Meet The Board
Sherry Danalis
President/Treasurer
Sherry Danalis is married to Stephen Danalis for 29 years and has 2 grown sons, Cameron and Alexander. In 2008 they suffered the tragic loss of their adopted daughter from Korea. What followed awakened the passion to learn more about the plight of young women who experience loss and exploitation when they don't have the support, resources, and community they desperately need for better outcomes. What started as a platform of awareness has now grown to provide safe housing options. The first home, Nehemiah House, offers a family-style residential home with pathways to financial stability and independence. F.U.S.E. was established in 2010 (received charitable status in the summer of 2011).
Stephen G. Danalis
Co-Founder & Exec. Director
Stephen graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1984 with a Bachelor in Culinary Arts. A Restaurateur and entrepreneur for several years, serving on several mission trips through the AG World Missions (MAPS) ranging from pouring concrete floors and walls in Costa Rica and Honduras to accompanying a medical outreach in Kenya until "THE CALL" to the Mission Field himself in the States. Stephen's heart cry is to see faith communities emerge with one voice, not only to raise awareness but more importantly INSPIRE others into action on behalf of the vulnerable. To see the church come together in unity so that the world will see God’s heart when He works through His people.
Courtney Reim, M.Ed
Board Member/Secretary
Courtney Reim is a passionate Montessorian and advocate for children. She has been engaged in non-profit work focused on children and families since 2003, when she joined The Suffield Auxiliary of the Village for Family & Children. In 1999 Courtney earned a BS in Business Administration with a dual emphasis in Finance and Management & Entrepreneurship from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After spending over 10 years in the corporate world and starting her own family, Courtney refocused her energy to become an educator. Courtney received her Association Montessori Internationale Primary Diploma from the Montessori Training Center Northeast in 2012 and graduated from the University of Hartford with a M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education in 2013. Courtney also serves on the board of Bridges to Hope, Inc. a non-profit organization committed to offering spiritual and educational programs toward the socio-economic transformation of sub-Saharan society. She is employed as a Research Assistant at the Center for Montessori Studies at the University of Hartford and looks forward to post graduate studies and contributing to the field of teacher education focusing on Dr. Montessori’s child centered pedagogy and peace education. Courtney currently lives with her husband and 2 children in Enfield, CT.
Dr. Laura Domer-Shank
Board Member
Dr. Laura Domer-Shank is a School Psychologist, Educational Consultant, Adjunct Psychology Professor at Tunxis Community College, and Educational Surrogate for the Connecticut State Department of Education. Additionally, Dr. Domer-Shank volunteers her time by serving on Boards that provide services and protects the welfare of survivors of human trafficking and homeless pregnant mothers. She was the Vice President and current consultant of the VCN, a networking organization committed to identifying and coordinating services for the improvement of communities.
Dr. Domer-Shank’s 25-year career has included individual and group counseling, crisis management, assessment and evaluation, family therapy, psychoeducational groups, and advocacy for children and families. Dr. Domer-Shank’s independent research project on young women in trauma highlights the need for specific supports and education that aid in the prevention of issues that girls and young women must deal with in the light of societal pressures and life stressors.
Dr. Domer-Shank received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Education at Elms College, her Master’s and Sixth Year degrees in School Psychology at the University of Hartford, and her Doctorate Degree at American International College. She recently received a Women in Leadership Certification from Yale University. Dr. Domer-Shank is also a Certified Life Coach, Nationally Certified BOLD girls facilitator, and has advanced certification in Mindfulness, Child and Adolescent Trauma, and Trauma-Informed Resilient Schools.
Laura and her husband, Neil, an Athletic Director and Coach spend much of their time actively involved with their three children - two daughters, ages 10 and 12, and 19-year-old son.
She is also the Founder and CEO of brave-embrace.org
Kayla Lipsitz
Board Member
Kayla Lipsitz is director of alumni and family relations with seven years experience previously working as a director of marketing. Lipsitz received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Quinnipiac University located in Hamden, CT. While at Quinnipiac University Lipsitz enjoyed concentrating her studies in small business management and philosophy. Moreover, Lipsitz maintained her excellence in scholarly distinction via the Dean’s List and received the Diversity Prize Award from the College of Arts and Science in recognition for innovative approaches for her thesis regarding the historiography of the Civil Rights Movement.
Lipsitz’ professional role is focused on bringing solutions, innovative thought, and providing long-lasting support to her domestic and international community.
“Meaningful relationships and connectivity is the core of my work. I enjoy stewarding our international ambassadors and working with our student body made up of great role models. It’s rewarding assisting our current students in becoming global philanthropists and “doers” of tomorrow. My number one objective is providing equity across the board which is actualized through education and access to opportunities benefiting their professional and personal growth. An additional project I’ve enjoyed supporting in my role is focused on broadening data used to track metrics relating to equity in the student population.”
In Lipsitz previous role as director of marketing, the bulk of her work was designing and managing the brand and structure of the business. She also was responsible for researching opportunities to partner in philanthropic ways with various institutions in the surrounding community, and drafting the proposals.
Lipsitz has been involved in community service opportunities such as Hands on Hartford in Hartford, CT, and a year volunteering at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, CT.
Kayla Lipsitz currently resides in West Hartford, CT with her husband Harrison. She enjoys painting, spending time with her family, and staying connected with their church in Springfield, CT. Additionally, The Lipsitz family enjoys working together as husband and wife providing adult leadership to the Christian Club at Quinnipiac University.