Board of Directors and Founders Biographies

 

Gwendolyn Field Noto

Executive Director and Co-Founder

Gwendolyn Field Noto graduated magna cum laude from Connecticut College in New London, CT in 1991, and received her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston, MA in 1996. During law school, Ms. Noto was a Teaching Assistant in Civil Procedure and completed internships with GE Capital Corporation, the Connecticut State's Attorney's Office, the Honorable Margot Botsford then of the Massachusetts Superior Court, and Northeastern University Counsel's Office. Upon graduation, Ms. Noto completed a clerkship with the Connecticut Superior Court. She subsequently joined Casper & de Toledo, LLC, a plaintiff's trial and civil rights firm in Stamford, CT, where she specialized in trial and appellate brief writing. Throughout her career, Ms. Noto has worked for several non-profit organizations, including the League of Women Voters of Ohio and Casa Myrna Vasquez, a battered women's shelter in Boston, MA. She was an active member of the Board of Directors of the Mothers of Multiples of Lower Fairfield County, CT from 2001-2007. Ms. Noto co-founded The Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc. with Meredith Daniels in 2003 and has served as the organization's President from 2004 to the present. Her sons, Thomas and Nicholas, were born at 25 weeks gestation in November of 2000. Ms. Noto lives with her husband Tom and their three children in Fairfield, CT.

Elizabeth Smith Klein

President

Elizabeth Smith Klein received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Communications from Denison University 1985, and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Bank Street College in 1995. She worked at The Citibank Private Banking Group from 1985 to 1993 as a credit analyst and later as an Assistant Vice President in the Trusts and Estates Department handling accounts over $10 million in assets. After receiving her degree in education, Ms. Klein taught at Greenwich Country Day School and St. Luke's Parish School until 1996. In addition, Ms. Klein developed and chaired the annual fundraiser for The Methodist Family Preschool in Darien from 1998 to 2000, served as Chair of the American Cancer Society Flower Ball Car Raffle in 1997, and coordinated the Baby Basics Layette Delivery Program for Person To Person from 2003 to 2005, served on the PTO of Ox Ridge School in Darien from 2004 to 2006 and is currently a Board Member of New Canaan Mounted Troop. Ms. Klein is the President of The Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc. Her twin daughters, Grace and Larsen, were born at 26 weeks gestation in 2000. Ms. Klein lives with her husband Michael and their three daughters in Darien, CT.

Patricia Cunningham

Vice-President

Patricia Cunningham received a Bachelor of Science degree magna cum laude from Brown University in Applied Mathematics and Economics, a J.D. cum laude from Harvard Law School, and an L.L.M. in Taxation from the New York University School of Law. She practiced tax law for ten years, first at Rogers & Wells (now Clifford Chance), where she focused on corporate and non-profit taxation, and then at Brown & Wood (now Sidley & Austin Brown & Wood), where she specialized in taxation of the securities industry. While at Rogers & Wells, Ms. Cunningham formed and helped run the Brooks Brothers Foundation, a charity formed to give college scholarships to high school seniors in honor of Brooks Brothers' 75th Anniversary. She has served on the Boards of Directors of both the Royle School and the Middlesex Middle School PTOs in Darien, CT, and of Darien TOPS (Teen Options Program). Ms. Cunningham chaired the 1999 Darien United Way Wine Tasting and Holiday Shopping Fundraiser, and was actively involved with Cub Scout Pack 56, serving as a den leader for ten years and as Advancements Chair. Ms. Cunningham currently serves as the Vice-President of the Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc. Her son Evan was born at 29 weeks in 1992. Ms. Cunningham lives with her husband Bill and two sons in Darien, CT.

Michele (“Shelli”) Leigh Milazzo

Corporate Secretary

Michele ("Shelli") Leigh Milazzo received a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Vanderbilt University’s College of Arts & Science in 1996, graduating magna cum laude in her major, Communication Studies. She received a J.D. from Emory University School of Law, graduating with honors in 2002. Mrs. Milazzo worked in Special Events and Promotions at Calvin Klein, Inc. from 1997–1998 and as an assistant in public relations at Burson-Marsteller from 1998–1999. After receiving her J.D., Mrs. Milazzo practiced law at Dewey Ballantine LLP (now Dewey & LeBoeuf) as an Associate in the Intellectual Property and Technology group from 2002–2004. In 2004 she joined The Associated Press as Associate Counsel, where she focused her practice on corporate governance issues, intellectual property transactions and international and domestic content licensing. While practicing law, Mrs. Milazzo was involved in numerous pro bono endeavors including work with WNYC, New York Public Radio. Since moving to Darien in 2007, she has also volunteered with OPUS Person to Person as a committee chair for their annual Big Rig Gig in 2007 and has been actively involved with The Holly Pond School since 2008. Mrs. Milazzo began volunteering with The Tiny Miracles Foundation in 2007 and became a mentor in 2009. Her first son, Leighton, was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation in 2005. Mrs. Milazzo currently lives in Darien with her husband, Matthew, and their two sons.

Ashley Dineen

Treasurer

Ashley Dineen received a Bachelors Degree in English from Pine Manor College. She worked for Morse, Williams & Company, a private investment management firm from 1993 to 1996 before joining Morgan Stanley, where she worked as an analyst in their asset management/private client service department until 2000. In addition, Ms. Dineen received her Real Estate license and currently works for Kelly Associates, Inc. in Darien, CT. She serves on the board of directors Opus for Person to Person, and is involved in several other local charities. Her twin daughters, Colby and Reagan, were born at 33 weeks gestation. Ms. Dineen lives in Darien with her husband, Duke and their three daughters.

Robert J. Duffy

Board Member

Robert Duffy is General Manager for Global Business Development at General Electric. Prior to joining GE, he was a Managing Director in mergers and acquisitions with Credit Suisse in New York and London. He received an AB from Harvard College magna cum laude in economics, a M.Sc. from the University of Wales in international economics and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center magna cum laude. His son Nicholas was born prematurely at 24 weeks in 2000. Mr. Duffy lives with his wife Elizabeth and their three children in Darien, CT.

Cheryl Egan

Board Member

Cheryl Egan received her Bachelor of Elementary Education from The Pennsylvania State University in 1992. After graduation, she obtained her teaching certifications and began her elementary school teaching career, serving several public and private schools in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with her most recent position held at South Elementary School in New Canaan, CT until 1999. Ms. Egan has remained an active fundraiser in community organizations such as the Center for Hope and March of Dimes, as well as her children's elementary school, where she also participated on the Yearbook and Book Fair committees. She serves on the TTMF Board of Directors as co-chair of The Tiny Treasures Program and has been an active volunteer with the organization since 2005. Ms. Egan's son, Timmy, was born at 27 weeks gestation in 1999. She lives in Darien, CT with her husband Tim and their two children.

Richard M. Goldman

Board Member

Richard M. Goldman is the Chief Executive Officer and President of Security Global Investors (SGI)/Rydex Investments, a $22 billion multi-disciplined investment management company. Prior to joining SGI, Mr. Goldman served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Forstmann-Leff Associates, an equity and hedge fund management investment company and he was CEO and Managing Director of Deutsche Asset Management institutional business in the Americas. He previously held institutional sales and marketing positions with State Street Global Advisors in Boston, and spent eight years with IBM. He holds a B.A. from Bowdoin College, where he majored in government and legal studies and graduated magna cum laude in 1983. His daughter Samantha was born at 29 weeks in 2004. Mr. Goldman and his wife Jami live in Old Greenwich, CT with their two children, Samantha and Matthew.

Kerry O. Hanson

Board Member

Kerry Hanson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in World Politics from Hamilton College in 1993. From 1993 to 1997 she worked at Condé Nast Publications and the Hearst Corporation in New York. Working for Glamour, Mademoiselle and Town & Country Magazines, she planned events and commentated fashion shows for the magazines’ advertisers. In 1997, she began working at Lehman Brothers in the Fixed Income division. She moved to San Francisco with Lehman Brothers in 1999, continuing in Fixed Income Sales. Shortly thereafter she transitioned to selling Internet advertising, working for ESPN.com until 2001. Kerry returned to school at U.C. Berkeley to study Interior Design and Interior Architecture, while also working for Edward Lobrano Interior Design until 2003. She established her own interior design firm, Kerin Hanson Design, in 2003. She moved back east from San Francisco in 2007 and continues to work as an interior designer. Her daughter, Ellie, was born at 32 weeks gestation in 2003. Mrs. Hanson lives in New Canaan with her husband, Mark, and their two daughters.

Jill Hooper

Board Member

Jill Hooper received a Bachelor of Science degree cum laude from Providence College in business and an M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of New Haven. She was employed at Nielsen Marketing Research for eight years, providing a variety of business analyses for several consumer package companies in New York City and Westchester. Later she worked at Kraft Foods for another eight years, focusing on developing consumer insights into sales strategies and presentations across many of Kraft's business units. Jill currently works as an independent consultant, continuing to use her experience in marketing research to assist consumer package companies understand consumer shopping behavior and develop new sales strategies. Jill volunteered for PATH (Parents Available to Help — a resource network for families of children with developmental and health-related needs) in the listener program when her own preemies were younger. She works as a volunteer and mentor for TTMF, mainly at Bridgeport Hospital. Jill's first daughter Emily was born at 27 weeks in 1991 and her second daughter Jane was born at 26 weeks in 1995. Jill lives with her husband Mike and their two children in Fairfield, CT.

Sarah Lockwood Payne

Board Member

Sarah Lockwood Payne received a Bachelors Degree in Philosophy and Fine Arts from St. Lawrence University cum laude in 1994. She worked in sales and marketing in New York City for JJ. Farmer and Tiffany & Company from 1994 to 1998, before moving into the field of Human Resources. She worked at PanAmSat, a global satellite communications firm, from 1999 to 2007, as Recruiting Manager and as the Director of Global Compensation and Benefits. Ms. Payne now works as an independent consultant specializing in executive compensation. She also serves on the Parents Advisory Committee of the United Church Nursery School in Rowayton. Ms. Payne's twin daughters, Regan and Dulcey, were born at 34 weeks gestation in 2005. Ms. Payne lives with her husband Liege and their three daughters in Norwalk, CT.

Linda Vallo Queenan

Board Member

Linda Vallo Queenan is the owner and president of Groove Events and Entertainment, Inc., a highly specialized events planning company serving the premier weddings, corporate events, private parties, and fundraising galas in the New York Metropolitan area, and she represents some of the most talented and well-respected musicians in the industry. Highly sought-after, her associates have collaborated and toured with the most recognized names in entertainment, including Janet Jackson, Rob Thomas, Pink, Ashford & Simpson, John Mellencamp, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, and more. Prior to founding Groove Events in 2002, Ms. Queenan was Director of Business Operations at a top special events planning company in New York, providing music for some of the most popular venues in the region. Mrs. Queenan's background includes volunteer work at Blythedale Children's Hospital and Scarsdale Physical therapy. A native of Sleepy Hollow, New York, Linda studied Communications at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. She has been a volunteer and mentor with The Tiny Miracles Foundation since 2006, following the birth of her twin girls, Lilah and Olivia, born at Greenwich Hospital, 28 weeks gestation. Linda lives in Ridgefield, CT, with her husband, Mike, and their three children, Lilah, Nolan, and Luke.

Christa Hanley Struk

Board Member

Christa Struk received a Bachelors Degree from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, with a double major in finance and marketing. She worked for Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette until 1999 as a junior analyst covering the apparel and textile manufacturers and retailers. After running Investor Relations and coordinating strategic planning for AnnTaylor, she returned to work in Institutional Sales for Bear, Stearns and Co. and FBR as a V.P. until the end of 2006. She has been actively involved in Opus for Person to Person since her move to Darien and co-chaired the Opus Ball for 2009 and is currently involved in other local endeavors. Her daughter Tierney was born at 36 weeks gestation and her twin sons, J.R. and Logan, were born at 34 weeks gestation. Ms. Struk lives in Darien with her husband, Nicholas, and their three children.

Lisa Tantillo

Board Member

Lisa Tantillo received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Advertising from Syracuse University. She worked in publishing for more than 10 years as both a Marketing Manager and as an Editor. From 1995 until 2001, Ms. Tantillo was a manager for Prodigy Internet in White Plains, NY, creating and supporting their customer service websites and databases, and was also in charge of all communications to the members. She served as Vice President of Fundraising for The Learning Community Day School in Westport, CT for several years. Ms. Tantillo served on the Board of Directors of Mothers of Multiples of Lower Fairfield County from 2002 to 2008. She currently volunteers in her children’s school, is a Girl Scout leader, and serves on the Membership Committee at The Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport. Ms. Tantillo serves on the Board of Directors of The Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc., as Website Developer and Coordinator (www.ttmf.org) and is also a Parent Support Network mentor at Bridgeport Hospital. Her twins, Sarah and Joshua, were born at 30 weeks gestation in 2001. Ms. Tantillo lives with her two children in Westport, CT.

Ariane Triay

Board Member

Ariane de Braux Triay received a Bachelor's Degree in French Literature from Colby College in 1993. She worked as an event planner for Andy King Events in NYC from 1999 to 2000 and then at Avi Adler in Brooklyn, NY until 2004, planning elaborate private and corporate events in the US and abroad. Her clients included firms and foundations such as Target, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Conde Nast, and The Robin Hood Foundation. Her experience in that field brings depth to TTMF's ability to coordinate initiatives. Ms. Triay's daughter Lola was born at 28 weeks gestation. Ms. Triay lives in Darien with her husband Miguel and their two children.

 

Honorary Board Members

Kimbel Biele

Honorary Board Member

Kimbel Biele received a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts from St. Lawrence College, and attended Le Cordon Bleu London Culinary Arts Institute in London, England. Ms. Biele has an extensive background in sales and marketing, including as a marketing representative for Tiffany & Co., head of in-house sales for JJ. Farmer and Barry Bricken, and head of sales for Sandy Links Golf Wear from 1993 to 1998. Ms. Biele has significant volunteer fundraising experience with The Stepping Stones Children's Museum, in Norwalk, CT, and as head of fundraising for the United Church Nursery School in Rowayton, CT. She served as Co-Director of the United Church Nursery School for 2005-2006. In addition, Ms. Biele is a highly accomplished equestrian. As a member of the Board of Directors of The Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc., Ms. Biele serves as Co-Chair of Event Fundraising. Ms. Biele's twin daughters, Morgan and Mackenzie, were born at 26 weeks gestation in 2001. Ms. Biele lives with her husband Jon and their three daughters in Rowayton, CT.

Meredith Daniels

Co-Founder, Honorary Board Member

Meredith Daniels received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from Manhattanville College and obtained advanced training in teaching children with ADHD at Fordham University. She taught elementary school for 11 years, finishing at Westover School in Stamford, CT. Presently Ms. Daniels is a Pilates Trainer at Equinox in Darien, CT. She holds various sports training certifications including NASM, Yogafit and Powerhouse Pilates. Ms. Daniels has volunteered extensively with the March of Dimes as an Ambassador Family and with the Epilepsy Foundation of CT. Ms. Daniels co-founded TTMF with Gwendolyn Noto in 2003 and served as the organization's first president in 2003-2004. Her twins, Cameron and Brandon, were born at 25 weeks gestation in 2001. Ms. Daniels lives with her husband Stephen and their two children in Stamford, CT.

Rebecca Oliver Esposito

Honorary Board Member

Rebecca Oliver Esposito received a Bachelors Degree in Finance from Siena College, magna cum laude in 1994 and an M.B.A. in Marketing and Finance from the University of Connecticut in 2002. She is currently Chief Executive Officer and Founder of DB&R Consulting LLC. in Darien, CT and a Vice President at Towers Perrin Consultative Placement Group in Stamford, CT. Ms. Esposito's career has included positions as an Underwriter, Insurance Broker, Reinsurance Intermediary and as a Risk Management Consultant. Her client list has included Pitney Bowes, United Technologies, the City of New Haven, Orange County Florida Public Schools and the Florida League of Cities. Ms. Esposito holds various broker and consulting licenses and is an Associate in Risk Management. She serves as Vice President of The Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc. as a member of the Legal & Risk Management Committee and Chair of TTMF's Resource Room Program. Ms. Esposito's daughter Katie was born at 32 weeks gestation in 2003. She lives with her husband Gerry and their two children in Darien, CT.

Eila DeBard Johnson

Honorary Board Member

Eila DeBard Johnson received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Colgate University in 1994, and a Masters of Business Administration in marketing and management and strategy from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in 1999. In college, Ms. Johnson was a nationally ranked collegiate debater. She worked at Jefferies & Company, Inc from 1994 to 1997 as a Registered Broker and Marketing Manager in the Office of the Chairman, where she was responsible for setting strategic direction for the firm's first marketing materials, launching the firm's marketing department and Executive speech writing. During this time, Ms. Johnson also granted over a dozen wishes for chronically and terminally ill children as a Wish Granter for the Starlight Foundation of NY. She also studied at Peter Kump's (now the Institute for Culinary Education). After receiving her MBA, Ms. Johnson worked as an Assistant Brand Manager in the Post Cereal Division of Kraft Foods from 1999-2001. In 2001, she launched "Dinners by Eila, LLC," a personal chef service, which later included a food product consultancy. She now teaches families how to make healthful, homemade meals on the busiest of days through private cooking lessons, speaking engagements, and writes a popular culinary blog. Ms. Johnson was active in The Young Women's League of New Canaan (1999-2003), and her family has served as a host family for The Fresh Air Fund. In addition to being an active volunteer at her sons’ schools, Ms. Johnson currently serves as Publicity Chair for the Tiny Miracles Foundation, Inc. Her son, Jack, was born at 32 weeks gestation in 2003. Ms. Johnson lives with her husband Jeff and their two sons in New Canaan, CT.

Tara Eastland Leclerc

Honorary Board Member

Tara Eastland Leclerc graduated magna cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 1997. After graduation, she worked as an Analyst at Goldman Sachs and Co. in New York. In 1999, Mrs. Leclerc went to work for iVillage.com as a Marketing Manager, overseeing online marketing. In addition, Mrs. Leclerc was on the YWCA Activities Board from 2001-2002 and she chaired the first OPUS for Person-to-Person Big Rig Gig in 2003. Mrs. Leclerc served on the Saint Luke's Parish School PTC from 2004-2006 and served as Chair from 2005-2006. She also served on the Saint Luke's Parish School Management Board. Mrs. Leclerc served on the OPUS for Person-to-Person Board of Directors from 2004-2007, serving as Co-President from 2006-2007. Mrs. Leclerc has also volunteered for Stepping Stones Museum for Children and served on the PTO of Tokeneke School. Her twins, Eloise and Pierce, were born at 28 weeks gestation in 2002. Mrs. Leclerc lives with her husband Réal and their four children in Darien, CT.

 

Kathy Konopka Streinger

Honorary Board Member

Kathy Konopka Streinger received her B.S. in Accounting from Fairfield University in 1983, received her C.P.A. certification in New York State in 1986, attended the University of Bridgeport School of Law from 1992 to 1994 and received her Executive M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1996. Ms. Streinger worked for GE Capital from 1996 until 2001 structuring and negotiating large domestic and international joint ventures at GE Capital Corporate and as a Vice President in the Technology Group at GE Equity, GE's private equity group, where she managed a portfolio ranging from $150–$300MM. From 1990 until 1996, Ms. Streinger was CFO and ultimately Acting General Manager of Rabbit Ears Productions, where she was instrumental in the sale of the award winning multi-media producer of children's entertainment. Ms. Streinger was also a Senior Auditor at Price Waterhouse in New York from 1985 until 1990. Currently, Ms. Streinger volunteers with her children's schools, participates in multiple therapy sessions for her twins and serves as a Volunteer and Mentor with TTMF. Ms. Streinger's twins, Michael and Gabrielle were born at 25 weeks gestation in 2003. She lives with her husband Peter and their three children in New Canaan, CT.

Eileen Sullivan Thomas

Honorary Board Member

Eileen Sullivan Thomas received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania in 1986 and a Masters of Business Administration, with distinction, from the Wharton School of Business in 1992. She worked as a management consultant at McKinsey and Company from 1992 to 1997 where she was responsible for developing and implementing strategic, marketing and operational plans for clients in the consumer products, retail and media industries. She served four years as Vice Chair of Women in Need, a $30 million agency operating shelters and recovery programs for homeless women and children in New York City and has served on their board since 1997. Ms Thomas is also a deacon at the Congregational Church in New Canaan. She has previously served on the Associate's Council of Prep for Prep in New York City and been active in the Young Women's League of New Canaan, The Outback of New Canaan, and the youth programs of the Congregational Church of New Canaan. Ms Thomas currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Tiny Miracles Foundation Inc. and is responsible for initiating and overseeing our corporate fundraising efforts. Her son, Ian, was born at 28 weeks gestation in 1999. Ms Thomas lives with her husband, James, and their four children in New Canaan, CT.