“We believe in SPARC’s mission to ensure all adults with severe disabilities live a
productive and meaningful life.”
SPARC BOARD
ELLEN DYKE
Chair
Term Date: 2025
Attorney, author, and educator
Individuals with severe disabilities have far too long been treated unfairly, inequitably, and unjustly. The words “tikkun olam”, a signature theme of my faith, has taught me not to stand by silently watching injustice, especially when a small act of caring often gives hope and can alter the course of someone’s life.
Will SchERmerhorn
Vice Chair, Communications Committee
Term Date: 2023
Owner, Blueberry Shoes Productions
Every day, SPARC is where people with disabilities feel welcome. I see it every time I visit. SPARC participants are with friends and staff who embrace their hearts, minds and personalities in a way many people don’t. As the father of an adult with a disability, I see how SPARC creates a space of belonging for a population that is too often lonely.
Ed Herbst
Treasurer
Term Date: 2025
Managing Director, EY
I am passionate about justice and protection and giving my time and talents to organizations that support the advancement of vulnerable persons. Previously, I served on the board of a not for profit located in Western New York that teamed hundreds of volunteers with persons with disabilities to learn to ice skate. It is this intrinsic drive that connected me to serve SPARC and their incredible mission to provide richer, fuller, and healthier lives to persons most in need of physical and social activity.
Gaston Aaroz
Member-at-large
Development Committee
Term Date: 2025
Marymount University
Dave Adams
Member-at-large
Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty
Everyone has the right to live their best life. Being on SPARC board has given us the opportunity to help create a more inclusive environment and contribute to the well-being of individuals with special needs. JoAnne and I are privileged to serve on the board and to help make a positive impact on the lives of those facing unique challenges.
JoAnne Adams
Member-at-large
Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty
debi Alexander
Executive Director
I am passionate about closing the holes in the social safety net for the most vulnerable in our community. Adults with severe and multiple disabilities are societally unseen–uncounted, unmeasured and unserved. Providing engaging day programs along with fierce advocacy ensures that our SPARC friends are able to live the same life we all desire.
Mary Burger
Member-at-large
Events Committee
Volunteer Administrator
Term Date: 2023
Sr. Office Administrator, Juniper Networks
Our son, Kyle, became a SPARC club member in 2007 and as we came to know the other members, their families and their aides, we realized how valuable SPARC was to us and to all of them. The next and last 4 years of his life were spent in the SPARC environment that brought friends, fun, stimulation, activities and rewards to his life and ours. Since that time we have continued to support SPARC as we can and are grateful for all who have come forward to provide the additional support and funding to keep this program alive for the segment of our population that is too often overlooked and underserved.
Deborah Cabala
Member-at-large
Vice President, FVCbank
shawn flaherty
Member-at-large
Chair, Communications Chair
Term Date: 2025
President, Creative Strategies Public Relations
SPARC brings people together who are often forgotten, providing them dignity, hope and purpose. I am honored to serve SPARC and its amazing clients, helping amplify their voices and ensure that more have a chance to be part of the SPARC family.
hannah irsfeld
Member-at-large
Chair, Governance Committee
Term Date: 2025
General Counsel to NVCC Educational Foundation
Nancy Lu
Member-at-large
Term Date: 2025
Client Relations and Project Manager, GRAPHEK
I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live their best lives. Serving on the board for SPARC provides an opportunity to foster support, create an inclusive environment where adults with severe disabilities can thrive, receive the care and understanding they deserve, and empower them with fulfilling experiences.
Katherine Montgomery
Secretary
Events Committee
Term Date: 2023
Self Advocate, Board for People with Disabilities