart- Vice President
Lu Hart- Vice President
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!
Erica Ward- Secretary
Lu Hart- Vice President
Lu Hart- 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.
Tracy Wimmer- Treasurer
Lu Hart- Vice President
Tracy Wimmer- Treasurer
Tracy L. Wimmer is the VP/Chief Financial Officer of Northern Oswego County Health Services, Inc. DBA ConnextCare. Ms. Wimmer holds a master’s degree in healthcare leadership from Empire State College.
Ms. Wimmer has worked in the accounting field for 28 years with a focus on non-profit accounting. The first 10 years of her career were spent working as the Staff Accountant, and then Director of Finance with The Valley & Greater Utica Area United Way located in Utica, New York. From there she transitioned to Upstate Cerebral Palsy, Inc. where she served as the director of Internal Review and Finance.
Our Team
Maryann D'Addio- Fundraising Committee Chair
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
Lisa Woodard- Co-Secretary & Creative Director
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 des
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.
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.
Candy Herbert
Diana Wolgemuth
Diana Wolgemuth
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 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.
Diana Wolgemuth
Diana Wolgemuth
Diana Wolgemuth
As a strategic leader with a 15+ year career focused on Learning and Development, Employee Engagement and Company Culture, Diana has developed a deep understanding of the impact skills development, business relationships, work environment and company culture have on employee performance and company success.
In her previous role as Director
As a strategic leader with a 15+ year career focused on Learning and Development, Employee Engagement and Company Culture, Diana has developed a deep understanding of the impact skills development, business relationships, work environment and company culture have on employee performance and company success.
In her previous role as Director of Culture and Organizational Development for a cyber security company, she was the project lead for Hybrid Work. Through benchmarking successful Remote-First companies and researching Hybrid Work best practices, she compiled data to build an infrastructure that will enable this company and its employees to thrive long-term in a Hybrid operating model.
She has also served as Director of Professional Development with Dale Carnegie, and Training & Development manager at Handheld Products.
Today, Diana is the Director of Learning, Development, and Employee Experience at Loretto heading up various projects including revamping Corporate New Employee Orientation, creating a New Supervisor Bootcamp, implementing a Belonging and Inclusion program and providing Leadership Development for supervisors, managers, and directors.
Diana serves on the Program Committee for CNY ATD and co-founded a local Master Mind group. Diana makes her home in Baldwinsville, NY with her husband, Mark. They enjoy travelling, hiking and checking out craft breweries. Their twins Amanda & Zachary are pursuing their careers in Washington State and Austin, TX respectively.
Jamie Currier Dix- Board Member
Stephanie Pestillo- Board Member
Stephanie Pestillo- Board Member
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.
Stephanie Pestillo- Board Member
Stephanie Pestillo- Board Member
Stephanie Pestillo- Board Member
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.
Stephanie Earle- Founding Board Member
Stephanie Earle- Founding Board Member
Stephanie Earle- Founding Board Member
Stephanie Earle, PHR, SHRM-CP earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Empire State College and also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management and Human Resource Development from Ashford University. Ms. Earle has earned national and international certifications in her field; Professional in Human Res
Stephanie Earle, PHR, SHRM-CP earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Empire State College and also holds a Master of Science in Organizational Management and Human Resource Development from Ashford University. Ms. Earle has earned national and international certifications in her field; Professional in Human Resources through the Human Resources Certification Institute, and Society for Human Resources- Certified Professional, through the Society for Human Resources Management. Ms. Earle has worked in various facets of the Human Resources field; the majority being within the healthcare industry. In her current role as Sr. Director of Human Resources with ConnextCare, Ms. Earle oversees all Human Resources functions for the healthcare organization.
Ms. Earle is an active member of the national, New York State, and Central New York chapters of Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Ms. Earle is also an active participant in various advisory councils and work groups supporting growth and development of the healthcare workforce in Oswego County. Ms. Earle is an active community member, supporting youth participation and involvement. Ms. Earle has held various positions on numerous community Boards.
Join Our Team
Stephanie Earle- Founding Board Member
Stephanie Earle- Founding Board Member
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. 💫
Join a committee
Joining a committee with Erin’s Angels is of a less commitment than joining the board!
Committees typically have a more focused and specific scope of responsibility. Members are assigned to work on projects or initiatives, allowing for a narrower focus.
Board members are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organization. Their responsibilities encompass a broader range of duties, including financial oversight, legal obligations, and long-term planning.
Board members are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time to attending regular board meetings, committee meetings, and possibly additional events. The time commitment is usually higher due to the broader nature of their responsibilities.
Committees typically make recommendations and provide input to the board. While committee members play a crucial role, the final decision-making authority often rests with the board.
It's important to note that both committees and boards play crucial roles in the functioning of an organization, and the level of commitment can vary depending on the specific organization's structure and needs. Joining a committee can be an excellent entry point for you if you want to contribute without taking on the extensive responsibilities associated with board membership.
Angel Ambassadors
Marcia Grylls- Volunteer Coordinator
Marcia Grylls- Volunteer Coordinator
Marcia Grylls- Volunteer Coordinator
Marcia was born and raised in Syracuse and transitioned to Phoenix in 1990. She is a Project Manager for a large insurance agency for the past 8 years, and has spent her entire working career in insurance. Marcia left Phoenix in 2007 to live for a time in both San Antonion, TX and Conyers, GA, returning to her happy home and family in Ph
Marcia was born and raised in Syracuse and transitioned to Phoenix in 1990. She is a Project Manager for a large insurance agency for the past 8 years, and has spent her entire working career in insurance. Marcia left Phoenix in 2007 to live for a time in both San Antonion, TX and Conyers, GA, returning to her happy home and family in Phoenix in 2015. Marcia has three furbabies Buster, Bijou & Beau. In her free time, Marcia loves to crochet blankets for different CNY charities and for her family & friends.
Sandy McDermott JD- Grant Writer
Marcia Grylls- Volunteer Coordinator
Marcia Grylls- Volunteer Coordinator
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.
Ashlee Thatcher- Community Advocate
Brittany Cook- Social Media Content Creator
Brittany Cook- Social Media Content Creator
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!
Brittany Cook- Social Media Content Creator
Brittany Cook- Social Media Content Creator
Brittany Cook- Social Media Content Creator
Brittany, or Britt for short, went to college at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York, where she majored in Art - Multimedia from 2007-2010. Afterwards, she was transferred to SUNY Oswego where she majored in Art - Graphic Design, and then graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Britt is currently participating
Brittany, or Britt for short, went to college at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, New York, where she majored in Art - Multimedia from 2007-2010. Afterwards, she was transferred to SUNY Oswego where she majored in Art - Graphic Design, and then graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Britt is currently participating in Erin’s Angels as a graphic design intern in order to improve and show off some more of her computer art skills, along with help the local community become more aware of the hunger issues that children in poverty face each day. Britt is currently living in Phoenix, New York, with her father Stephen and their four cats - Sammie, Tao, Gonzo, and Maxine.
Inaugural Board 2019
Founding Board Members
Jim Graham, Janet Moyer, Jackie Flint, Sheila Dion, Jennifer Dubovik, Dean Ripley, Connie DeShaies, Michelle Newvine
Don't quote me. Or maybe you will!
from lunch lady to executive director
Learn how and why Sheila became a passionate advocate for childhood food insecurity.
About Erin's Angels of CNY
Our Vision
Thank you to the Association of Fundraising Professionals-CNY Chapter for choosing Sheila for the 2024 Chamberlain Scholarship! The Chamberlain Scholarship program honors Ralph E. Chamberlain, CFRE. Mr. Chamberlain had a long and distinguished career of service to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, beginning in the 1960s when the organization was formed as the National Society of Fund Raisers (NSFR), through the late 1970s when the name was changed to the National Society of Fund Raising Executives (NSFRE), and until he died in 1999. Mr. Chamberlain’s dedication to the organization we now know as AFP never faltered in his long volunteer career with the Association. Because of his long-time support of the Foundation’s annual fund and generous planned gift, the AFP Board of Directors renamed their Conference Scholar Program in 2000 to honor Mr. Chamberlain’s memory and commitment to the Association.
The AFP Foundation offers every chapter one Chamberlain Scholarship. Sheila attended the AFP ICON Conference in Toronto Canada in April of 2024. Thank you to Myia, Christine and the entire board of the CNY Association of Fundraising Professionals!
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