* Indicates that they are currently serving on the Board of Directors |
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| ABOUT Joe Tamasi - President* Joe has always been passionate about getting involved with programs that serve the community. He has volunteered for many different organizations, and he has held leadership roles in non-profit societies. Along with his wife Nancy, Joe regularly visits hospitals, senior living facilities, and schools in Mercer County, NJ, with their two long coat German Shepherds, Aiko (pictured) and Zella. As president, his main objective is to recruit more members and establish the presence of AOAL in other communities. Our membership is a key component for success. His goal is to encourage members to become more involved with the direction of the organization by providing input and ideas that will empower us to continue grow and succeed. Joe is retired from working as a scientist in pharmaceutical research and development. He currently teaches college as an adjunct professor. |
| ABOUT Steve Kramer - Vice President* With over 50 years of experience in the financial services and insurance industries, Steven Kramer has established himself as a leader and innovator. Currently serving as the Vice President of Angel on a Leash, Steven combines his extensive background with a passion for making a positive impact. A proud alumnus of the University of Missouri and Central Missouri State University, Steven not only excelled academically but also showcased his athleticism as a football player during his college years. His commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, has been a driving force throughout his career. Outside of his professional endeavors, Steven is dedicated to giving back to the community and believes in the power of service. |
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| ABOUT Nancy Tomasi - Secretary* Nancy is an active member of AOAL. She visits schools, hospitals, and senior living facilities on a weekly or monthly basis with her husband and their two long coat German Shepherds, Zella (pictured), and Aiko. As a high school teacher Nancy is well aware of the emotional challenges that students face. Many schools and colleges have adopted wellness programs to assist students during stressful times. She has extensive training and experience in crisis management. Her goals are to reach out to schools and other facilities to let them know who we are and the good work that our organization does. Nancy retired after 30 years of teaching high school ceramics and three-dimensional design. She continues to offer workshops in ceramics and now has time to promote her own artwork in local art exhibits |
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| ABOUT Ellen Idelson - Treasurer* Ellen is an accountant by trade. She will be retiring in April from the Philadelphia ophthalmology firm where she has been working for the last 18 years. Ellen has been an active volunteer for a number of organizations including the New Jersey based ARF (Animal Rescue Force) and docent for Graeme Park, the only existing provisional governor's mansion in Pennsylvania. Ellen has a connection to AOAL through her husband Ira, the AOAL website administrator, and their dog, Thor. It was Ellen's urging that prompted Ira to get Thor certified for therapy work. Ellen is a Champion Support member. We welcome Ellen to AOAL |
| Donna Kramer– Membership Coordinator |
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| ABOUT Debbie Crosley – Event Coordinator She has recently retired from NJM Insurance Group and now can focus on her favorite things, her 4 dogs,volunteering among a lot of other interests. With her therapy dogs Killian and Falcor they had been seen in parades, nursing homes, colleges, hospitals and community events. She is now in training with her new candidate Reina for therapy dog as well as her puppy Great Dane Zelda. They have been going for walks and visiting local stores for socialization. As an event coordinator she is looking forward to working together with the board bringing more activities for all our members to participate in and show off to the community the work our therapy dogs do. |
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| ABOUT Ira Idelson – Website Manager Ira is a retired software engineer. He now spends his time cycling (he puts more miles on his bicycle than on his car), helping AOAL with committees and website management, and doing jigsaw puzzles.. Thor was rescued at 1 year of age and noting his calm demeanor, Ira decided to get Thor certified as a therapy dog. Thor was certified in October 2021 and has been a member of AOAL since then. Currently Thor and Ira spend about 4 hours a week visiting Jefferson Torresdale hospital, where his weekly visits provide comfort and stress relief for staff, patients and visitors alike. Ira currently has one other rescue dog, a Standard Poodle named Pretzel. |
| ABOUT Josephine DeAngelis – President Emeritus Josephine and her Bulldog Lucy and Tessa are advocates for reading encouragement in our community and the value and freedom it holds. They have quite the following at local libraries. They hope to increase the joy of reading by engaging children to read to Lucy, Tessa and our Angel Readers. Lucy has over 500 visits and her stories can be found on Facebook and YouTube at Lucy’s Library. The newest addition to her family is her rescue Tessa, an American bulldog mix. Tessa has become a therapy dog as well in 2021 and is quite the happy pup. Josephine is retired from working in cardiac safety for clinical trials where she performed critical analysis and presented to sites worldwide. She has instructed dance classes to children for 11 years both competitive and for enjoyment. When not working, she, Lucy and Tessa can be found in her garden with her husband Jerry. For the past 9 years, Josephine and her dogs attend rally classes weekly at the Canine Academy. As President her main goal is to bring members together so that we can continue to bring the benefits of comfort and joy to our community while expanding AOAL organization outreach. As a CGC evaluator and therapy evaluator for Angel on a Leash she values the importance of on going training for handlers and their champions and provides mentorship to all members. Her latest ventures are starting junior handler programs with workshops at training centers in the community. Swamping screens for leashes. The initiation of ACT, Angel Crises Team has also been started to better help our communities in need. |
* Denotes Board Member |