Meet The Board
Sherry Danalis
President/Treasurer
Sherry Danalis is married to Stephen Danalis for 28 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 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
Gina Garcia-McDonald
Board Member
Gina Garcia McDonald is a Coldwell Banker Agent in the International President Circle. She has designations in Cartus Network Affinity Specialist (CNAS), Cartus Network Marketing Specialist (CNMS), Cartus Network Referral Specialist (CNRS), Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM), as well as being a USAA Top Block Agent. Originally from Suffield, Ct. now residing between Granby Ct and Flordia with her husband. She is a mother of 5 children ranging from adult to College and a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren. Among Gina's recent favorite endeavors are various African Charitable causes, in many nations of that continent. The Granby and Simsbury offices of Coldwell Banker are heavily involved in charitable organizations benefiting families, children and housing needs locally and through their branded benevolence fund called Coldwell Banker Cares, for which she is a member.