Dr. Colby Wesner -President
It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the President of ThinkBIG since it's inception. Working with our amazing board of directors and watching our organization grow has been one of the most valuable aspects of my life. I am extremely proud of how ThinkBIG has continued to grow to serve the needs of the families in central and northeast Pennsylvania who are unfortunately battling pediatric cancer. With the inspiration of the late Carmine Monacelli, in addition to witnessing the strength of other ThinkBIG families, I look forward to seeing ThinkBIG's continued growth towards being the best possible resource for families who have to face this terrible disease.
It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the President of ThinkBIG since it's inception. Working with our amazing board of directors and watching our organization grow has been one of the most valuable aspects of my life. I am extremely proud of how ThinkBIG has continued to grow to serve the needs of the families in central and northeast Pennsylvania who are unfortunately battling pediatric cancer. With the inspiration of the late Carmine Monacelli, in addition to witnessing the strength of other ThinkBIG families, I look forward to seeing ThinkBIG's continued growth towards being the best possible resource for families who have to face this terrible disease.
Josh Longmore - Governance Committee Chair
I joined the Board of Directors of ThinkBIG to honor the legacy of the sweet little girl in this photo. My family was introduced to ThinkBIG when my three-year-old daughter Emily was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma right after Christmas, 2017. Amid the shock of Emily’s cancer diagnosis, ThinkBIG stepped in early and offered us assistance and hope – hope that there was a community of friends, and even strangers, who would help us shoulder some of the burdens of this devastating situation. Emily fought with incredible grace and courage for almost 11 months. She went on to Heaven two weeks before her fourth birthday. Because of our experience, we understand the needs of families walking the difficult road of pediatric cancer, and we want to provide them with the support and encouragement we received from so many kind, caring people. ThinkBIG is doing just that for local families going through similar hardships, and my family is honored to work with and support its wonderful mission in memory of our Emily Grace! Besides my personal experience with childhood cancer, my position as the Executive Director of the Luzerne Conservation District and my involvement with other non-profit organizations have given me organizational management experience and skills that I hope will be helpful to ThinkBIG as it carries out its vital work.
I joined the Board of Directors of ThinkBIG to honor the legacy of the sweet little girl in this photo. My family was introduced to ThinkBIG when my three-year-old daughter Emily was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma right after Christmas, 2017. Amid the shock of Emily’s cancer diagnosis, ThinkBIG stepped in early and offered us assistance and hope – hope that there was a community of friends, and even strangers, who would help us shoulder some of the burdens of this devastating situation. Emily fought with incredible grace and courage for almost 11 months. She went on to Heaven two weeks before her fourth birthday. Because of our experience, we understand the needs of families walking the difficult road of pediatric cancer, and we want to provide them with the support and encouragement we received from so many kind, caring people. ThinkBIG is doing just that for local families going through similar hardships, and my family is honored to work with and support its wonderful mission in memory of our Emily Grace! Besides my personal experience with childhood cancer, my position as the Executive Director of the Luzerne Conservation District and my involvement with other non-profit organizations have given me organizational management experience and skills that I hope will be helpful to ThinkBIG as it carries out its vital work.
Laura Davis
I joined ThinkBIG in order to give back to our wonderful community and support other pediatric cancer patients and their families. My son, Cole, was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on January 15th, 2020. He is still in treatment and will be until 2023, but he is doing well. Once you are touched by pediatric cancer in some way, your life is never the same. From the beginning of our journey, our family vowed to support others on this journey and make it easier in any way. I am honored to partner with such amazing people in easing the burden pediatric cancer puts on the entire family. I am a PK-12 School Counselor, currently working with college students at Bloomsburg University. I especially love that ThinkBIG gets entire student populations involved in the cause and look forward to working with the community.
I joined ThinkBIG in order to give back to our wonderful community and support other pediatric cancer patients and their families. My son, Cole, was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on January 15th, 2020. He is still in treatment and will be until 2023, but he is doing well. Once you are touched by pediatric cancer in some way, your life is never the same. From the beginning of our journey, our family vowed to support others on this journey and make it easier in any way. I am honored to partner with such amazing people in easing the burden pediatric cancer puts on the entire family. I am a PK-12 School Counselor, currently working with college students at Bloomsburg University. I especially love that ThinkBIG gets entire student populations involved in the cause and look forward to working with the community.
Carol Rheam Tevis, 2nd Vice Chair
Carol Rheam Tevis is proud to have been part of ThinkBIG from its beginning and is thrilled to see the commitment from throughout our area to help families who have children battling cancer. She is currently the Board 2nd Vice-President.. She spent more than 30 years working in the non-profit sector raising money for the local children’s hospital. During that time, she met many children and families on their cancer journeys. All of them continue to be an inspiration. She is a native of Lewisburg and attended Bucknell University. Carol has resided in Bloomsburg for over 25 years with her husband, Rick. They have three children and twin granddaughters.
Carol Rheam Tevis is proud to have been part of ThinkBIG from its beginning and is thrilled to see the commitment from throughout our area to help families who have children battling cancer. She is currently the Board 2nd Vice-President.. She spent more than 30 years working in the non-profit sector raising money for the local children’s hospital. During that time, she met many children and families on their cancer journeys. All of them continue to be an inspiration. She is a native of Lewisburg and attended Bucknell University. Carol has resided in Bloomsburg for over 25 years with her husband, Rick. They have three children and twin granddaughters.
Larissa Monacelli
My name is Larissa Monacelli and I have been a member of the board of directors for ThinkBIG since its inception in 2013. I am the proud mother of Carmine Monacelli who was the driving force and inspiration behind the establishment of ThinkBIG as a pediatric cancer non-profit. Carmine was 9 years old when he lost his battle with osteosarcoma on March 26, 2012. I am a wife and mother as well as a Spanish teacher at Pocono Mt. West High School in Pocono Summit, PA. It was my wish that Dr. Colby Wesner could somehow make sure that his patients and my son Carmine's legacy would never be forgotten. The creation of ThinkBIG and it's generous soul will continue to assist children and their families with the unique financial burden that pediatric cancer plagues upon a family. I am extremely grateful to the hard work and dedication that our board of directors brings to ThinkBIG and to our community.
My name is Larissa Monacelli and I have been a member of the board of directors for ThinkBIG since its inception in 2013. I am the proud mother of Carmine Monacelli who was the driving force and inspiration behind the establishment of ThinkBIG as a pediatric cancer non-profit. Carmine was 9 years old when he lost his battle with osteosarcoma on March 26, 2012. I am a wife and mother as well as a Spanish teacher at Pocono Mt. West High School in Pocono Summit, PA. It was my wish that Dr. Colby Wesner could somehow make sure that his patients and my son Carmine's legacy would never be forgotten. The creation of ThinkBIG and it's generous soul will continue to assist children and their families with the unique financial burden that pediatric cancer plagues upon a family. I am extremely grateful to the hard work and dedication that our board of directors brings to ThinkBIG and to our community.
Dr. Jake Troutman
I am a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital in Allentown, PA. I attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 2009. I did my medical training first at Geisinger Medical Center in pediatrics before moving on to the University of North Carolina for my pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship. I am on the board of directors of ThinkBIG because this organization helps families near and dear to my heart. I joined the board of directors to help this organization grow and help more and more families affected by pediatric cancer.
I am a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children's Hospital in Allentown, PA. I attended medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated in 2009. I did my medical training first at Geisinger Medical Center in pediatrics before moving on to the University of North Carolina for my pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship. I am on the board of directors of ThinkBIG because this organization helps families near and dear to my heart. I joined the board of directors to help this organization grow and help more and more families affected by pediatric cancer.
Colleen Phillips
I was first introduced to ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund by founder Colby Wesner while I was working on the Going Gold initiative in 2016. Since that time, I’ve learned so much from Colby and Woody Wolfe about the need that exists in our community. In addition to my role as Vice President Marketing at Service 1st Federal Credit Union and as a member of the Going Gold Committee, I look forward to helping ThinkBIG continue to evolve and lessen the financial stress felt by families fighting this disease.
I was first introduced to ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund by founder Colby Wesner while I was working on the Going Gold initiative in 2016. Since that time, I’ve learned so much from Colby and Woody Wolfe about the need that exists in our community. In addition to my role as Vice President Marketing at Service 1st Federal Credit Union and as a member of the Going Gold Committee, I look forward to helping ThinkBIG continue to evolve and lessen the financial stress felt by families fighting this disease.
Chad Evans
I have had the pleasure to serve as a volunteer on the ThinkBIG board of directors since the very beginning. Helping families in this area has brought me great joy and satisfaction knowing we are able to be there to offer support in one of the most trying times a family could indore. ThinkBIG has a tremendous group of individuals working together to provide help for families battling pediatric cancer. I'm honored to be a part of this great organization.
I have had the pleasure to serve as a volunteer on the ThinkBIG board of directors since the very beginning. Helping families in this area has brought me great joy and satisfaction knowing we are able to be there to offer support in one of the most trying times a family could indore. ThinkBIG has a tremendous group of individuals working together to provide help for families battling pediatric cancer. I'm honored to be a part of this great organization.
Brett Barrick, Board Vice Chairman
In 2013, my 7 year old son, Will, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Thanks to the world-class care at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital - Geisinger Medical Center, Will’s cancer is in remission, and he is a happy and healthy teenager. During Will’s treatment, we spend many days and nights at the hospital and befriended many other families waging their own fights against pediatric cancer. I know first-hand the physical, emotional and financial stresses that pediatric cancer places upon those families. ThinkBIG helps ease that stress so the families can focus on healing. I believe that my support of ThinkBIG’s mission is the perfect way for me to give back for the blessing of my son’s recovery. I have been a Member of the Board of Directors since 2015. I also serve on the Allocations Committee and review (and approve) families’ requests for financial support every month.
In 2013, my 7 year old son, Will, was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. Thanks to the world-class care at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital - Geisinger Medical Center, Will’s cancer is in remission, and he is a happy and healthy teenager. During Will’s treatment, we spend many days and nights at the hospital and befriended many other families waging their own fights against pediatric cancer. I know first-hand the physical, emotional and financial stresses that pediatric cancer places upon those families. ThinkBIG helps ease that stress so the families can focus on healing. I believe that my support of ThinkBIG’s mission is the perfect way for me to give back for the blessing of my son’s recovery. I have been a Member of the Board of Directors since 2015. I also serve on the Allocations Committee and review (and approve) families’ requests for financial support every month.
Angela Brouse
I am a Regional Director for the Geisinger Health Foundation in Danville where I have helped to raise millions of dollars for healthcare including pediatric cancer. I joined Dr. Wesner in the beginning when he created ThinkBIG and have been a member of the Board of Directors ever since. I love the mission of ThinkBIG and believe that no family should have to struggle with basic bills while supporting a child undergoing cancer treatment. I am also proud to be a part of a team that fundraises for and supports local families in Central and Northeast PA (and growing).
In addition to supporting pediatric cancer, I am very passionate about animal rescue and am the co-founder of the Scratching Post Cat Café in Lewisburg and Vice-President of Cherished Cats Rescue Alliance. I reside in Lewisburg with my husband Chris and two daughters, Ellie and Ryan.
I am a Regional Director for the Geisinger Health Foundation in Danville where I have helped to raise millions of dollars for healthcare including pediatric cancer. I joined Dr. Wesner in the beginning when he created ThinkBIG and have been a member of the Board of Directors ever since. I love the mission of ThinkBIG and believe that no family should have to struggle with basic bills while supporting a child undergoing cancer treatment. I am also proud to be a part of a team that fundraises for and supports local families in Central and Northeast PA (and growing).
In addition to supporting pediatric cancer, I am very passionate about animal rescue and am the co-founder of the Scratching Post Cat Café in Lewisburg and Vice-President of Cherished Cats Rescue Alliance. I reside in Lewisburg with my husband Chris and two daughters, Ellie and Ryan.
Heather Fowler MA, LPC
Brain cancer became a major part of our family when my 11 year old son Aidan was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma. We lost him at the age of twelve on January 3, 2016; just 16 months after diagnosis and after many different treatments, doctors and hospital stays. Our family was supported through our community in Clinton County, our school district, our neighbors, our churches and our people. Having the compassion, generosity and caring of our community was a huge part of my healing; which is and always will be ongoing. I was already a licensed professional counselor working at Bucknell University in a related field but the loss of Aidan inspired me to take a risk and open up my own private counseling practice with the meaningful name, Before & After Counseling. I was unaware of ThinkBIG before Colby reached out to see if I was interested in joining the board. I myself have benefited from the support of our community and the mission of ThinkBIG just felt like a direct fit for me.
Brain cancer became a major part of our family when my 11 year old son Aidan was diagnosed with anaplastic astrocytoma. We lost him at the age of twelve on January 3, 2016; just 16 months after diagnosis and after many different treatments, doctors and hospital stays. Our family was supported through our community in Clinton County, our school district, our neighbors, our churches and our people. Having the compassion, generosity and caring of our community was a huge part of my healing; which is and always will be ongoing. I was already a licensed professional counselor working at Bucknell University in a related field but the loss of Aidan inspired me to take a risk and open up my own private counseling practice with the meaningful name, Before & After Counseling. I was unaware of ThinkBIG before Colby reached out to see if I was interested in joining the board. I myself have benefited from the support of our community and the mission of ThinkBIG just felt like a direct fit for me.
Chris Bohinski
Chris strives to treat those around him with kindness and compassion and has a daily goal of making people smile. After graduating with degrees in both Chemistry and Music & Theater from Wheeling Jesuit University, Chris moved to New York City where he worked in the entertainment industry. When his mother was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer shortly after his father passed away, Chris moved back home to Wilkes-Barre to serve as her primary caregiver up until the time of her passing. Since June 2020, Chris has been sharing his smile as host of WBRE's PA Live and has been recognized with a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nomination and 3 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters awards. Chris enjoys singing, birdwatching, spending time with his family, eating yummy food, praying, and napping with his adopted cats Pollyanna & Gracie.
Chris strives to treat those around him with kindness and compassion and has a daily goal of making people smile. After graduating with degrees in both Chemistry and Music & Theater from Wheeling Jesuit University, Chris moved to New York City where he worked in the entertainment industry. When his mother was diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer shortly after his father passed away, Chris moved back home to Wilkes-Barre to serve as her primary caregiver up until the time of her passing. Since June 2020, Chris has been sharing his smile as host of WBRE's PA Live and has been recognized with a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nomination and 3 Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters awards. Chris enjoys singing, birdwatching, spending time with his family, eating yummy food, praying, and napping with his adopted cats Pollyanna & Gracie.
