Board of Directors
Co-Chairs
Sarah Aasheim, MSW, LCSW
Belchertown, MA
“I’m passionate about supporting WillPower because I can see the positive difference that our work makes in the lives of so many people in our community. Even a small grant can have a huge impact on the quality of life of someone with different abilities.”
Emily Leonczyk, MBA
East Longmeadow, MA
“Our community is only as strong as our commitment to serving one another. I am passionate about our work because it honors all abilities and supports families where they need it most.”
Board Members
Teresa Dooley – Smith, M.S., CCC/SLP
TDS Center for Communication and Social Learning
Amherst, MA
“I do this work because I wholeheartedly believe in the power of compassionate action and how each of us has the ability to make a profound difference in our communities- one family and one child at a time. The WillPower Foundation is, for me, a shining example of people coming together to support differently abled kids and their families in small ways which have a great impact. It takes a village to support a child’s well being and promote a society which includes everyone. I am proud to be a part of the WillPower Foundation, as they do just that.”
Jack Fanton, MD
Amherst, MA
“As a practicing child Psychiatrist in the region, I know firsthand the unmet needs of our community. I support the WillPower Foundation to be able to help those in need when help is not readily available.”
Jonathan Gilburg
Gilburg Leadership Incorporated
Holyoke, MA
“I have great respect for the founders, Maria and Craig Burke. I do this work because I know that it changes lives in our community without making families jump through hoops to receive the help.”
Chelsea McGrath
Northampton, MA
“I am thrilled to be a part of the WillPower family! I’m passionate about helping families and individuals with different abilities access the services they need, and so proud of how WillPower helps people in our community.”
Jeff Palm
Center for International Studies
Northampton, MA
“I do this work to feel like I’m contributing to my local community. It’s important that we give funding and support directly to families for exactly what they ask for.”
Founding Members
Craig Burke
Holyoke, MA
“We lived through some trying times when Will was younger when advocacy and information were hard to find. We vowed to find a way to help other families make at least ONE thing easier.”
Maria Burke
Holyoke, MA
“I believe in WillPower because we help families caring for individuals with different abilities feel less alone and more empowered. WillPower gives people and businesses a way to feel great about directly supporting people in their community.”