Staff

Eileen Howe Bird

Executive Director

Eileen joined the staff of To Life! in 2011, after having served on many To Life! event committees as a volunteer. That experience along with the skills acquired during her tenure at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Grainger Industrial Supply helped to instill a strong will to continue the work of her predecessors and board leadership.

Eileen’s work experience includes; program development and management, government contracting and sales. Her professional experiences draw on her appreciation for all people and respect for the trials those facing a breast cancer diagnosis have endured.  Eileen attended State University College at Oswego then received her MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Eileen and her family currently live in Delmar.

 Email Eileen at: EBird@tolife.org

Christine Breton

Assistant Director

Chris joined To Life! in January, 2020, as the Assistant Director. She has spent the last 10 years working in public service with the NYS Attorney General’s Office and NYS legislature. Chris is a long term breast cancer survivor and believes that her breast cancer journey eventually lead her to To Life! where she could utilize her professional skills to contribute to the operation of the organization and its mission.

Chris has a BA from SUNY Buffalo and lives in Guilderland with her husband and 3 children.

Email Chris at: CBreton@tolife.org

Jamie Brown

Director of Development

Jamie joined the staff of To Life! in October 2021. She brings over 15 years of development, fundraising and event planning experience, working with many local not for profits. As a strong community advocate, Jamie has served on quite a few Boards and many event planning committees; including the Associate Board at St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation and Big Brother Big Sisters of the Capital Region.  Jamie and her husband, Will, co-hosted the Coaches vs. Cancer BasketBall event for 15 years. She is very excited to help To Life! continue to thrive and to cultivate new relationships, as well as nurture existing ones.  

She and her husband live in Latham with their two sons.  

Email Jamie at: JBrown@tolife.org

Diane Miller

Program Manager

Diane is the Program Manager for To Life! She brings over 10 years of human service, wellness education, support services and outreach experience, working for not for profits and in healthcare. As an experienced health management case manager, family support specialist and educator, with a clinical background, Diane has extensive experience developing wellness and educational programs for individuals dealing with a variety of medical issues. In her role, Diane manages the educational and wellness program initiatives provided by To Life! These programs offer direct support to survivors, medical offices, health care practitioners, and others affected by a breast cancer diagnosis.

Email Diane at: DMiller@tolife.org

Carmen Rodriguez

Breast Health Educator

Carmen started work as a Breast Health Educator in 2010 through a grant partnership with the Centro Civico organization with focus in the Hispanic/Latina population in Montgomery, Fulton and Schenectady County. Carmen’s educational background includes certification as an Early Childhood Teacher, Pharmacy Technician and as a Medical Interpreter. Carmen joined the staff of To Life! in the spring of 2020 and continues to manage one-on-one and group support and education for the community on a part time basis. She also has a Data/Case Manager position with Cancer Services Program of Fulton, Montgomery & Schenectady Counties.

Email Carmen at: CRodriguez@tolife.org

Connie Bannigan, RN, CFm

Boutique Associate

Connie is a Certified Mastectomy fitter in the To Life! Delmar Boutique. Connie has worked for 40 years as an RN in medical and radiation oncology. She previously worked at Dana Farber Cancer Institute for 14 years and joined To Life! in September, 2019. She has been a wonderful addition to our organization. Connie lives in Slingerlands with her husband and her Goldendoodle, Harry. Her two sons and grandchildren live close by.

Email Connie at: CBannigan@tolife.org

Alice Dunican

Boutique Associate

Alice proudly joined the staff of To Life! in January 2019 as a Wig fitter in our Delmar Office. Alice has been a licensed cosmetologist for over 30 years, spending the last 20 years at her current salon, Scissor Society in Delmar, NY. Throughout her career as a professional stylist, she has taught future professionals at both Austin Beauty School in Albany and Paul Mitchell: The School in Schenectady. 

Alice combines years of experience with a passion for helping women. She uses her mastery of her trade and her warm spirit to support every client, ensuring they leave feeling beautiful and proud. 

To connect with Alice please email Chris Breton at CBreton@tolife.org

Risa Winograd

Boutique Associate

Risa joined To Life! in June, 2020.  After almost 29 years of practicing law, Risa knew it was time for her to make a change and do something both for and with women.  After meeting Mara (To Life! founder), Risa knew To Life! would provide her with a perfect opportunity. Risa is a certified Mastectomy and Wig Fitter in the Saratoga boutique, and will be stepping into the large space left behind by Melanie Murphy.  The proud mother of two daughters, Risa is an amateur writer and avid scuba diver.  She resides with her partner Jim in Saratoga Springs.

Email Risa at: RWinograd@tolife.org

Susan Vink-Lainas

Boutique Associate

Susan joined the To Life! staff in January 2022 after retiring from 30 years as an Orthotic and Mastectomy fitter for a local business.  She is married with two grown children and has a degree in Elementary Education with a Masters in Early Childhood Education. Although her teaching career was ended with a diagnosis of MS, Susan found a perfect match for her teaching skills helping people with their medical needs.  Susan has a sympathetic ear and a desire to help solve problems, respecting each person as an individual with individual needs.

To reach Susan call: 518-587-3820

Sue Abbuhl

Community Outreach Coordinator

Sue began volunteering for To Life! in 2014, joining the organization's staff in 2018 as the Community Outreach Coordinator. She actively works in the community to foster relationships and build awareness about the support and educational services offered by To Life! and the importance of breast cancer detection and treatment.

Email Sue at: SAbbuhl@tolife.org