Meet the ThinkBIG Board of Directors
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.
Carol Rheam Tevis - Vice President
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 Vice-President and chairs the Personnel Committee. 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 Vice-President and chairs the Personnel Committee. 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.
Tabitha McCormick - Treasurer
I’ve been volunteering with ThinkBIG as their Treasurer since October 2017. During the work week I spend my time leading the e-Banking & Customer Support department at First Columbia Bank. I feel very fortunate to have met Colby and fallen into helping make ThinkBIG’s worthy mission come to life. We’ve got lots of talented, dedicated, creative people on the Board, and I’m a better human because I get to interact with them. Thanks for the opportunity to serve!
I’ve been volunteering with ThinkBIG as their Treasurer since October 2017. During the work week I spend my time leading the e-Banking & Customer Support department at First Columbia Bank. I feel very fortunate to have met Colby and fallen into helping make ThinkBIG’s worthy mission come to life. We’ve got lots of talented, dedicated, creative people on the Board, and I’m a better human because I get to interact with them. Thanks for the opportunity to serve!
Rebecca Herritt - Secretary
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.
Peggy Starkey
We have lived the experiences of a child with cancer and the impact of kindnesses extended were met with the utmost heartfelt gratitude. This service of the ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund is an extension for me to continue my lifelong commitment to help provide assistance to the families on the rocky road of stresses with a child enduring the diagnosis of cancer. I am a former Adult Hematology/Oncology nurse, (and prior to our son’s diagnosis, CCU, ICU, ER nurse) - that knows what patients and their families go through in the tremendous impacts of a sweet child enduring cancer, day after day. Our child made it with a 1% chance of survival. We will be forever grateful and hearts filled with hopes of helping others.
We have lived the experiences of a child with cancer and the impact of kindnesses extended were met with the utmost heartfelt gratitude. This service of the ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund is an extension for me to continue my lifelong commitment to help provide assistance to the families on the rocky road of stresses with a child enduring the diagnosis of cancer. I am a former Adult Hematology/Oncology nurse, (and prior to our son’s diagnosis, CCU, ICU, ER nurse) - that knows what patients and their families go through in the tremendous impacts of a sweet child enduring cancer, day after day. Our child made it with a 1% chance of survival. We will be forever grateful and hearts filled with hopes of helping others.
Jason General
I’m a nurse at the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. I joined ThinkBIG because I got a first hand look on what these families go through during tough times. ThinkBIG gives families a little less to worry about during this time when they have to worry about the well-being of their child. It is very rewarding knowing you can help these families during a difficult time.
I’m a nurse at the Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. I joined ThinkBIG because I got a first hand look on what these families go through during tough times. ThinkBIG gives families a little less to worry about during this time when they have to worry about the well-being of their child. It is very rewarding knowing you can help these families during a difficult time.
Diane Dutko
When you touch my family's life, you touch my heart forever. In December 2017, my 3-year old granddaughter Emily was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. ThinkBIG was there to help by providing financial support to help ease the burden and give my son-in-law and daughter one less thing to think about. While our family suffered the unimaginable loss of sweet Emily in November 2018, we know first-hand how essential it is to pay-it-forward and celebrate the lives of these precious child warriors and their families. My work as the chief operating officer for The Luzerne Foundation often brings me into family situations where tragic loss has occurred. Just over a year ago, I received a call from a grandfather whose family had no resources to pay for their child's final expenses. ThinkBIG assisted this broken-hearted family with those expenses, and it was through that experience that I was invited to join the board. It's an amazing organization!
When you touch my family's life, you touch my heart forever. In December 2017, my 3-year old granddaughter Emily was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. ThinkBIG was there to help by providing financial support to help ease the burden and give my son-in-law and daughter one less thing to think about. While our family suffered the unimaginable loss of sweet Emily in November 2018, we know first-hand how essential it is to pay-it-forward and celebrate the lives of these precious child warriors and their families. My work as the chief operating officer for The Luzerne Foundation often brings me into family situations where tragic loss has occurred. Just over a year ago, I received a call from a grandfather whose family had no resources to pay for their child's final expenses. ThinkBIG assisted this broken-hearted family with those expenses, and it was through that experience that I was invited to join the board. It's an amazing organization!
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.
Bill Lavage
I have served as a volunteer on the ThinkBIG board of directors since July 2017. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the ThinkBIG family. I serve as a director to help ThinkBIG provide assistance to families having to deal with pediatric cancer. I am President and CEO of Service 1st Federal Credit Union.
I have served as a volunteer on the ThinkBIG board of directors since July 2017. It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the ThinkBIG family. I serve as a director to help ThinkBIG provide assistance to families having to deal with pediatric cancer. I am President and CEO of Service 1st Federal Credit Union.
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
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.
Josh Longmore
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.
Tyson Hale
When I first met Dr. Colby Wesner in 2012 as a resident, I knew he was on to something BIG. My former pediatrician was Colby’s attending physician and former ThinkBIG board member, Dr. Michael Ryan, who realized I was working at Geisinger. He recalled my personal history with pediatric cancer (I was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 11), and they asked if I’d consider joining the team. I knew right away I wanted to be involved! After discovering ThinkBIG’s mission of providing financial support to families with pediatric cancer, it really occurred to me of all the extra burdens on parents that most don’t realize. I think back to when my mom would drive me to the hospital every day for chemotherapy treatments and the various overnight stays. Now I have three kids of my own and can understand what families go through. It’s been an honor to serve for this amazing organization!
When I first met Dr. Colby Wesner in 2012 as a resident, I knew he was on to something BIG. My former pediatrician was Colby’s attending physician and former ThinkBIG board member, Dr. Michael Ryan, who realized I was working at Geisinger. He recalled my personal history with pediatric cancer (I was diagnosed with lymphoma at age 11), and they asked if I’d consider joining the team. I knew right away I wanted to be involved! After discovering ThinkBIG’s mission of providing financial support to families with pediatric cancer, it really occurred to me of all the extra burdens on parents that most don’t realize. I think back to when my mom would drive me to the hospital every day for chemotherapy treatments and the various overnight stays. Now I have three kids of my own and can understand what families go through. It’s been an honor to serve for this amazing organization!
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 resides 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 resides in Lewisburg with my husband Chris and two daughters, Ellie and Ryan.
|
530 Montour Blvd, Suite B, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 | (570) 437-0341
|
© Thinkbig Pediatric Cancer Fund. All rights reserved.