Staff
Eileen Howe BirdExecutive 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 |
Jamie BrownDirector 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 |
Tasha OstapczukProgram Manager Tasha Ostapczuk joined To Life! in October 2023, in the role of Program Manager. Tasha has worked closely with the Capital Region community through organizations such as Cancer Services Program, Unlimited Care, Inc., Fidelis and Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY. She has well rounded event and programming experience. She appreciates building relationships and networking, both in business and personally, to be the best resource possible to the community. In addition to her full-time career, Tasha freelances as a mindful meditation guide and face painter. She lives in Saratoga Springs.” Email Tasha at: tashamarie@tolife.org
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Dana PleskovicProgram Support Specialist Dana joined the staff of To Life! in January 2023 as the Program Support Specialist. Having completed her MSW from the University at Albany, she has been a volunteer support group facilitator for the American Cancer Society’s Hope Club since 2015. Dana manages the Newly Diagnosed and In Treatment support group, along with connecting our survivors through the To Life! Peer Mentoring program. Dana lives in Ballston Spa with her husband and two children. Email Dana at: Dpleskovic@tolife.org
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Carmen RodriguezBreast 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 Certified 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, CFmBoutique 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, providing mastectomy fitting services. Email Connie at: CBannigan@tolife.org |
Alice DunicanBoutique 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 the boutique feeling beautiful, confident and proud. To connect with Alice please call 518-439-5975 or email info@tolife.org. |
Lillian JohnsonBoutique Associate Lillian Johnson joined To Life! in October 2023, as a certified mastectomy fitter and Boutique Associate at the Amsterdam location. Lillian has over 40 years of experience as a bra and body fashion fitter and is a specialist in custom fit bras. She has been a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner since 2011 and became involved with Healing Touch Buddies at St Mary's Hospital in 2010. She is proud to be a part of the To Life! team providing fitting services to women in Montgomery and Fulton Counties. Lillian resides in Broadalbin with her husband and also serves her community with her Healing Touch practice. To connect with Lillian please call 518-439-5975 or email info@tolife.org. |
Susan Vink-LainasBoutique Associate Susan joined the To Life! staff in January 2022 after retiring from 30 years as an Orthotic and Mastectomy fitter for a local pharmacy. 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 AbbuhlCommunity 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 early breast cancer detection and treatment. Email Sue at: SAbbuhl@tolife.org |