TSICARES (Corporate Alliance Reception and Event Sponsors)
Sasha Soon, Ph.D
Bleuler Psychotherapy Center
Dr. Sasha Soon holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a history of working in education and behavioral health for over 11 years. Before attaining her doctorate, Dr. Soon completed a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology and worked with the mental health needs of the criminal justice population in Brooklyn and Queens. In her early career as a psychologist, Dr. Soon worked in higher education as a counselor and an adjunct professor that set the stage for her current position at the Bleuler Psychotherapy Center, Inc. (BPC). Dr. Soon has been employed at the BPC for over 11 years beginning with a position as a clinician and for the last four years as the agency’s Director of Intake and Community Relations. She is currently focused on connecting Bleuler to other community-based organizations in an effort to bring vital services to the agency’s clients as well as promote the reputation of the center.
Dr. Soon has been a member of the TSI CARES advisory board for several years and has taken over the role of Chairwoman. Dr. Soon brings her experience in Behavioral Health to the table to promote the mission and vision of TSINY. We are thrilled that she will lead the TSI CARES board this New Year.
Sasha Soon, Ph.D.
Director of Intake & Community Relations
Bleuler Psychotherapy Center
104-70 Queens Boulevard, Suite 200
Forest Hills, New York 11375
718-275-6010
Fax: 718-275-6062
Sasha.soon@bleulerpc.org
Tommy DiMisa
Vanguard Insurance Agency
Tommy D grew up on Long Island and worked in bars and restaurants while attending Chaminade High School. He then started tending bar after graduation and through his college years. Later, he began a long career in sales and business development culminating in his current position as Director of Strategic Alliances for the Vanguard Insurance Agency.
Tommy is very focused on working with and serving the nonprofit sector, which he accomplishes through multiple board positions and volunteer work. This interest has pushed Tommy to launch his new podcast, Philanthropy in Phocus. On this show Tommy interviews executive leaders of nonprofit organizations to help them amplify their stories. It is this interest in the nonprofit sector that has propelled the Vanguard Insurance Agency forward and service to nonprofits has become part of the firm’s DNA.
Each day there are 2 driving forces that inspire Tommy D, the words impact and value. These words act as questions that he answers regularly about his choices. Will this make the right impact? Are we adding value? Known by many as a “connector,” Tommy D is responsible for sourcing many opportunities for business introductions each week. It has become his passion and commitment to make sure that when he sees a mutually beneficial business relationship that he makes an introduction ASAP. This has also led to Tommy’s role as National Director of Sales for the national networking organization, THE Networking Group (TNG).
Tommy lives on Long Island with his wife, Christine, four children – 2 daughters and 2 sons.
Tommy DiMisa
Director of Strategic Alliances
Vanguard Insurance Agency
155 Pinelawn Road, Suite 210N
Melville, New York 11747
Cell: 516-492-4928
Fax: 516-888-7496
tdimisa@vgdny.com
Michael Halperin
Solarus Technologies, Inc.
Michael Halperin the Chief Operating Officer at Solarus Technologies, Inc., which provides outsourced managed IT services to clients nationally. Michael is a founding board member of The Nonprofit Cooperative. An agency that’s sole purpose is to help nonprofits nationally. Michael was previously on the board of Habitat for Humanity Long Island; he served as President of Habitat for Humanity Nassau and was instrumental in the merger of Nassau and Suffolk to create one Long Island Habitat for Humanity. Michael also held board seats with both Girls Inc. of Long Island and Spirit of Huntington Art Center. Michael is part of the graduating class of 2020 Energeia Partnership, a leadership academy at Molloy University. Michael is passionate about his motorcycle, hockey, and has a deep appreciation for music and art. His daughter shares his love for art and together, they have amassed an eclectic art collection from all over the world in their home on Long Island with their dog Petunia.
Konstantina Foukas, Branch Manager
Dime Community Bank
Konstantina “Dina” Foukas is an experienced banker whose career in banking spans 30 years.
In 1990, Konstantina started her banking career with State Savings and Loan. She then moved to Independence Community Bank in 1992, where she held multiple positions such as Head Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager and Area Manager. Prior to joining Dime Community Bank, Konstantina held the position of Vice President, Area Manager for Sovereign Bank, with responsibilities for sales and operations in Queens. Today she serves as the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of Dime’s Bayside Branch, which is located at 61-38 Springfield Boulevard, Bayside, New York.
As a Dime Branch Manager, Konstantina actively participates in community events and organizations in Queens. For the past two years, she has supported TSINY on behalf of Dime Community Bank. She has also supported the Bayside Historical Society with events for five years. As a personal philosophy and approach to community service, Konstantina believes in lending her time and skills to support the community. “I believe that as a manager of a community bank that has a legacy of over 150 years of supporting our communities, it is important that I give back to the community I serve,” noted Konstantina. “In addition, I want the community to know that Dime understands, and I am here to assist them with their needs” she added.
Konstantina has grown up in Queens and continues to live in the Queens area with her husband and 2 children.
Konstantina’s educational background in finance and management stems from her studies at Empire State University in Old Westbury, New York.
Konstantina (Dina) Foukas
Assistant VP / Branch Manager
Dime Community Bank
61-38 Springfield Boulevard
Bayside, New York 11364
718-782-6200 Ext. 5579
Cell: 917-770-6980
kfoukas@dime.com
Brendan Leavy, Business Development Manager
Queens Chamber of Commerce
Brendan Leavy, Business Development Manager at Queens Chamber of Commerce, Bayside, New York has over 25 years’ experience in sales, sales management and business development and relationship management. The bulk of his career has been spent as a licensed insurance broker/risk management professional with extensive commercial and personal lines experience. Brendan owned and managed his own insurance agency for over 16 years. Commercial Insurance experience includes managing insurance & risk management programs for General Contractors, Large Trade Contractors, Developers, Hotel Owners & Operators, Property Owners & Managers, REITs, Wholesale Food Distributors, Staffing Companies, Non-Profit Organizations, Private Schools, Religious Institutions and more. Expertise insuring Construction/Development projects, Artisan Contractors Programs, et al, Personal lines experience includes Automobile Insurance, Homeowners Insurance, Personal Umbrella Policies, Term and Permanent Life Insurance policies, Annuities.
Brendan Leavy
Queens Chamber of Commerce
75-20 Astoria Boulevard #140
Jackson Heights, New York 11370
718-898-8500
Cell: 718-541-0715
bleavy@queenschamber.org
brendancleavy@gmail.com
Edward Probst
Founding Partner of Vanguard Insurance Agency
Ed Probst is an Employee Benefit Specialist and seasoned veteran of the Insurance industry. Ed is a founding Partner of Vanguard Insurance Agency, which was established in 1999. He currently acts as President and is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization. He has a particular expertise and knowledge in the areas of Employee Benefits, Group Insurance, The Affordable Care Act and ERISA. While throughout his career he has worked with clients in a vast array of professions, he has carved a niche in working with the Non-Profit Sector.
Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the New York Institute of Technology. Over the course of his career, he has earned numerous professional designations including Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Healthcare Reform Specialist (HCR), Chartered Healthcare Consultant (ChHC) and Registered Employee Benefit Consultant (REBC). He has also been a long-time member and supporter of the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).
Ed Probst
Vanguard Insurance Agency
155 Pinelawn Road, Suite 210N
Melville, New York 11747
516-872-2017 X201
Cell: 917-658-3962
Fax: 516-888-7496
eprobst@vgdny.com
Joseph Sciame, Retired Vice-President for Community Relations
St. John’s University
Joseph Sciame, Vice-President for Community Relations at St. John’s University since 1994, has been a seasoned administrator in higher education, having been a vice-president in several areas, namely, enrollment management for admissions and financial aid. He commenced his studies at the University and transferred to evening classes while working at the University in 1962 in the registrar and admissions offices. A staunch believer in consensus building, he has been a major force in sound community relations at St. John’s, as he helped to guide the community during the years of transforming the University from a day hop school to on campus living, and was, therefore, involved in community meetings that brought about a greater respect for the growth and ongoing development of a university that celebrates this year its 150th Anniversary. He has been the National Chair of the National Association of Financial Aid Administrators and is currently the President of the Sons of Italy Foundation, having been its National President. Born in East New York, he is a resident of New Hyde Park since 1955.
Joseph Sciame
Vice President for Community Relations
St. John’s University
8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, New York 11439
718-990-1941
Fax: 718-990-1920
sciamej@stjohns.edu
Joan Serrano Laufer, Executive Director
Queensboro Council for Social Welfare
Joan Serrano Laufer, LMSW, ACSW, has been the Executive Director of Queensboro Council for Social Welfare (QCSW) for over 30 years. Established in 1922, as one of five community councils, it is the only one remaining. QCSW currently provides information about human services to Queens residents and training to human service providers especially those entering these professions. QCSW assists service providers and community groups, such as senior centers, by connecting speakers with the community groups to share-up to-date information. Individuals get assistance and support finding needed services.
Joan has extensive experience working with people with intellectual disabilities and community organizations. Joan has served on a variety of Queens Advisory Boards including Queens Mental Health Council, Visions and Queens Legal Services. She currently serves on the Board of Queens Public Television.
Joan Serrano Laufer
LMSW, ACSW, Executive Director
Queensboro Council for Social Welfare, Inc.
120-55 Queens Blvd., Room 325
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
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Matthew A. Thompson, CFP, CIMA
Morgan Stanley
Matthew A. Thompson, CFP®, CIMA® has been providing highly customized advice, personalized investment solutions and financial planning services to individuals and multi-generational families for more than 23 years. As the financial services industry has moved to a more consultative approach, his corporations and non-profit organizations have looked for guidance in strategic planning, employee engagement and corporate benefits in addition to the traditional financial services. His numerous titles include: First Vice President; Family Wealth Advisor, Alternative Investment Director, Senior Investment Management Consultant, Senior Portfolio Manager, Financial Planning Specialist and Financial Advisor.
A graduate of Occidental College with an Advanced B.A. in both Economics and Geology, Matthew is committed to continued higher learning. In 2006, he received his Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification from The Wharton School of Business. This prestigious designation focuses on asset allocation, ethics, due diligence, risk measurement, investment policy and performance management and is the only credential designed specifically for financial professionals who attain a level of competency as an advanced investment consultant.
In addition, Matthew earned his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation in 2011. As a CFP®, Matt has successfully completed the rigorous education, examination, experience and ethics requirements required by the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Board of Standards, an independent professional regulatory organization. As such, he holds himself to and is held to the highest standards of ethics and competency for his clients.
Having a presence in the local community is one of his personal undertakings. He is currently Chairman of the Board for the American Red Cross on Long Island and on the Board of Directors for the Greater New York Region. In 2020, he was asked to join Board of Directors for the Bayside Business Association. He is also a member of the regional planning community for his alma mater, a member of ADDAPT, the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the 2019 Class of Molloy College’s Energeia Partnership and teaches financial literacy to local high schools as a SIFMA Foundation volunteer. He was recognized as a “King of Long Island” by Star Network/Schneps Communication in 2017.
For the past 9 years, Matthew has resided in Pelham Manor, NY, with his wife, Heather, and their two children, Neala and Liam. In his leisure time, he can be found coaching his daughter’s soccer team, playing golf with family and friends and is an avid wine collector.
Matt Thompson, CFP
First VP / Senior Portfolio Manager
Morgan Stanley
1010 Northern Boulevard, Suite 214
Great Neck, New York 11021
516-773-7236
Fax: 516-773-7283
matthew.a.thompson@morganstanley.com
Marilyn Ticktin, Housing Account Specialist
CORT A Berkshire Hathaway Company
For nearly five years, Marilyn Ticktin has served as an account representative with CORT, a Berkshire Hathaway company specializing in assisting non-profit social services providers in finding solutions for their furniture needs. Marilyn is passionate about supporting the organizations on its mission.
Marilyn previously served for eleven years as Director of Housing Development for a major non-profit agency providing housing and social services to people with developmental disabilities as well as mental illness.
In her current position, she has continued to work to improve the lives of those who are most in need.
Marilyn graduated from The City College of New York, cum laude.
Marilyn Ticktin
Housing Account Specialist
CORT A Berkshire Hathaway Company
5 Route 17 South
Hasbrouck, New Jersey 07604
201-275-8632
Fax: 609-448-4997
marilyn.ticktin@cort.com
Brent G. Weitzberg, Esq., Vice President, Government Relations
New York Bankers Association
Brent G. Weitzberg, Esq., is a lobbyist, attorney, policy strategist, community advocate and experienced manager who combines a career in city and state government and the private sector with a history of managing ambitious initiatives in New York City and Albany.
As Vice-President for Government Relations for the New York Bankers Association (NYBA), Brent analyzes legislation and regulation related to the banking and financial services industry. He also manages communications with trade association membership while also identifying, reviewing and tracking legislation across state and local bodies. Brent is also responsible for assisting the organization’s general counsel with NYBA’s government relations and communications strategy at the state, local and national levels, representing more than 5,000 depository banks across New York, as well as the association’s interests in NYC, Albany and Washington, D.C.
As Deputy Chief of Staff to the Queens Borough President, Brent supervised more than a dozen staff members and various operations, including local Community Boards and Environmental Sustainability. Also named Borough Hall’s “Queens Covid Czar,” Brent was responsible for all internal and external initiatives, advocacy, and policy priorities related to the Covid-19 pandemic along with partnerships with the Mayor’s and Governor’s offices.
Throughout his tenure at Borough Hall, Brent managed the Borough President’s healthcare policy priorities related to health and mental health, homeless services, children’s services, domestic violence, and animal welfare and advised on approximately $39 million in capital investments across 18 hospitals and health care facilities, including the borough’s nine hospital campuses. Brent served as a liaison with Queens’ Jewish community and international consulates with a particular interest in the borough, including those of India, Israel, Argentina, Bangladesh, Guyana, Taiwan, and France. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brent coordinated and oversaw the distribution of more than 61,000 boxes of emergency food to 145 community organizations, as well as 2,000 bags of dog and cat food to 14 community organizations. Additionally, he oversaw distributions of over 2,400 boxes of emergency food in partnership with nearly half-a-dozen Queens not-for-profit organizations.
Brent served as Chief of Staff to New York State Assemblymember Andrew D. Hevesi, (Forest Hills), where he shaped legislation related to domestic violence, human trafficking, homelessness, seniors, children in foster care, and the foster care system. He also managed internal office communications and media relations. Most notably, Brent assisted in directing legislative priorities related to the Home Stability Support program, which calls for a statewide rental supplement for eligible families and individuals facing homelessness. He also helped create legislation aimed to assist survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking, including A.9566, which develops culturally competent short-term and long-term safe housing and services for survivors of human trafficking.
Brent graduated from Hofstra University School of Law and was a member of the Hofstra Law Child Advocacy Clinic and Dean’s List. Brent is a licensed attorney in New York State and the Federal Courts of the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and previously practiced family and matrimonial law. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in political science from Hofstra University.
A Queens native, Brent and his wife have a young son and a dog.
Brent G. Weitzberg, Esq.
Vice President, Government Relations
New York Bankers Association
99 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016
212-297-1669
(Cell) 917-885-2721
bweitzberg@nuba.com