MEET THE TEAM

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NellyEpic@gpdw2.org

Where there is a Nelly...there is a way. Good people deserve wins too, where people are put before profits and are organized to strengthen our community by empowering and enhancing our youth.

My goal is to utilize athletics to develop well rounded youth, both in mind and body, through mentoring, training, and health and fitness activities. As a successful General Manager at Panera Bread, Co-Owner of Xcelerated Athletics Gym, and founder of Trifecta Sports Basketball Courts, I would consider my strengths to be my leadership and people skills along with the ability to promote a positive mindset, while accomplishing our goals.

I have come to realize over the years and being part of many different teams, the importance of connection and self-worth. Creating teams that promote positive mindset, healthy environment, and family style bonds in key in achieving sustainable change. With that realization, I have made it my passion and goal to continue this path working with our youth to guide their reachable potential and cause a positive ripple effect in our community.

FINANCE DIRECTOR
AshleyEpic@GPDW2.org

I’ve always been inspired by the saying “Be the change you want to see in the world”. I’ve lived my life thus far with the desire to do just that. This is what influenced my decision to be a part of GPDW2.

As the Director of Finance & Operations, I operate behind the scenes, to keep daily operations well organized and running efficiently. With close to 13 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant, I am skilled in the art of numbers and I’d consider myself an expert at my craft. I’m thrilled be part GPDW2, a women lead organization driven by the desire to make a difference, leave an impact, and be the change.

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Sharee is a journalist who seeks out the stories no one wants. Her passions are for the arts, the health industry and every now and then will find a story on how both collide.

As a graduate of Newhouse at Syracuse University, she has been given the chance to interview Kurtis Blow (godfather of hip-hop), NF, Frank Marshall (Hollywood's favorite producer of films such as Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones) and Matt Shakman (director of HBO's Game of Thrones) just to name a few. She has been a project leader for an NIH case study and is known for her advocacy locally for Sickle Cell anemia. As a patient of the illness herself, Sharee knows the tips, tricks, and hidden doors it takes to survive dealing with a chronic illness in a medical industry that sometimes doesn't even acknowledge her existence.

Her drive is now for those still here to make sure they live with dignity and for those to come who never have to question theirs. Her faith is her anchor and now she wants to tell people living with any disease or disability what she was never told: “live fearlessly.”

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, MARKETING & EVENTS
Bio coming soon!

LOGISTICS DIRECTOR

Cassandra Thompson, a native of FarRockaway, NY; relocated to Rochester, NY in 2003 where I studied and received my BS in business administration with a concentration in accounting at Nazareth College, as well as MS in Human Resource Administration.

During my graduate studies I worked with student activities and food services. I loved every moment of my time working with the student leaders and giving them the assistance to bring their ideas and passions to the student body. Upon completion of my masters degree, I was given the opportunity to work as Nazareth College's Resident Dining Manager for their student dining program. Since then I have been in food services going on 12 yrs, working in many different sectors, servicing people through their stomachs.

Throughout my career I have always had the desire to serve and educate the underserved communities. GPDW2 is giving me the opportunity to help service our community through health, wealth, fitness and fun. One or all are important components for an individual or family, many do not have access to these things. I am excited that will be able to provide these services and opportunities. My dream is that we will be able to make an impact on our community one person and family at a time.

COMMUNITY & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

My name is Kaela Pitts and I was raised in Rochester NY. I am currently a Sergeant with the Rochester Police Department. I have been with RPD for 15 years.

While working with RPD, I have had the ability to learn many functions of the job rather than just patrol. I am very involved in training Police Recruits in Physical Fitness and Defensive Tactics. I have trained Police Recruits for 2 years in the academy as their Class Counselor which allowed me to oversee all of their training. I have been involved in the Recruitment portion and Backgrounds. With working with RPD, I believe that it's very important to be a part of the community.

I have had the ability to volunteer my time with our youth through fitness, summer camps, and reading in schools. I am very passionate about fitness and giving back to my community. I am passionate about showing our youth that they are worth more than they believe, and there are people out here who care about them and want to show them that there is so much more available to them.

SPONSORSHIP DIRECTORS

We are retired town justices. As such, we have seen firsthand the need for athletic and other programs for youth that would, otherwise, not be able to participate due to finances. These youth need to find their self-confidence and self-worth. Organized sports can help so much with building their self-esteem. We love the mission of GPDW2 and are happy to join this team as Donation Directors. We have extensive experience, over the years, organizing fund raising events for our local Hospice, Lion’s Club, High School Sports and College Sports.

We have always been inspired by this quote “Helping one person might change the world, but it could change the world for one person.” ~ Anonymous

Today Craig is a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker with Hunt R.E. ERA. We are both Independent Optavia Coaches as well. In both businesses, we are devoted to helping others. Our 5 children, their spouses, and our 13 grandchildren are our whole life! We love attending their sporting events, concerts, dance recitals and traveling, especially cruising! We are very excited to be a part of this amazing organization!

VOLUNTEER DIRECTORS

We have two daughters that have grown up with the love for dance and music. Now they are venturing into horses. Providing this opportunity to our children has allowed us to appreciate a family’s needs to be able to afford these opportunities for their children.

Heather works for Hilton Central School District where she enjoys spending her days with children driving them to and from school and their work programs. Together we take great pride in helping others in any way they can! Heather became an Independent Optavia Coach to help others feel great about their health. When we are not volunteering and helping others, we are enjoying camping and spending time with our family.

We first got involved with GPDW2 over the summer where we fell in love with the idea of being able to help children be and do all that they can, and not allow something like finances stand in their way. Immediately we jumped aboard, and we are enjoying bringing on other volunteers to help as well! We are excited to continue to help grow the mission of GPDW2!

DESIGN DIRECTOR

As a designer, I have always have tried to incorporate empathy and inclusivity in all my work. Since the beginning, I have deeply valued being able to use my design skills to connect with people and my community, especially when it is for a good cause.

I have done design work for a number of non-profits, and am proud to be part of the GPDW2 team.

Beyond the design, I love cooking, astronomy, and cats, as well as spending quality time with my family and friends.