THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DANIEL LEVINE
Secretary
I joined the Executive Board of Compassionate Ridgefield because I wholeheartedly believe that our town is an extraordinary town with incredible residents. I am honored to be a part of this community and proud to call Ridgefield my home. In today’s climate, it can sometimes be easy to forget that a compassionate community improves lives. Compassionate Ridgefield’s ultimate goal is to “create a Ridgefield where every person feels welcome and respected”. THAT is something that I want to be a part of!
RUDY MARCONI
DENISE QUALEY
Ridgefield First Selectman
We all need to pay better attention to the importance of compassion and respect for one's neighbor. We have, in recent years, seen a disturbing decline in civility---on the athletic fields, online, and in the community. Signing the charter will be Ridgefield's public acknowledgement of our commitment to being a more compassionate community.
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DENISE QUALEY
Board Member
The mission of Compassionate Ridgefield focuses on the action of kindness. I feel that is it right up there with the importance of love and I want to be apart of something that makes our community a place of love and kindness.
JAN TRIANI
MARTHA MORRIS
Board Member
Martha Morris is honored to work with on such an open-hearted initiative! In my work as a psychotherapist in Ridgefield, I am keenly aware that when we approach others, ourselves and our life-circumstances with compassion - space is created that allows healing. And healing is what progress is made of - Onward!
EZRA ZIMMERMAN
Board Member
I joined the Compassionate Ridgefield board to try and promote kindness, and compassion in the Ridgefield community. I think it's important that people in town, especially our youth understand how important this is, especially during these tough times.
ERIN CRAIG
STEPHEN WOOTERS
Board Member
An executive with Fairfield County Bank, Steve is a person of countless passions including gardening, bee keeping, surfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, golfing, woodworking and even makes his own beer and maple syrup. Steve serves on numerous boards around town and is passionate about helping others. If you are looking, you can always find him around town. He always waves to everyone, so wave back!
AMANDA GABBARD
Vice President
I moved to Ridgefield with my husband and dogs in the midst of the pandemic after falling in love with this community. I have been looking to get involved in philanthropic ways to help keep the heart, soul and history of this vibrant town alive and well.
CAROL MAHLSTEDT
Chairperson
As a psychologist, I am profoundly aware of the power of empathy and compassion in strengthening resilience and healthy emotional climates. Working to foster greater compassion in a community that I love and call home is an honor and a privilege and an initiative I very much believe in!
BOB CASCELLA
Treasurer
I have lived in our wonderful community since 2004. Professionally, I own and manage Grove Street Realty Advisors, a commercial real estate company. I have always believed in giving back to my community, and believe that it is more important than ever to work towards bringing greater peace, compassion and understanding to Ridgefield.
SUZANNE BRENNAN
Board Member
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As 4th generation Ridgefielder and Executive Director of historic Lounsbury House, Suzanne feels privileged to be connected to Compassionate Ridgefield as another way of giving back to community.
DEBORAH RUNDLETT
Board Member
Why Compassionate Ridgefield? Because it’s who we are! Maybe not always, but at our best, compassion is a way of being for Ridgefield. And that’s important, because compassion nurtures relationship, improves well-being, and empowers creative thinking. More than that, compassion is a precondition for thriving. That’s why I’m committed to the work and play that comes with being a part of Compassionate Ridgefield.
