BOARD MEMBER

LouAnn brings over 36 years of dedicated service in the healthcare sector, marked by a diverse range of experiences. Her journey commenced as a nursing assistant, and at the age of 18, she obtained her practical nursing license through a high school vocational program. Beginning her nursing career as an OR Scrub Nurse, LouAnn garnered invaluable expertise in medical-surgical practices at a bustling NYC hospital. Subsequently, she assumed the role of a charge nurse at a Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility, where she gained insights into physical and rehabilitation medicine.

Her professional trajectory further encompassed roles in home care, community nursing, and public health nursing. However, her journey took on a deeply personal dimension when she became the mother of children with an incarcerated father. This firsthand experience has provided her with unique insights into the challenges faced by children of the incarcerated, offering her a profound understanding of their needs and struggles.

Transitioning to a pivotal role as a case management nurse with the NYC Police Department, LouAnn efficiently managed line-of-duty injury claims, providing indispensable support to hundreds of service members annually. Throughout her career, LouAnn has demonstrated a penchant for collaboration, facilitating medical rehabilitation, enhancing functionality, and elevating the overall quality of life for those she serves.

Her multifaceted background, coupled with her personal experience as a parent of children affected by incarceration, uniquely positions her to empathize with and advocate for the children our non-profit organization serves. LouAnn's unwavering dedication and firsthand understanding make her a valuable asset to the mission of supporting children of the incarcerated.

BOARD MEMBER

As a dedicated professional with over thirty years of experience in management as well as regular interaction with both a diverse management team and the general public, Robert Sexton brings a wealth of expertise to supporting vulnerable populations. His journey in advocating for those in need has been deeply influenced by his role as a parent to a wonderful son with autism. Robert’s most profound learning and motivation stems from his personal life. Being a parent to a child with autism has provided invaluable lessons in empathy, resilience, and the importance of unwavering support. This experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on the diverse needs of families, particularly those facing additional layers of vulnerability. Driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, Robert is excited to be part of Alana Wilson’s Helping Hands Village. The organization’s mission to support children with incarcerated parents deeply resonates with him. He firmly believes that every child deserves a nurturing environment and opportunities to thrive, irrespective of their circumstances. Robert Sexton is committed to leveraging his professional expertise, along with his personal experiences, to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s initiatives. Together, they aim to create a brighter future for these children, offering them hope, support, and the resources they need to overcome obstacles and realize their full potential.

BOARD MEMBER

Amanda DeCarvalho brings her unwavering commitment to empowerment to her role as a valued board member of Alana Wilson's Helping Hands Village. Drawing from her experience as a dedicated Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator at the Housing Authority of the City of Danbury, Amanda is deeply passionate about creating pathways to success for vulnerable communities. With her specialized knowledge in connecting families with crucial resources and fostering independence, Amanda plays a pivotal role in shaping our organization's mission. Her dedication to building stronger, more empowered communities, helping to bring hope and support to those who need it most, resonates profoundly with our cause.

BOARD MEMBER

Michael is a 20-year veteran of the marketing/advertising world. He has spent of his professional life developing and growing some of the worlds largest brands, such as Nestle, Xbox, Exxon and Sony. He is an manager leader who loves mentoring and coaching the next generation of leaders. Michael lives in Ridgefield, CT where, with his wife, Lisa, two daughters, two dogs, and a cat. He enjoys coaching and managing youth sports teams, as well as teaching religious education. In his downtime, Mike likes watching Football, Rugby and the New York Yankees.

BOARD MEMBER

Audrey Ford's journey into the realm of non-profit service was sparked by her parents who both worked for a non-profit orginization for over 30 years. Audrey's parents were committed to making a difference in people's lives, imparting upon her a profound understanding of the transformative impact of human-centered initiatives. Through her parent's initiatives she discovered her knack for connecting with individuals and communities, fueling her commitment to using her skills for causes that put people first.

Inspired by her parents' dedication, Audrey's passion for making a difference took root early on, with her first job at a non-profit organization setting the stage for her future endeavors. After obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources, she began a people-focused career. Now, with almost a decade of Human Resources experience, Audrey brings a unique blend of strategic insight and HR proficiency to her role as a board member. Her skills in talent management, engagement, and strategic planning are invaluable assets in steering the organization towards impactful outcomes. Audrey understands the importance of cultivating inclusive environments, optimizing resources, and building strong, cohesive teams that drive sustainable progress. Through her professional skills and personal dedication, Audrey is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

BOARD MEMBER

Georgeta Elena Precup joins the board of directors of Alana Wilson’s Helping Hands Village with rich experience and accomplishments that span the financial sector and beyond. Her journey, originating from Romania, embodies a unique blend of financial prowess, cultural awareness, and a deep-seated commitment to empowerment and growth. As a seasoned C-suite finance executive, Georgeta has mastered the art of leadership in the complex world of finance, with a broad expertise in controllership, reporting, management accounting, GAAP accounting & policies, SOX (ICOFR) compliance, audit, tax, revenue cycle management, HR and payroll, M&A, business development, Treasury, FP&A, and ERP platforms implementations. Her proficiency extends to M&A due diligence and integration, where she has made significant contributions from both the seller’s and buyer’s perspectives. Georgeta’s academic background is equally impressive. She holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut, a MS in Human Relations & Diversity Awareness from Amberton University and is currently pursuing a MS in Family Studies at Amberton University. Her credentials include licensure as a Certified Public Accountant in Connecticut and New York, and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation, with active membership in the AICPA. Beyond her professional endeavors, Georgeta is passionate about personal growth, diversity, and empowerment. Her empathetic approach and dedication to understanding diverse perspectives make her an invaluable guide in the journey to self-discovery and development. Her management style—collaborative, rational, and respectful—alongside her commitment to offering level-headed, objective advice, positions her as a pivotal figure in any organization. At Alana Wilson’s Helping Hands Village, Georgeta is eager to leverage her vast expertise to support and advance the mission of providing mentorship and advocacy for children affected by parental incarceration. She is committed to ensuring access to culturally enriching programs and community resources that foster healing, belonging, and empowerment during their most challenging times. Residing in Stamford, Connecticut, Georgeta cherishes spending quality time with her family, living the values of community support and engagement that she fervently advocates for in her professional and philanthropic life.

BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Dionne Olamiju is a dedicated and passionate educator with over 10 years of experience in the field of education. Currently serving as a school administrator at an urban high school, she has a strong background in student support and leadership.

Dr. Olamiju is deeply committed to serving her community and making a positive impact on the lives of children. She actively works to create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances. She believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and is dedicated to breaking down barriers and providing support to those in need.

BOARD MEMBER

Leslie brings extensive executive experience in the financial services and legal sectors to his involvement with Alana Wilson’s Helping Hands Village. Leslie’s professional career includes global positions with Citigroup, Bank of America and New York Life, among others. With assignments in international markets over many years, Leslie is a seasoned professional with an expansive outlook. Throughout the entirety of his working life, Leslie has contributed time to volunteer causes that affect his community and the world beyond. With a belief that opportunity and access can and should be transferred to people who have been denied those rights by circumstances over which they have little influence, Leslie volunteers with several Fairfield County nonprofits. Alana Wilson’s Helping Hands Village addresses the needs of families affected by incarceration by intervening in the lives of children of incarcerated parents to establish a pathway to success and accomplishment. The work of our organization is essential in demonstrating the value of each child, no matter their family situations. Leslie works to bring good governance, insight and vision to the work of the organization to ensure widespread impact and a lasting legacy.